Can two broken men build one life? Ten years. That’s what Makai lost for a crime he didn’t commit. He’s been exonerated, but the abuse he suffered in prison isn’t so easy to leave behind. He heads to the one place he remembers being happy: Acker, Wisconsin, where he spent summers with his grandpa. Unfortunately, not everyone wants Makai there. Ten days. That’s how long Emil, now twenty-one, was held prisoner as a teenager. The mental and physical injuries he suffered at the hands of a drug trafficking ring still haunt him. Nightmares, anxiety, and PTSD challenge the connection forming between Makai and Emil, though together, they might find a way to move beyond their pain and into a future -- and a relationship -- that both had thought impossible. Now they just have to convince Emil’s father, the town sheriff. It won’t be easy with danger closer than they know ...

When he came back, he looked flushed. “A bit overwhelming,” he admitted as he got onto the bed and curled up next to Makai. They were both still naked but calmer, so the cats gradually migrated from wherever they’d been to the bed to be with them.


“Ow, claws, little dude!” Emil reached behind himself to lift Xander between him and Makai. “I guess it’s our fault for not getting under the covers, but I draw the line at claws on my butt.”


Makai chuckled. The chill Emil had felt postshower was obviously gone, and they were both too warm to cover up yet.


“Maybe we need underwear. I’m afraid my dangly bits might attract too much attention.”


“You didn’t mind my attention, though,” Emil snarked and went to get them boxer briefs from the dresser.


“Har-har. The cat isn’t going to blow me,” Makai deadpanned.


“Well, I fucking hope not!” Emil feigned outrage, and they both burst out laughing.  Fourteen


Chapter 88