Twelve years ago, Max Harman survived a vicious attack by his ex-lover Tony. It severed their relationship and landed Tony in prison.<br><br>When Tony’s released from jail, Max’s nephew Jack fears the man may seek revenge on his uncle. Wanting to buy a gun for protection, he visits Deacon Young's shop. Deacon convinces him to bring Max by to do the same. Despite his misgivings, Max gets a gun for security, too.<br><br>When Jack’s fears prove to be correct and Tony starts to stalk Max, Deacon steps in to try to protect him. Can Max's growing interest in Deacon -- and vice versa -- survive Tony's escalating reign of terror?

Protecting Max

“No. You’ll doit. I can tell he’s very important to you, or you wouldn’t be here. Make him understand that it’s for his own good—and yours. You don’t want to lose him because he’s got an insane ex coming after him.”


“That’s for sure.” Jack took out his credit card, asking, “How much do I owe you?”


Deacon told him, adding, “I’ll throw in the lesson for free, given why you’re doing this.”


“I want to. Don’t argue. Just get him down here, one way or another.”


Before the sale was finalized, Jack had to fill out a form with all his pertinent information. Then Deacon ran a background check on him, which took about fifteen minutes. When Deacon had finished, he grinned. “I guess you’re not a wanted felon, which is a good thing.”


That brought up another question for Jack. “Tony won’t be allowed to have a gun, will he?”


Chapter 5