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

After clearing the table and putting the dishes in the washer, they took off, with Max driving.


The man behind the counter, who Max presumed was Deacon, was busy with a customer when Max and Jack arrived. He studied him for a moment. Not quite what I expected. I figured he’d be rough and tough, like hunters in ads I’ve seen. Sort of a redneck. He looks more like a commando with that short haircut. He was surprised when he realized the man was close to his age, from the look of him. Though why I figured he’d be closer to fifty than forty is beyond me. Pulling his attention away from the man, Max looked around. He resisted shuddering at the number and types of guns he saw on the walls and in two display cases.


“Who knew there were so many…styles?” he murmured to Jack, getting a brief grin and a nod in return. “Which did you get?”


“One like this,” Jack replied, pointing.


“Do you have it with you?” Max was very certain he didn’t like the idea that Jack might.


Chapter 6