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

Are you out there somewhere, watching? Plotting your next move? He shivered at that idea, his hand going to the gun on his waistband. He pulled it back as if he’d been burned. This is what you’ve reduced me to. A man jumping at shadows. Imprisoning myself in the house because of just two words…’I’m back.’


He straightened his shoulders with a hard shake of his head. “It’s not going to work, Tony. I’m not going to be a captive of my fears. I’m not going to play your game. Do your worst, I’ll survive. I did once, I can do it again.” 4


Max marked milk on the shopping list, after Jack had used the last of what they had on his cereal. Grocery shopping was his Saturday ritual, and one he took seriously, to the point of keeping a master list on his computer. He’d check off the items he needed, typing in items that he didn’t buy on a weekly basis, then print it out when he was ready to leave. Now, after reading it over to make certain he wasn’t missing anything, he hit the print button.


Chapter 14