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

“Not planning on it,” Deacon replied. Taking out his phone, he made a call. “I want to report a possible problem,” he said to what Max could only presume was a 911 dispatcher. Deacon went on to explain, giving the person Max’s name and address before hanging up. “They’re sending a patrol car, and an officer with a bomb-sniffing dog.”


“Oh, hell. You think…?” Max said in disbelief.


“No. But the dispatcher said they weren’t taking any chances that he could have left something that would blow up when you opened the box.”


“Does Tony really think I’d be that stupid?”


“Who knowshow he’s thinking?” Jack spat out angrily.


Deacon got out of the car, leaning against it as his gaze swept over the porch and the surrounding area. Max noted, without surprise, that Deacon had his gun in his hand.


“No,” Deacon replied tersely. “I’d move closer, but if he left any evidence that it was him, I don’t want to fuck it up for the cops.”


Chapter 30