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

Max didn’t argue, although he wanted to. He knew Jack had as much of a stake in ending Tony’s reign of terror as he did. Their lives couldn’t get back to normal until they had.


Deacon nodded, saying, “We’ll talk more about this in the morning. Right now, I suggest we all get some sleep.”


“Like that’s going to happen,” Jack replied. “Got any suggestions on how to?”


“I wish I did,” Deacon replied. “Someone once told me if I concentrated on staying awake, I’d fall asleep. That didn’t work so well. There’s always the warm milk with honey thing. You drink it slowly, right before getting into bed.”


“Well, there goes that idea. I know hot showers help me relax. Also reading until I can’t keep my eyes open any longer.”


“It’s worth a try,” Jack said, getting up. “I’ll see you in the morning and let’s hope at least one of us sleeps enough to have a working brain.”


Chapter 32