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 what you’re implying,” Max retorted as he poured a cup of coffee. He returned his attention to Deacon, asking, “Did you sleep?”


“Like a log.” He amended that, saying, “Except for a couple of bad dreams. Thankfully, they passed quickly.”


Max grimaced. “Been there, done that. Too much, recently.”


Deacon shook his head. “We’re not going there. At least not until after breakfast.”


Max nodded. He took a carton of eggs from the fridge, along with a tomato, half an onion that was in a storage container, and a green pepper. “Sit, and I’ll make us some omelets.”


He did, with Jack helping by dicing the vegetables while Deacon set the table and poured them juice. “Now, if you had some hot sauce,” Deacon said when Max put the omelets on plates and brought them to the table.


“Hot, hot, or hotter?” Jack asked him, getting three bottles from one of the cupboards.


Chapter 33