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

“I know that, here.” Jack tapped his head. “But Tony’s gone off the deep end, if what he did last night is any indication.”


“True. But he’s still not going to do something that’ll come back on him. He’s proven that.”


Max agreed with Deacon, but, as with Jack, there was still that kernel of doubt. So when they drove up to the house, the first thing he looked for was anything on the porch that indicated Tony had paid another visit. It was empty, much to his relief.


Moments after they got inside, Max’s cell chimed. It was a text from an unknownnumber. It said, Missed me, missed me. Now you gotta kiss me.


Like hell I will,Max texted back. He knew he should have ignored it, but being very certain it had to have come from Tony—and as frustrated as he was that he hadn’t been able to talk to him face to face that morning—made him ignore common sense.


Chapter 35