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

The drive home was a bit hazy to Max, although he was aware when they dropped Jack off at Deacon’s place so he could pick up his car. When they arrived at the house, Max was glad to see that there were no police vehicles out front. Deacon helped him out of the car, then kept his arm around him as they walked up the path to the porch. Max did remember to use his phone to disarm the security before unlocking the front door.


“Let’s get you up to bed,” Deacon said when they were inside.


“Not yet. I need to see…” Max walked slowly toward his office, remembering at the last second to disarm the motion sensors before going in. He shuddered, recalling what had happened there just…“What time is it?” he asked Deacon.


“I figured it had to almost morning,” Max said, shuddering again when he saw blood stains on the carpet by one of the chairs. “I hope I have something to get those out. They won’t impress my clients.”


Chapter 41