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

Deacon smiled. “That idea did occur to me, but knowing you I figured it would be a waste of time to even try.”


“You probably won’t like it, but you made the news,” Jack replied before Deacon could.


“Shit.” Max sat down on the bed, picking up the cup of coffee. “With all the bloody details?”


“Not really,” Deacon said. “It was a just a short item about you being attacked by your ex, who is now incarcerated in the county jail until his arraignment on attempted murder charges.”


“Detective Burns called this morning,” Jack told him. “He said that the prosecutor was going ask the judge deny bail, if Tony’s lawyer asks for it. With his history, and the fact he broke his parole when he came after you, the chances are that he’ll stay in jail until the trial.”


Chapter 42