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

He was blissfully unaware of anything around him until he disarmed the security system and stepped inside. He heard someone say, “It’s about time,” and started in fear, memories of Tony flashing through his mind.


“Damn, I didn’t mean to scare you,” Jack said, coming into the foyer. “I was going to tease you about being gone all night, since I’ve got a good idea where you were.”


Max’s pulse rate returned to normal and he chuckled. “And where would that have been?” he asked as he took off his coat to hang in the closet. “And why are you still here? Don’t you have classes?”


“Winter break. Remember?” Jack grinned. “My guess is you spent the night with Deacon, and you weren’t sleeping.”


Jack pumped a fist. “It’s about damned time. I was beginning to think the two of you were never going to do the deed.”


Chapter 48