Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

"If I can't handle it, no one else in the world can," Alyssa huffed confidently.

"Jonah and I can't be by your side to protect you. Don't act recklessly, okay? Think about the consequences.

"When you encounter problems, don't try to handle them all by yourself. Communicate with us, or ask your man for advice. Let him take some hits for you."

"Dad, Jasper is my love, not a human shield. What's with this talk about taking hits?" Alyssa pouted with frustration.

However, Jasper remained unfazed. His eyes were filled with gentleness. "Don't worry, Winston. Even if there's a hail of bullets, I'll stand in front of Lyse and ensure her safety."

Alyssa's eyes became teary, and she felt a warm sensation in her chest. She nestled into Jasper's arms, feeling like a drifting boat had found a permanent harbor.

"Mr. Beckett."

Suddenly, Winston addressed Jasper with such seriousness that his whole body tensed up.

He quickly responded, "Yes, Mr. Taylor."

"My buttercup is still young. She's impulsive and doesn't think about the consequences. You'll have to help her in the future. Don't let anyone bully her." Winston's voice sounded choked up.

those words. He tightly gripped the

leaving Winston's room, the two

took a few steps, Alyssa threw herself into Jasper's arms. She rested her head on his shoulder and gently

soon soaked with her tears. Feeling sorry for her, he hugged her tightly

days, Alyssa would cry at the drop of a hat, but he never found

cherish every drop of her tears and

her behind her ear while using his charming voice to soothe

how long it'll take or if he'll get better." Alyssa brushed her crimson nose against his neck. Her warm breath caused

get better. He

the two embraced tightly, sharing a

body trembled slightly in his arms. Her eyes

"Damn," she thought.

kissing. He knew exactly how to

The overwhelming sensation

his neck. Her eyes

"Okay."