Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Preston laid out two demands in his ransom call—no guns and Landon had to come alone.

"Jasper, Lyse, and Cyrus," Landon said. "You guys handle the situation here. I'll go meet Preston."

Without a second thought, Landon turned and headed for the door.

"Landon!" Jasper cried out, his heart hammering in his chest. He lunged forward and grabbed Landon's arm. "This is Preston's trap! He might kill you; you cannot go alone!"

"I know he wants to kill me," Landon said with a humorless smile that quickly twisted into a grimace. It was a sight that tugged at the others' hearts.

"Landon, we'll go with you!" Alyssa declared with determination in her gaze. "We can stay hidden and wait for an opening. That way, we can save Lauren and Angelina for sure!"

Landon shook his head. "Lyse, thank you, but I can't take that risk. If giving up my life means Lauren and Angelina can come back safely, then that's a price I'm willing to pay."

welled with tears, and Jasper's

his hand, revealing a tiny

slightly as he took

and alive." Cyrus took a deep breath, his small smile offering a warmth that felt like a hug. "Lyse and Jasper aren't the only ones worrying and waiting for you.

aback. Then, he smiled and patted Cyrus' shoulders

and a sliver of the moon cast a faint, silvery glow

screeched against the asphalt as the sports car drifted steadily into the parking lot, coming

eyes fell on a half-built commercial building that belonged to one of

since Cornelius kicked

matter the cost, he was determined to bring Lauren back to his side. Without her, life held little meaning. He pushed the heavy

through. It read, "Come to the fifth floor, the swimming pool. You can choose to climb the stairs or