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."

with tears, and Jasper's

glint in his eyes. He opened his hand, revealing a

trembled slightly as he took the camera. "Thank

all come back safe 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. Count

aback. Then, he smiled and

the moon cast a faint, silvery glow across the starless night sky, deepening the chill

steadily into the parking lot, coming to a

building that belonged

originally under Preston's responsibility. However, since Cornelius kicked

steps steady and strong. No matter the cost, he was determined to bring Lauren back to his side. Without her, life held little meaning. He pushed the heavy door and strode in, his expression gloomy

"Come to the fifth floor, the swimming