Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Zoe exclaimed, "Landon! Where are you taking me? What else are you going to do to me?"

Just moments ago, Zoe was still causing a racket. Now, she was completely terrified. Yet, she remained stubborn and refused to beg for forgiveness. She shouted from behind Landon, "Have you forgotten the oath you pledged before Dad's grave?

"You said you would love and protect me all your life! Is this how you keep your promise to our dead father?"

Upon hearing that, Landon stopped in his tracks.

A million thoughts bombarded his mind. He felt like his heart was sinking in quicksand; exhaustion gnawed at him from all the struggling he'd been forced to do.

Slowly, with trembling hands, he unfurled his palms. These were the hands that once wove through his younger sister's silky hair, hands that fed her, cradled her, and hoisted her high in the air. Hands that, in happier times, grasped hers as they raced through the park, laughter echoing in their wake.

He was her older brother. Yet, he had taken on the role of a father from an early age. He did all he could to fill the void left behind by their late father during her formative years.

Yet, these same hands also harbored a simmering hatred for the family member who had shattered him. Now, with these very hands, he was severing the familial bond.

tear escaped and

the other hand, have been taken

final words, Landon walked

if her soul had left her body. Regret washed over her in a tidal wave. However, there was

Landon walked out of the

was leaning against the sports car's hood and smoking a cigarette. Spotting Landon, he threw the cigarette at his feet and

You're still here." Landon approached Axel. The

in case you did something rash. Jasper wanted me to keep an eye on you." Axel feigned relief. "Fortunately, you didn't go overboard." "Were you worried that I'd kill her?" Landon

his eyes on

treat my sister?" Landon's voice wavered, his

before responding, "Let me think about this from a different perspective. If Lyse were the

tired. "Axel, I'm not sure why, but my heart

the police conducted an exhaustive search

manage to get a good look at the abductor's face before they were each