Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Jasper gazed out the window with a gloomy expression, pondering Newton's earnest teachings. The more he thought about it, the more stifled he felt.

Somehow, he couldn't shake the feeling that Newton was afraid of Justin.

Newton's advice and determination to protect him at all costs made Jasper wonder if Justin was more than just a person in Newton's eyes. He seemed more like a bloodthirsty beast lurking in the shadows.

"Ahem... It was such a close call tonight, Mr. Beckett." Noticing that Jasper was down, Xavier tried to ease the mood.

"What?"

"You almost lost your innocence!"

"Lost what?" Jasper frowned.

"Earlier in the garden, Ms. Gillis almost threw herself at you. Luckily, my swift reflexes kicked in, and I arrived just in time to protect your virtue," Xavier boasted, sporting a self-satisfied grin.

Virtue?

look, Jasper wanted to knock some sense

contact with any woman other than Lyse," Jasper

be so, but even a whoremaster can't stop a

face darkened

are, those annoying bugs will seize any opportunity

continued to ramble on, "Seaview Manor isn't like your private residence with Madam. It's crowded with people of all

any physical contact between you and Ms. Gillis, and someone with ill intentions

flashed in Jasper's eyes as he kicked the back of Xavier's seat.

dry, and he didn't know what

can't explain, say goodbye to your bonus for

immediately surrendered for the money. "I was wrong, Mr. Beckett! My brain short-circuited, and I used the wrong metaphor.

his eyes remained inscrutable. "Your task for the next few days is to find out Ms.

and Alyssa still

room couch, she took out several pieces of her high-priced jewelry, carefully wiping and cleaning them under

also items she had acquired at auctions—from emerald bracelets to