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?

his smug look, Jasper wanted to knock some

hadn't appeared, I wouldn't have any contact with any woman other than Lyse," Jasper stated with closed eyes. "Am I that

may be so, but even a whoremaster can't

face darkened at those

are, those annoying bugs will seize any

wrath enveloping him, Xavier continued to ramble on, "Seaview Manor isn't like your private residence with

were any physical contact between you and Ms. Gillis, and someone with ill intentions spread rumors, Madam might

Jasper's eyes as he kicked the back of Xavier's seat. "Tell me. Who's

he didn't know what

you can't explain, say goodbye to your bonus for this

was wrong, Mr. Beckett! My brain short-circuited, and I used the wrong metaphor. I won't

the emotions in his eyes remained inscrutable. "Your task for the next few days is to find out Ms. Gillis' background. Focus on her work history. I want

and Alyssa still hadn't fallen asleep;

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

were her own designs, priceless and unattainable regardless of one's willingness to pay. There were also items she had acquired at auctions—from emerald bracelets