Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Nicholas felt his heart racing as Jasper's words hit him like a shockwave.

Back when Jameson was still in Kontina, he had already ensnared Nicholas in his schemes. After years of working for him, Nicholas had forgotten the man he once was-a conscientious, passionate individual Just then, a blur of motion caught their eyes-a blade was aimed at Jasper from the side.

"Watch out!" Nicholas shouted, his eyes widening in fear.

But Jasper reacted swiftly, seizing the attacker's wrist and with a snap, breaking it. After disarming the attacker, he delivered a kick that sent the latter crashing into a nearby wall, bones audibly breaking. With each calculated move Jasper made, Nicholas realized his initial impression was far off the mark. The polished, presumptuous president revealed surprising fighting prowess and a sharp mind. Nicholas understood he barely knew Jasper. If a powerful patron hadn't backed Jameson, he wouldn't even be a blip on Jasper's radar.

The dark alley had become a brutal battleground.

Jasper, a charming façade masking a ruthless efficiency, moved with a deadly grace. Even though an individual's strength was limited, their danger seemed insignificant before him. One by one, they fell beneath his relentless assault.

Nicholas and Jasper stood back-to-back, bloodied but resolute as they readied themselves for the onslaught.

Jasper's face was streaked with blood, a chilling contrast to his fine features and bespoke suit.

"As I've said, Chief Novak," Jasper's voice cut through the chaos like ice. "Jameson never intended for you to be an ally, merely a pawn. He's been plotting your demise from the very beginning, planning to crush you like a spent cartridge once you're of no use."

Nicholas gritted his teeth, his voice laced with raw frustration. "You'll never get it! You can't understand what this means to me!" He clutched his throbbing arm, sweat beading his forehead despite the chills coursing through him.

"Joining forces with us is your only way out," Jasper insisted, his gaze unwavering.

"Way out?" Nicholas let out a humorless laugh. "Is there even a way out for me anymore? Maybe I can cheat death today, but can I outrun it forever?"

nothing. Even if they took down Jameson together, Nicholas

them, the assassins charged at them

to claim credit. Amidst the chaos surrounding Jasper, he made a treacherous move. With a swift, ruthless motion, he targeted the weakened

in a surprising display of strength, Nicholas slammed the leader to the ground and stepped on his

leader cried out and spat out

state, Nicholas had proven himself a tough fighter. His eyes blazed with a feral intensity

bloodlust in his eyes, Nicholas resembled the very assassins

Jasper roared, lunging forward to grab Nicholas' hand. "We don't kill! That's the

do we have? Let them finish us off?" Nicholas rasped, his voice hoarse

were

what happened!" Jasper's eyes were sharp, cutting through his words. "You were afraid he'd say something incriminating if he got caught. You wanted

still fought to drive the screwdriver in his hand into the leader's chest. If it weren't for Jasper's firm grip, he would have already finished him. Just then,

in a desperate bid for escape, attempted to flee, only to be tackled and subdued by the police

"Jasper!"

"Mr. Beckett!"

Jasper, their eyes widening in horror at the

A-Are you hurt?" Xavier stammered, his voice trembling. He hovered helplessly, on the verge

situations, Cyrus couldn't help but turn pale. Jasper wiped the blood on his cheek with the back of his hand. "I'm okay.

washed over Xavier. "Oh my goodness, thank heavens! Thank God!" He clasped his hands together, muttering prayers repeatedly. Cyrus exhaled deeply. "I don't

them, his voice firm despite the situation. "I promised Lyse I'd protect her forever.

assassins were loaded into police cars. The weapons at