Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

After settling Jasper down for the night, Xavier left the bedroom and nervously dialed Julien's number from the living room.

Julien picked up after only a few rings. As always, the background noise on his end was chaotic. "Mr. Hall, is Mr. Beckett unwell?"

Xavier felt bad for only reaching out to Julien whenever he needed help, especially since Julien had always been kind to them. Nonetheless, he asked politely, "Dr. Lovelace, we're running low on Mr. Beckett's medication. Could you provide two more bottles?"

"Already? I gave you three bottles last time!"

Though shocked, Julien didn't treat Xavier like an outsider. He spoke bluntly, "Has Mr. Beckett been taking my meds like candy? Listen-nervous system depressants like these are harmful to the nerves and kidneys.

"Too much can damage his brain and his sexual function. If he's not careful, he might not be able to get it up in the future!"

"But we really don't have a choice right now. Mr. Beckett can't go without it, and his condition could flare up at any time. If anyone captures that on camera and it gets out, it'll be over for him!"

Anxious, Xavier blurted, "Besides, Mr. Beckett lasts so long in bed that he'd still be ahead of most men even if his stamina dropped a little. Madam Alyssa actually ends up suffering every time. It might be good for her to get a break."

Julien was so stunned that he burst out laughing. "If I were Alyssa, I'd shove your head down your pants the moment I heard that."

Xavier was left speechless.

center in Mosgravia is still developing a new

goal is to neutralize as many of the remaining toxins in Mr. Beckett's body as possible. I'll deliver the new batch next

moved, Xavier thanked him repeatedly.

call, Julien sat alone in the corner of a noisy bar.

gone back to his messy old life-except for one thing. He no longer chased love

face did little to mar his good looks in fact, it added

he was about to leave, a man dressed in black suddenly

the man said, "What a coincidence,

voice. He turned immediately. "Why, it's

the secret buried in Jonah's heart-the elder brother of the love of Jonah's

that grim, cold face, it felt

until he

then, his

tabletop.

on the

yet his movements remamed deliberate

he picked it

into a slow, derisive grin as he