Can’t Win Me Back

Jasper grappled with heartache. The contrast between his tall figure and his helpless demeanor made him the more pitiful.

Axel shot up from the bed and grabbed Jasper's collar. Fixing a piercing gaze on Jasper, he bellowed, "What have you done to my sister? Did you force her into BDSM?"

"No..."

"Why is she bruised all over? Fuck! You should've been the sub even in BDSM!" Axel's grip inadvertently tore one of Jasper's buttons loose. Their faces were mere inches apart.

Axel continued, "We raised Lyse like she was our daughter. She is precious to us. Nothing good has happened to her ever since she dated you. How dare you mistreat her in such a way?

“You may appear a gentleman on the surface, but your behavior in the bedroom is nothing short of savage. You should consider her feelings in the bedroom! How could you hurt her to satisfy your needs?

"Stay there. I'm getting that housekeeper of yours to check the injuries on Lyse's body, and I'll double that on yours."

Axel was visibly furious this time. His concern for Alyssa manifested in an outpouring of emotion, panic, and profanity.

"Axel..." Alyssa struggled to open her eyes.

“I'm here!" Axel shoved Jasper aside, crouching by the bed to feel her forehead. His own brow was dotted with sweat from all the worrying. He remarked, "Your forehead is too hot to the touch. I could fry an egg on it!"

“You're being annoying,” she managed to say weakly, mustering the energy to flick him on the head. “I'm a patient in need of rest. Are you... deliberately trying... to disturb me?"

with an aspirin and a glass of water. Then, she

was running a high fever of over 100°F. "Good heavens! You

shove, causing him to stumble. "Mr. Beckett, you're an idiot! At this temperature, we should be getting her to a

her clothes while Axel turned his back to them out of respect. Axel's shoulders trembled violently

Alyssa resembled a young, defenseless child. Rosie helped her

was about to carry her in his arms, Axel

his back facing Alyssa. “Lyse, I'll carry you on my back.” "Axel, I can manage,"

merely wished to spare Axel

each of us took our turn to comfort her and make her

her, but you pale in comparison to what we've done for her.

they came from a place of genuine concern from an older brother who cherished his

Looking pale, Jasper clenched his fist when Axel carried Alyssa

do not blame him. He's always been clumsy and struggles to assert himself in front of you and others. He

you're too forgiving of him. You can't afford to be overly kind to men, or they'll take advantage!" Despite his

by guilt, Jasper battled his emotions, feeling overwhelmed by a sense of inadequacy. Alyssa's understanding only intensified his feelings of inferiority, leading him to believe he wasn't worthy of her. With Xavier driving and Axel in the front passenger seat, the luxury car sped toward the hospital.

"Do you still

rhythm of his anxious breaths, "It's just a fever, darling. No