Can’t Win Me Back

The warm, early morning sun bathed Rose Island in golden light.

The fine, white sand on the beach shimmered with a dazzling radiance.

The bedroom Alyssa was in was as dark as night.

Heavy, luxurious velvet curtains blocked out the sunlight completely.

In such an atmosphere, someone exhausted from a night of struggle could easily sleep through the day.

But Jameson woke up early.

After a night of relentless nightmares, he was drenched in cold sweat, his face ashen.

The moment he opened his eyes, he reached out frantically, his hands trembling.

He exhaled in relief when he felt the warmth of Alyssa's body beside him.

Then, he sat up in bed.

The bed was a mess, not from lovemaking but from Alyssa's frenzied struggles the night before.

At the very last moment, Jameson forced himself to suppress his urge to dominate her.

watching Alyssa's delicate face as

pale lips curled into a relieved

hand and gently stroked the face he

touch lingered; he was reluctant

you so much..." Jameson softly sang one of his favorite love songs, his voice low and husky as

his voice crack, go off-key, and unbearable

couldn't hear him

to her now, he might never have

and

to address her as

Schmidt".

couldn't bring himself to say it for some

that even if they had a wedding and shared the same bed, Alyssa would

final moment, he refused

a helper entered with a

"Mr.

the helper approached, she noticed the raw, hideous wound on his

eyes widened in shock, and she nearly

"Mr.

get the doctor to bandage

his flesh and could easily