Can’t Win Me Back

"Amber will be fine,' Jasper said confidently.

"Based on Justin's way of doing things, he won't harm her for now. She's still useful to him. He'll exploit her to control you and Alyssa, and to keep me from taking him down." Cripping Jasper's arm, Axel pleaded, 'Jasper, I have to save my wife... What should I do?"

His eyes were red, brimming with unshed tears.

Steadying his breath, Jasper replied, "Even if it comes to killing Justin, it shouldn't be your hands that get dirty. I'll do it."

"Are you kidding me? If we're taking that bastard down, we do it together!" Axel's expression was fierce and unyielding. "We went through the same military academy. We have to fight side by side!"

"Justin is my older brother. It's my family's matter to handle. And don't think I'm doing this for your sake-I have my own reasons."

After a moment of silence, Jasper's voice softened. "I came to see you today for another reason. When you get home, don't blame Lyse. She's been torturing herself with guilt these past few days. She loves Amber deeply."

Axel clicked his tongue. "Do you think so little of me? That's Lyse we're talking about-my sister. I love her with my life. Why would I ever blame her?"

recalled Alyssa's sobs. Forcing back his tears, he added, And why are you only focused on me? What happens to Lyse if you get your hands dirty? I'm

"What does that have

even now. Whether you

eyes shadowed with restraint. He tumed to gaze out the window. "I fall short in every way. She deserves

recurring nightmare, a suffocating loop of darkness, malice, and hopelessness. Over and over, she relived the torment of her

dream, she was curled in a filthy basement at The Millenium, naked and covered

she whispered through her tears,

face remained obscured, hazy and

voice was cold, emotionless. "Do you

then just to

Amber wept silently.

she could go back, she'd rather freeze to death on the streets than accept