Can’t Win Me Back

"Don't say that. You've done really well so far!" Xavier said gently, his voice a steady anchor as he tried to comfort Julien.

He continued, "Many people spend their whole lives unable to quit even common drugs. The substance Mr. Beckett took is far more potent. The fact that he's found any relief at all is remarkable."

Jasper's senses gradually returned, but he was left drained, and his eyes struggled to focus. "Julien.."

"I'm right here," Julien murmured, leaning in to gently wipe the tears and cold sweat from Jasper's face with a tissue.

Struggling for breath, Jasper rasped, "Keep my condition.... a secret... especially from her."

Julien didn't need to ask who he meant. It had to be Alyssa

It wasn't pride that fueled Jasper's plea. It was something deeper a desperate wish to shield Alyssa from the sight of his brokenness, to spare her the disappointment of seeing him like this.

Lovelace, I hope you understand

nodded firmly. "I

strain. "Julien, Jonah... he's been looking for

and the medication

shadow crossed his face as he continued, "I won't return to Cyrris until I've developed an effective medication against the drug. Don't

parking lot, having navigated a gauntlet of reporters whose relentless

ended, the

Justin grew louder by the minute. The

crowd, heading straight for Sheryl. "Ms. Gillis, you are under arrest for

face draining of color as they cuffed her. She cast a

didn't spare her a glance.

away, her heart plummeted, a hollow ache filling the space where hope had