Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Nicholas felt his heart racing as Jasper's words hit him like a shockwave.

Back when Jameson was still in Kontina, he had already ensnared Nicholas in his schemes. After years of working for him, Nicholas had forgotten the man he once was—a conscientious, passionate individual.

Just then, a blur of motion caught their eyes-a blade was aimed at Jasper from the side.

"Watch out!" Nicholas shouted, his eyes widening in fear.

But Jasper reacted swiftly, seizing the attacker's wrist and with a snap, breaking it. After disarming the attacker, he delivered a kick that sent the latter crashing into a nearby wall, bones audibly breaking.

With each calculated move Jasper made, Nicholas realized his initial impression was far off the mark. The polished, presumptuous president revealed surprising fighting prowess and a sharp mind.

Nicholas understood he barely knew Jasper. If a powerful patron hadn't backed Jameson, he wouldn't even be a blip on Jasper's radar.

The dark alley had beca brutal battleground.

Jasper, a charming façade masking a ruthless efficiency, moved with a deadly grace. Even though an individual's strength was limited, their danger seemed insignificant before him. One by one, they fell beneath his relentless assault.

Nicholas and Jasper stood back-to-back, bloodied but resolute as they readied themselves for the onslaught.

Jasper's face was streaked with blood, a chilling contrast to his fine features and bespoke suit.

"As I've said, Chief Novak," Jasper's voice cut through the chaos like ice. "Jameson never intended for you to be an ally, merely a pawn. He's been plotting your demise from the very beginning, planning to crush you like a spent cartridge once you're of no use." Nicholas gritted his teeth, his voice laced with raw frustration. "You'll never get it! You can't understand what this means to me!" He clutched his throbbing arm, sweat beading his forehead despite the chills coursing through him.

"Joining forces with us is your only way out," Jasper insisted, his gaze unwavering.

"Way out?" Nicholas let out a humorless laugh. "Is there even a way out foranymore? Maybe I can cheat death today, but can I outrun it forever?" Jasper frowned and said nothing. Even if they took down Jameson together, Nicholas would likely face legal repercussions for his actions.

Intent on killing them, the assassins charged at them once again.

The leader of the assassins, ever the opportunist, saw a chance to claim credit. Amidst the chaos surrounding Jasper, he made a treacherous move. With a swift, ruthless motion, he targeted the weakened Nicholas, his blade flashing in the air as it aimed for the vulnerable man's head.

But in a surprising display of strength, Nicholas slammed the leader to the ground and stepped on his chest.

In pain, the leader cried out and spat out a mouthful of blood.

Despite his weakened state, Nicholas had proven himself a tough fighter. His eyes blazed with a feral intensity as he raised his screwdriver high in the air, poised to strike a fatal blow.

In that moment, with bloodlust in his eyes, Nicholas resembled the very assassins he fought against.

"No! Stop!" Jasper roared, lunging forward to grab Nicholas' hand. "We don't kill! That's the line we don't cross!" "What other choice do we have? Let them finish us off?" Nicholas rasped, his voice hoarse with strain.

"If it were self-defense, I wouldn't have stopped you. But that wasn't what happened!" Jasper's eyes were sharp, cutting through his words. "You were afraid he'd say something incriminating if he got caught. You wanted to silence him!" Nicholas was stunned. Yet, he still fought to drive the screwdriver in his hand into the leader's chest. If it weren't for Jasper's firm grip, he would have already finished him.

Just then, the wail of approaching sirens filled the air.

The remaining assassins lay broken on the ground, their bodies testament to the brutal fight. Two, in a desperate bid for escape, attempted to flee, only to be tackled and subdued by the police upon their quick arrival.

"Jasper!" "Mr. Beckett!" Cyrus and Xavier raced toward Jasper, their eyes widening in horror at the sight of fresh blood smeared across him. Panic surged through them.

"Mr. Beckett! A-Are you hurt?" Xavier stammered, his voice trembling. He hovered helplessly, on the verge of tears.

"I called the ambulance. They'll be here soon. Hold on, Jasper!" Despite his experience with chaotic situations, Cyrus couldn't help but turn pale.

Jasper wiped the blood on his cheek with the back of his hand. "I'm okay. This isn't mine." Relief washed over Xavier. "Oh my goodness, thank heavens! Thank God!" He clasped his hands together, muttering prayers repeatedly.

Cyrus exhaled deeply. "I don't know what I'd tell Alyssa if something happened to you!" "That won't happen," Jasper assured them, his voice firm despite the situation. "I promised Lyse I'd protect her forever. Nothing will happen to me." The apprehended assassins were loaded into police cars. The weapons at the scene were confiscated as well.

Cyrus led a pair of officers to Nicholas. "Chief Novak," he began respectfully. "Once the ambulance arrives, please see to your injuries first." "The hospital can wait. I need to be with my wife right now," Nicholas insisted, his voice weak but his eyes burning with determination. "She's in the emergency room, and her condition is critical. I have to get to her!" św"There's no need," Jasper interjected calmly, approaching Nicholas. "Your wife is safe. They said she was in the emergency room, but it was a ruse." Nicholas was stunned. "What? But how? The one who called-" "You know exactly who has that kind of power and why this happened," Jasper said pointedly.

It was a setup by Jameson.

Nicholas had no children, and hisparents had died early. His only weakness was his wife. Jameson, aware of this, had manipulated Natalie's doctor. Fabricating a story about Natalie's critical condition, he lured Nicholas away from the police station, intending to eliminate him discreetly. It was a sinister and cunning move. Thankfully, Jasper intervened in time. He also had Xavier call Cyrus for backup. Otherwise, Nicholas wouldn't be standing here.

"My wound is minor. I can manage. I have something else to take care of, so I'll take my leave." Nicholas, his head hung low, turned to leave. Cyrus stopped him, his gaze somber. "Since you're refusing the hospital, Chief Novak, cback to the station with me. We have medics who can stitch you up."