Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Reasonable? How was that fucking reasonable?
Xavier clenched his fist as he fought the urge to punch the reporter.
A hush fell across the crowds, who waited for the scene to unfold. Some reporters had wanted to ask the sensitive question but
faltered in the face of Alyssa's influence. Naturally, they were happy that someone had posed the question.
Anger rolled through him. He nearly yanked the car door open and stormed out to confront the reporter, but Alyssa pulled him
back. "Hey! It's enough of a mess out there. Don't add to the chaos!"
He gritted his teeth and thundered, "But he's slandering you."
"And? It doesn't hurt me in any way. Mr. Beckett, you're an adult, so act like one." Pouting, she scratched him on his chest.
Jasper calmed down soon, but he was disgruntled. "We can't let this slide. Who knows? He might be acting on the Schmidts'
orders."
"So what?" She blinked at him, unfazed. "David Schmidt is done for, and we finally sought justice for the victims. I have achieved
my goal, so I couldn't care less about what the reporters say about me."
"Lyse, you make me feel useless," he croaked, feeling bitter.
"You're not. I'm happy and carefree when I'm with you." Then, she leaned against his solid chest and cupped his face in her
palms. "Come here. Give me a kiss."
His hands traveled between her waist and backside while he kissed her tenderly. In the past, he would feel awkward watching
couples acting lovey-dovey. Because of that, he often skipped intimate scenes in movies.

However, he had changed for Alyssa. His soul was all hers now. He was no longer his old self. Or maybe he had been an
envious and passionate soul from the very start—awakened when he met her. Now, he only had eyes for her.
"Look how useful you are." She gazed at him affectionately as she slowly moved away from his lips. "With a kiss, you chase
away all my worries."
Meanwhile, Xavier had to keep his composure and professionalism despite the reporter's hostile question. Moreover, seeing the
victims and families back home safe was of utmost importance. He was assigned to the task by Jasper and Alyssa, and he
vowed not to start unnecessary trouble.
"Ms. Madison, ignore him. Let's go," Xavier whispered.
In the heat of the moment, he reflexively reached for Maggie's hand, but she did not budge at all.
In the next second, she took off her baseball cap and mask in public, causing Xavier to go blank in shock. His chest tightened. It
was too late to stop her.
"Maggie! What is she trying to do?" Alyssa and Jasper gaped at her unexpected move.
Once Maggie revealed her face, she was attacked by endless camera flashes. She tried to keep her eyes open, looking fearless
and determined. Staring at the male reporter, she questioned, "May I know if the question stems from your speculation, or do you
have proof that this is Ms. Alyssa's plan all along?"
The reporter looked uncomfortable. "Uh... It's my speculation, and it's totally reasonable."