The Bound Between Us

Anastasia had a knack for knowing what Jarod liked and had everything set up just right. Eight gorgeous women, each with their own special allure: the elegant type, the girl-next-door, the gentle beauty, and the cold, mysterious one.

Jarod's eyes sparkled with satisfaction. "Ms. Anastasia, you certainly know how to cater to my tastes. But..."

"But what?" Anastasia wondered if she'd missed something.

Jarod leaned back on the couch, adjusting his glasses with a scholarly air. "After seeing someone like you, Ms. Anastasia, how could these ordinary beauties even compare?"

He glanced at Nelson and the PR women Anastasia had brought along, clearly wanting her to send them away.

"Ms. Anastasia, I'd like to discuss the South Bay project with you privately."

Anastasia hesitated, but Nelson chimed in, "Mr. Jarod, our lady here has just taken over the company. I'm more familiar with the South Bay Project..."

Nelson was worried for Anastasia, wanting to stay and protect her.

Jarod sneered, "What's this? Has Elysian Technologies really changed hands, letting a mere assistant call the shots?"

The words stung, and Anastasia sensed Jarod's irritation.

Jarod, surely you're joking," Anastasia said, signaling Nelson to

Nelson was concerned. "Ma'am..."

everyone out," Anastasia insisted

leaving the

felt a flicker of fear; Jarod's

afraid of me, why step into the business world? This is a man's game, and a

courage. The whiskey was

up, her eyes steady. "While he was here, I was happy to be the woman behind him. Now that he's gone, I'll hold up this family

glass and finishing it off. "I've known many women, but I've never envied

been with countless women, many whose names he couldn't even remember. They were all after his wealth, easily appeased with designer bags and jewelry, and quick to jump into his bed. Such women were too easy, and he lost interest

me. Good women

of Herman's reputation for doting on his wife and how Elysian Technologies was now under Anastasia's name. He realized why

trusted Anastasia with

that made her

raised his glass. "Anastasia, I wonder if I,

could have the

you would surely