The Bound Between Us

Chapter 826

Herman's words were blunt, laced with a hint of contempt.

Rowan didn't bother to deny it or argue. He just lunged in again.

No wasted movements-each blow was sharp, meant to do real damage. There was no showboating here, just two men testing each other's limits.

Herman hadn't fought in ages. He couldn't even tell if he still had the old instincts. All he could do was trust his body to remember.

His strikes were crisp and efficient. Rowan didn't let his guard down either-he was here to see what Herman was made of.

Punches landed, feet flew, and pretty soon, both of them were nursing fresh bruises. They stepped back, blood and sweat mixing, just watching each other.

Rowan dabbed at the blood on his lip, his eyes dark and fierce. That's when his phone rang. He didn't even glance at the screen-he already knew it was Asher.

He shot Herman a hard look and muttered, "If you ever hurt her, I won't forgive you." Then he turned and walked away.

Once Rowan was gone, Herman's face went cold. He pulled out his phone and called Dailey, describing Rowan's build and face.

Dailey nearly dropped the phone. "Boss, Rowan found you? Where are you right now?"

"Harmony Meadows."

"You're back in town?"

Half an hour later.

sat on the curb by a taco truck, sharing a few paper baskets of fries and some cheap whiskey

go home to the Salstroms?" Dailey asked, looking genuinely

careful eyes in

couldn't meet Anastasia's expectations. When she stood in front of him, all he saw was the

was a flicker of familiarity there, sure, but nowhere near what she needed

Anastasia had worked, and Salma always hinted at everything she'd given up for him and

as I don't remember my past, I can't give Anastasia what she wants. Every day, I'm scared of what I'll

looked at him, puzzled. "Boss, you used

laugh. "I can't give it back now. She talks about memories-I can't

on thin ice, afraid

into a crack, both of them uncomfortable and

guy who'd used to risk everything for

"Boss, does love just disappear? If you can't feel it, fake it. If

smile. "You can't fake something like that. Enough

slide. If everyone started blaming Herman,

worse.