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.

a few paper baskets of fries and some cheap whiskey straight from the bottle. Herman

back in town. Why didn't you go home to the Salstroms?" Dailey

saw Anastasia's hopeful, careful eyes in his

she stood in front of him, all he saw was the mother of his

of familiarity there, sure, but nowhere near what she

hinted at everything she'd given up for him and the company. It was like a mountain on

I can't give Anastasia what she wants. Every day, I'm scared of what I'll see

looked at him, puzzled. "Boss, you used to

said with a bitter laugh. "I can't give it back now. She talks about memories-I can't recall a thing.

tiptoeing on thin ice,

were wedged into a

guy who'd used to

can't feel it, fake it. If you act like you

faint, crooked smile. "You can't fake something like that. Enough of

it slide. If everyone started blaming Herman, it

worse.