The Bound Between Us

Chapter 827

If a man steps in front of a knife for a woman-puts his own body between her and danger—there's really only one reason. That woman is worth more to him than his own life.

That's how Rowan sees Anastasia. She matters more to him than anything, even if he never says it out loud.

Love like that doesn't just appear out of thin air.

Herman could feel jealousy burning in his chest, so he knocked back another long drink, trying to wash it away.

"So, what else is going on between them?" he asked, voice gruff.

Dailey thought for a second, turning it over. "Boss, honestly? Ana and Rowan barely even know each other. You don't have to worry. Ana would never betray you."

But the truth was, the few times Anastasia and Rowan had crossed paths, nobody else had been around. Dailey and the rest didn't really know the whole story.

Herman stopped asking questions. He just raised his glass. "Let's drink."

Dailey drank with him. They kept going until the city streets grew quiet, empty except for the neon glow, and both of them were well past tipsy. Dailey could usually hold his liquor, but tonight, Herman was already out of it—not because of the alcohol, but because his mind was somewhere else entirely.

just a drinking contest, Dailey would never beat

Herman to a hotel when a car he knew well rolled up and parked right in front of

explain. "Ana-hey, this wasn't his idea. He wanted to go home, but I dragged him out for a drink. He's been back a while, and I just got excited. I made

his liquor fine-Herman, not so much. But it wasn't really the booze knocking him flat; it was everything

calmly.

what was happening. He was avoiding her, maybe even scared to

hadn't bothered to come home. She wouldn't have even known he was back if Nelson hadn't

really, don't be mad at

outside their marriage remembered Herman's promises to her-except, apparently,

"Dailey, do I look unreasonable to you?

to get involved in a husband and wife's business. He handed Herman over and

drove to Harmony Meadows instead,

where someone came by every week to keep it

bedroom, washed his face with warm water, wiped his hands, took off his coat and shoes, and tucked him under the covers. She didn't turn on the overhead light, afraid it would wake him, letting the soft light from the hallway

she finished, she sat quietly on the edge of the