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.

a drinking contest, Dailey

was about to call a cab to take Herman to a hotel when a car he knew well rolled up and parked right

explain. "Ana-hey, this wasn't his idea. He wanted to go home, but I dragged

But it wasn't really the booze knocking him flat;

didn't argue, just nodded calmly. "Help him into

happening. He was avoiding her, maybe

She wouldn't have even known he

for his boss. "Ana, really, don't be mad at him. It's all on me. Boss promised you he'd never get drunk

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

forced a thin smile. "Dailey, do I look unreasonable to you? Go home. I'll take care

scratched his head, knowing better than to get involved in a husband and wife's business. He handed Herman

Meadows instead, the little house that

came by every week to keep it

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 spill in just enough to

she finished, she sat quietly on the edge