The Bound Between Us

Chapter 828

They were like dry tinder-one spark, and everything ignited.

Their rhythm was effortless, their bodies moving together with a familiarity that broke through every last bit of hesitation. Herman laced his fingers through hers, pinning her hands gently above her head as he kissed her, hungry and

unrestrained.

Outside, the moon was stunning, bathing the world in a pale, silvery light.

Maybe it was the magic of the moon, or maybe it was her, drawing out something raw and primal in him. Or maybe it was Rowan's lingering jealousy pushing Herman to take what was his.

Strength met grace as they moved together, bodies rising and falling beneath the moonlight...

For Anastasia, it was like drifting on the surface of the sea-weightless, then suddenly plunging deep. The breeze outside whispered, waves surging and breaking until she was swept up in a rush of sensation.

Eventually, the waves quieted and everything stilled.

Anastasia clung to Herman's strong back, gazing at the moon through the window. The night air was cool, and after all that wildness, the calm felt precious. Her breath was shaky at first, but soon it evened out, slow and peaceful.

Herman eased off, utterly worn out, and fell asleep beside her.

But Anastasia couldn't sleep. She pressed up against his back, closed her eyes, and breathed in his scent. That deep sense of comfort she'd missed so much

washed over her again.

The next morning.

porridge, laid out two small plates of pickles, some stir-fried potatoes, and a simple carrot salad. Everything

of bed. He spotted a neatly folded change of clothes waiting

a hand through his

greeted him felt

tied back, apron on, came out of the kitchen with two plates in hand and flashed him a smile. “Morning! Breakfast is ready. Today's menu is porridge and

with a fuzzy memory in his mind. Herman blurted out, "Didn't we

did a little leap-he was

"Yeah, we

two

one, and with rent

everything, we had to

h every

We were saving up

wanted to walk that path

tasted the porridge—a godsend after a night of too

salad and couldn't

said. "Sit down and eat with me. I'll cook, you do the dishes like we always did,

remembered. Anastasia's heart soared. "Deal! And from now on, I'll keep track of every expense.

bowl and

great mood, snapped a photo of Herman going for another helping, then another of him quietly eating, and sent

emoji, then sent back a photo of herself having breakfast with Jason at what looked like The