The Bound Between Us

This time, Anastasia didn't let Herman get his way.

She slipped off him and straightened her clothes. "I've got a design draft to finish, and the deadline's coming up fast."

Anastasia hadn't given up on her passion for jewelry design-in fact, she'd started her own brand. Since Herman came back, she'd gradually pulled out of Elysian Technologies, diving back into her own work and happily playing the supportive partner at home.

Herman backed her against the hallway wall, pressing close. He brushed a kiss against her earlobe. "You can turn it in tomorrow. No one's going to mind."

His lips trailed from her mouth to her neck and down to her collarbone...

“Nope,” Anastasia laughed, slipping out of his grasp. "Alright, enough. Go check Pattie's homework, will you? I'll be in the study. And honestly, you need to show a little restraint. Don't overdo it, or you'll wear yourself out before your time."

She hadn't given in to him—not just because of the deadline, but because Herman had been a bit much lately.

These days, he clung to her whenever he got a chance, like he couldn't stand to let her out of his sight. She could tell there was something weighing on him. When he touched her lately, it felt almost desperate, like he was trying to work something out of his system.

She wondered if it was about Sandy. Anastasia had a gut feeling Sandy was a ticking time bomb between them.

For now, she didn't want to bring it up or get tangled in any drama. She just wanted to keep her home peaceful.

the study, but her mind wouldn't settle. Designing

popped open a bottle of red wine, poured herself a glass, and tried to coax some

snapped. Sighing, she opened a drawer for another-and her eyes landed on

up and flipped it open, staring

into it, and Rowan was impossible to reach. He'd been in such a hurry when he handed

off some steam. He worked the punching bag hard, sweat running down his

it's the middle of the night! Shouldn't you be in bed with your wife, not

guy with

business."

a glare and landed a

"Something up?" he grunted.

his tea. "You should take care of yourself. After twenty-five, a man's got to watch his health. You know what they

off with a sharp look, and James got the message. "Alright, alright. Down to business I've

to actually speak

a big risk, though-they'd have to

called something risky, it

she skips the surgery and just sticks with the

any chance she'll recover?"