The Bound Between Us

Chapter 970

Anastasia's blunt question threw Rowan for a loop.

He glanced away, clearly uncomfortable. "I was planning to use you to get to Herman," he admitted, hesitating.

Anastasia nodded, catching on fast. "So you were going to kidnap me. Why didn't you go through with it?"

She was genuinely curious-what had made Rowan change his mind that day?

That was the first time she'd ever encountered Rowan. "Met" was probably too strong a word; they'd just crossed paths, really.

Rowan's eyes flickered. He made up an excuse on the spot. "I got injured."

But the truth was, that minor injury hadn't stopped him from doing anything. What really changed his mind was something Anastasia said in the elevator-words that had warmed him for years after.

Still, Anastasia bought his story. She remembered he'd hurt his hand at the time, and she'd met up with Herman that night anyway, so Rowan wouldn't have had a shot.

The conversation fizzled out, and just as an awkward silence settled in, Hanna came in carrying a bowl of fruit. "Rowan, have some fruit. Mrs. Salstrom, you too.”

She emphasized "Mrs. Salstrom," making sure Rowan remembered that Anastasia was married.

Anastasia, of course, picked up on Hanna's little reminder right away.

hiding her feelings. If she disliked someone, it showed; no fake smiles, no pretending. Anastasia actually

she liked you, she liked you. If not, well, you

she had to deal with someone

you," Anastasia

the fruit plate, peeling it, and taking a bite. "It's really

was loquat season, after

her, then picked up a loquat

in shock. She knew Rowan

There were cherries, strawberries, bananas-plenty of choices. Yet Rowan went for

it. Because Anastasia said it

was

life for Anastasia. What was a loquat compared to

a bite and nodded. "Yeah, it's

jab. "Great, I'll buy

liked them so much, he could

Rowan went quiet again.

vibe, but couldn't quite put her finger on what

was.

look a little pale. Have some cherries-they're good for your blood," Hanna said, choosing the biggest, reddest cherries and

over.

hesitated. "...