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.

at all-in fact, she respected Hanna for it. Hanna didn't bother hiding her feelings. If she disliked someone, it showed; no fake smiles, no pretending. Anastasia actually

If she liked you, she liked you. If

deal with someone who didn't like her, she'd

you," Anastasia said

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

loquat season,

her, then picked up a

in shock.

strawberries, bananas-plenty of choices. Yet Rowan

Anastasia liked it. Because Anastasia said

But really, why was she even surprised? Rowan

life for Anastasia. What was a loquat compared to

bite and nodded. "Yeah, it's pretty

chest and couldn't resist a jab.

them so much, he could

Rowan went quiet again.

on the weird vibe, but couldn't quite put her

was.

little pale. Have some cherries-they're good for

over.

"...