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.

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.

what you saw was what you got. If she liked you, she liked

couldn't stand Sandy's phony grin. If she had to deal with someone who didn't like her, she'd take Hanna's

Anastasia

stand on ceremony, grabbing a loquat from the fruit

loquat season, after

picked up

widened in shock. She knew

washed a few just for herself. There were cherries, strawberries, bananas-plenty of

Because Anastasia said it

realization stung. But really, why was she even surprised? Rowan had

What was

a bite and nodded. "Yeah, it's

resist a jab. "Great, I'll buy more next time. You can have your

he liked them so much, he could eat

Rowan went quiet again.

weird vibe, but couldn't quite put

was.

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

over.

hesitated. "... Thank