The Bound Between Us

Chapter 1010

Rowan wasn't about to admit anything.

This time, he didn't just clam up-he shot back, "No." The words came a little too fast, a little too sharp, like he was trying to cover something up but only made it more obvious.

Anastasia wanted nothing more than to crack open Rowan's head and see what on earth was spinning around in there.

"Rowan, I really don't need you to do anything for me. If the police actually show up, I'll own up to it," she said, her tone serious. "Honestly, I'd love to see how far they can actually go. If they manage to drag Autumn out, that would be a win in my book."

Her kidnapping case had made a lot of noise, but nothing ever came of it. After Jason got transferred to Einsberg, the case just sat there, collecting dust.

Anastasia and Herman both knew exactly why. If anyone looked too closely, Autumn would be dragged down with the mess.

Jason had mentioned once that his transfer was probably tied to Anastasia's case.

The cops weren't going to dig any deeper. It'd just become another cold case- meaning Rowan would be in the clear.

Because Rowan had gone out on a limb for them, Anastasia and Herman weren't going to push the case either.

So, all that was left was to find their own way to make Autumn pay.

"You'll be fine," Rowan said, confident as ever.

Anastasia understood. It was always the same: every time she was in danger, Rowan would show up right on time.

That alone made Herman pretty jealous, even if he had to be grateful, too. The look on his face was a mess of awkward feelings.

should be nicer to Ms.

always been like

too well-no matter what he did, she'd always

much

closed the door firmly and

sure how much time passed before she heard

took a deep breath, and opened

plate of loquats. "You like these. They're really sweet. Have

scolded by Anastasia, Rowan

liked loquats, so he brought them

it even when he tried to be nice,

loved loquats, just felt a

Anastasia ate loquats-Rowan, who never used to

favorite, so Rowan started

would Rowan have

Hanna likes loquats, so he brings them

idea Hanna's mind was spinning

like loquats," Hanna snapped. "Who told you I liked them? I hate loquats

the door

stood there, blinking

cold draft right