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.

be nicer to Ms. Hanna. Try being gentle for once. You can't just go around snapping

used to it. She doesn't care," Rowan replied, unfazed. He'd always been like this. Back in the day, even Julie

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

had stung. No matter how much she acted out, he just assumed she'd brush it

Hanna closed the door firmly and stopped

wasn't sure how much time passed before

a deep

plate of loquats. "You like these.

by Anastasia, Rowan had come

so he brought them to

express it even when he tried to be nice, he sounded

just felt a lump in her throat when she

loquats-Rowan, who never

favorite, so Rowan started liking them,

Anastasia, would Rowan have washed and brought

likes loquats, so he brings them to make her

Hanna's mind was spinning

you I

the door in

there, blinking in

a cold draft right