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.

turned to Rowan. "You should be nicer to Ms. Hanna. Try being gentle for

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

matter what he did, she'd always act mad, but her heart was

much she acted out, he just

the door firmly and

time passed

took a deep breath,

there, holding a plate of loquats. "You like these. They're

scolded by Anastasia, Rowan

so he brought them to cheer

when he tried to be

Hanna, who usually loved loquats, just felt a lump in her throat

time Anastasia ate loquats-Rowan, who never used to touch them, had eaten

were Anastasia's favorite, so Rowan started

would Rowan

likes loquats,

idea Hanna's mind was

don't like loquats," Hanna snapped. "Who told you I liked

the door in his

stood there, blinking in

cold