The Bound Between Us

Anastasia caught on fast.

Rowan was risking his own neck just to drag Autumn down with him.

His words were all the proof anyone needed. Whatever he said, that became the story. If he pointed the finger at Autumn as the one pulling strings, the police would have to dig deeper-and once they did, Autumn would never get clear of it.

Because, honestly, Autumn really was the one behind it all.

Anastasia poked at her food, appetite gone. "Herman, can I see Rowan now?"

"Better not," Herman said. "I checked with Jason too-no visitors right now. Just go about your day as usual. Let me handle the rest."

Anastasia hesitated. She almost said something, but swallowed the words. At this point, nothing she could say would change a thing.

That idiot Rowan. She'd told him before-she didn't need him to stick his neck out for her, and she could never repay him anyway. But he still did it, just the same.

Herman could tell what she was thinking. He gently ruffled her hair. "Babe, could you take Pattie to school today? I've got to head to the west gate and I'm running late."

No matter how crazy things got, Herman was always gentle with her, even to the point of spoiling her. People on the outside were always shocked, wondering what magic Anastasia had worked on the CEO of Elysian Technologies to make him so devoted.

Anastasia nodded. "Sure, go ahead. I'll take care of Pattie."

Herman left first, with Nelson and the driver already waiting in the driveway.

After he was gone, Pattie finished breakfast. Anastasia called, "Grab your backpack, time for school."

"Okay!" Pattie grabbed her bag and climbed into the car. "Mom, is something wrong at home? You and Dad seem weird today."

have a good day at school." Anastasia tried not to

school gate, Anastasia watched her disappear inside. Then she got in

it to her classroom,

even though

"Paradise!" he called out.

ever. "What

piece of paper into her hand. "This is a love letter from my

He says to meet him after school, 5:30, in the

She handed it right back. "Childish." She

all night writing that letter. If he hadn't

the fence? Pattie knew instantly who it

mean Andrew in

Andrew had tried to sneak out by climbing the school fence, got caught, panicked, fell, and broke his leg. The whole

school notice board all the time-bad grades, top of the charts for fights, sneaking out

week before,

few boys to "swear brotherhood" with him, copying some TV drama-they pricked their fingers tried to drink a little blood. One kid fainted d'at the sight and dropped right

boss? Of course you do!

girls like him. Now that you're in

TV dramas, Pattie thought. Every kid was talking about loyalty and giving each

kids didn't know the

They just liked to play together

minute youtre so

youre fighting over a pencil case. fo

waving him off. "I'm going to class. I'll