The Bond Between Us ( Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 826

Herman’s words were blunt, laced with a hint of contempt.

Rowan didn’t bother to deny it or argue. He just lunged in again.

No wasted movements—each blow was sharp, meant to do real damage. There was no showboating here, just two men testing each other’s limits.

Herman hadn’t fought in ages. He couldn’t even tell if he still had the old instincts. All he could do was trust his body to remember.

His strikes were crisp and efficient. Rowan didn’t let his guard down either—he was here to see what Herman was made of.

Punches landed, feet flew, and pretty soon, both of them were nursing fresh bruises. They stepped back, blood and sweat mixing, just watching each other.

Rowan dabbed at the blood on his lip, his eyes dark and fierce. That’s when his phone rang. He didn’t even glance at the screen—he already knew it was Asher.

He shot Herman a hard look and muttered, “If you ever hurt her, I won’t forgive you.” Then he turned and walked away.

Once Rowan was gone, Herman’s face went cold. He pulled out his phone and called Dailey, describing Rowan’s build and face.

Dailey nearly dropped the phone. “Boss, Rowan found you? Where are you right now?”

“Harmony Meadows.”

“You’re back in town?”

Half an hour later.

Herman and Dailey sat on the curb by a taco truck, sharing a few paper baskets of fries and some cheap whiskey straight from the bottle. Herman handed Dailey a drink. “Sit. Drink with me.”

“Boss, you’re back in town. Why didn’t you go home to the Salstroms?” Dailey asked, looking genuinely puzzled.

Herman hesitated, bottle in hand. He saw Anastasia’s hopeful, careful eyes in his mind. It ached, sharp and sudden.

He wasn’t the old Herman anymore. He couldn’t meet Anastasia’s expectations. When she stood in front of him, all he saw was the mother of his child—nothing more.

There was a flicker of familiarity there, sure, but nowhere near what she needed from him.