The Bound Between Us

This was as awkward as it got.

Anastasia hurriedly wriggled out of Herman’s arms in embarrassment, while Gianna turned away bashfully. “We’re out of tissues in the room, I’ll go grab some,” Gianna mumbled, avoiding the pair’s gaze.

Anastasia quickly offered, “There are tissues on the coffee table, I can get them for you.”

“I got it.” Gianna grabbed the tissues and made a beeline for the bedroom, not wanting to disturb them any further.

Once Gianna had disappeared into the guest bedroom, Herman turned to Anastasia. Why is your cousin here?”

Getting some alone time was proving to be a real mission. The three-bedroom apartment was just too cramped. Herman wished he could whisk Anastasia off to his mansion right away. He hadn’t lived in Salstrom Manor before marrying Anastasia, preferring his own villa where he lived solo. He’d recently had it renovated. It would be ready by the beginning of next month, just in time for his company’s anniversary celebration. Then he could come clean to Anastasia and bring her to their real home.

“Hush!” Anastasia put a finger to her lips and beckoned Herman back to their room. “Joey’s family has been giving my cousin a tough time tonight.”

Anastasia filled him in on the situation. Herman asked, “Did you get hurt?”

His main concern was always Anastasia: He didn’t really care about anyone else. In a full-blown family brawl, Anastasia could easily have been hurt trying to break

it up.

Anastasia reassured him, “just bumped my waist,

lifting up Anastasia’s shirt before

Anastasia answered obediently.

a red mark on her left waist and

on.” She thought he was

through her, Herman teased, “Honey, I just meant you should lie down for me to apply some ointment. What were you thinking?”

turned away and retorted, “I didn’t

say one thing and mean another,” Herman chuckled. “I’ll go get

fetch the ointment, Anastasia sat on the edge of the bed, feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Herman always fussed over her, even for the

you even when you merely furrowed your brows. Those who didn’t, wouldn’t even

Herman came back with the ointment, he locked the bedroom door. “Why are

replied, gesturing for her to lie down. I’ll rub the

incident was indeed a bit

shirt, warmed the ointment in his palm, and then applied it