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, I’m

see.” Herman was already lifting up Anastasia’s shirt before she could object. “Is it the left or the

Anastasia answered

a red mark on her left waist and immediately frowned. “Lie down.”

thought he was making a move on

“Honey, I just meant you should lie down for me

Anastasia turned away and retorted,

thing and mean another,” Herman chuckled.

feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Herman always fussed over her, even for

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

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

avoid any more embarrassment, Herman replied, gesturing for her to lie down. I’ll rub the ointment for you.”

indeed a bit embarrassing.

obediently lay down. Herman gently lifted her shirt, warmed the ointment