In the backyard.


    Herman stood there in jeans and a hoodie, cool and collected, hands in his pockets. He was alone-Anastasia was waiting in the car, just like he''d told her.


    Asher strutted over with two of his guys, a cigarette hanging from his lips, thick gold chains glinting on his neck and wrists. He looked every bit the tough guy, bouncing on his heels and shooting Herman a hard re.


    "Well, look who''s got the nerve to show up on my turf. Herman, you''re braver than I thought," Asher drawled. The scar on his cheek twitched when he talked, making him look even meaner.


    "Bring me Rowan. I''m taking him," Herman said, face unreadable, not bothering with small talk.


    Asher''s eyes widened in surprise. "You''re here for Rowan? Figures. That kid must''ve sold me out-bet he''s been working for you all along, huh?"


    Herman''s stare was ice-cold. "I''ll count to three. Either you bring him out, or I go in and get him. Your call."


    If Herman went in, nobody was walking out in one piece.


    "Hold on." Asher flicked his cigarette aside. "You got some guts, Herman. I never came after you, but here you are, trying to take my guy? You think I''m just—"


    "...Three."


    Asher didn''t even get to finish before Herman''s fist smashed into his face.


    The punchnded hard-Asher''s face twisted, blood sprayed, and two teeth hit the ground as he stumbled and fell.


    Besides Feiman, nobody else ever dared talk to Herman like that. He''d let Asher mouth off three times. Not a fourth.


    "Asher!" his guys yelled, hurrying to help him up.


    el?


    Just then, Riley came out, half-supporting Rowan. When she saw Asher on the ground, she, rushed over, panic all over her face.


    "Asher! Are you okay?"


    Riley''s concern was genuine-she might not be the brightest, but she was loyal,


    and Rowan finally understood why Asher always treated her well.


    Asher spat out blood, talking around the gap where his teeth used to be. "I''m fine," he muttered, ring at Herman. "You said you''d count to three, Herman! You just skipped straight to it. That''s cheating!"


    Herman barely nced at him. His eyes were locked on Rowan.


    Rowan looked rough-bloodied, barely able to stand. Herman''s expression went dark as he turned to Asher. "You did this?"


    "Yeah, I did," Asher snapped, trying to sound tough even though he was shaking. "He''s myckey. I can beat him or curse him if I want."


    He almost called Rowan his dog, but the way Herman''s hands tightened made him think twice.


    Rowan''s lips twitched in a bitter, barely-there smile. To Asher, he was nothing but a mutt.


    Herman caught the flicker of hurt in Rowan''s eyes. He strode over, voice calm but joy. "You heard him. Stay


    here and keep taking his crap, ore with me. Like I said before, my wife and I owe you. Even if you say


    no I''m not leaving you here.”


    If it wasn''t for that favor, Herman wouldn''t have bothered showing up.


    Rowan nced at the ck car parked outside the yard. He knew Anastasia was waiting there.


    After a few seconds, Rowan looked away, voice quiet. "No need. Take Anastasia and go. If I want to leave, no one here can stop me."


    Asher lost it. "Rowan! You think you''re so tough, nobody can stop you? Go ahead, try leaving this yard!"


    Herman and Rowan both turned on Asher with icy stares. For a second, it felt like death itself was watching him.


    Asher''s bravado vanished. He gulped and shut his mouth, not daring another word.