What does a domineering CEO look like when he''s in a yful mood?


    Herman lifted his head from her chest and shed a grin so dazzling it could melt steel. That smile alone made Anastasia''s heart flutter.


    She pinched his cheek,ughing. "People say beautiful women are trouble, but what about handsome men? Are you the dangerous kind too?"


    Honestly, Herman was trouble—in the best way. She loved his loyalty, the way he stuck by her no matter what.


    Good looks are one thing, but being devoted? That''s the real deal. Who wouldn''t fall for a man like that?


    He caught her hand, gazing at her with a look that was all affection and mischief. "If I''m trouble, then you''re stuck with me for a million years. Forever and ever, okay?"


    She looked up, falling headlong into the warmth of his gaze, her eyes suddenly misty. "Okay! Forever and ever."


    He chuckled, buried his head against her again, and yfully toppled her over. "But first, let''s get down to business."


    His wife was just too tempting-he really didn''t care about "getting to work" right


    now.


    Anastasia couldn''t help butugh. "Just because you''ve had a vasectomy doesn''t mean you get to misbehave all you want. We''ve got plenty of time, you know."


    "I don''t want plenty of time," he shot back, eyes glinting. "I want right now."


    She was about to reply, then realized-Herman''s "now" wasn''t the calendar kind. He was talking about action, not appointments.


    Let''s just say, another passionate round followed. Anastasia had to admit, Herman''s energy was endless. He seemed determined to make sure she''d never forget him-every inch of her felt imed.


    Even Herman didn''t know why he was so powerless around Anastasia. He was addicted to every little thing about her-her smile, her frown, those eyes, those lips, her gorgeous figure, her soft, pale skin.


    Even if the world offered someone "better," he''d still choose her. She was Anastasia, his Anastasia.


    Downstairs, Salma hade by to let Anastasia know she was taking Cynthia hiking. But when she heard the ruckus from the bedroom, her cheeks turned bright pink and she quietly tiptoed away.


    Pattie, finally free from her younger siblings, found Salma. “Grandma, where''s Mom? She''s not up yet?"


    Salma quickly tugged her toward the stairs. "Your mom''s busy! Why don''t you take your brother and sister downstairs to y? Don''t disturb her."


    Pattie looked puzzled. "It''s already morning. What''s Mom so busy with in her room?"


    Salma hesitated, then changed the subject. "Hey, want to go hiking with Grandma?"


    Pattie''s face lit up. "Yes! Wait for me, Grandma-I''ll change into my sneakers!"


    So, off they went for a hike-Tavon, of course tagging along as always. Lately, Tavon was glued to Salma''s side, always hunting for snacks or a chat. Even when Salma ignored him, he didn''t mind a bit.


    Meanwhile, Ashley had called Tavon about a hundred times, begging him toe back and save the Morton Group. Thepany was teetering on the edge of copse.


    But the old workaholic Tavon didn''t care anymore-if the Morton Group went down, so be it. He was done.


    Back upstairs, Anastasia finally managed to crawl out of bed close to noon. She was starving, and for once, she demolished two bowls of rice and a big bowl of soup.


    Herman noticed and teased, "See? If you don''t eat well, just get a little exercise first—you''ll be starving in no time."


    And by "exercise," he obviously meant the bedroom variety.


    Anastasia shot him a look. "Can you be serious for once?"


    Herman put on his most innocent face. "I thought I was being serious."


    She finished her soup and stood up. "I''m heading out. Find something to do this afternoon, and don''t bother me."


    Honestly, she needed a break-her legs were still shaky.


    Herman didn''t stop her. He just leaned in the doorway, arms folded, watching her


    go. “Drive safe. Come home early tonight."


    She called back over her shoulder, "Maybe I won''te home at all!"


    If she did, she knew he''d just pounce on her again.


    Anastasia drove off just as Flynn was pulling up. He parked, saw Herman leaning in the doorway like a lovesick puppy, and teased,


    el.nt


    "Seriously, Herman? Ana''s only been gone a minute and you already look lost?"


    Herman''s face went nk-he definitely saved his soft side for his wife. He spun around and headed inside. "What do you want, Flynn?"


    Flynn grinned. "Just dropping by to see Emmie and Nancy. So... you and Ana good now?"


    Herman settled on the couch, all business. "Get to the point."


    Flynn rolled his eyes. "Share a little of that patience you have for Ana with your brother, will you? Anyway, heads up-Mr. Walker wants to make Joseph his godson."