The Bond Between Us ( Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1072

Andrew rubbed his face and, seeing Paradise’s smile, couldn’t help but grin too. “Paradise, you look amazing when you smile. You should do it more often.”

She hadn’t been much of a smiler before, but ever since her voice got better, she’d opened up a lot. These days, smiles came much easier.

Justin had said something like that once—told her she looked pretty when she smiled.

Now Justin glanced over at Paradise, nodded, and agreed, “You really do.”

Back when he first met her, she gave off a chill, almost forbidding vibe—like a frosty autumn leaf, cold and distant.

But now, Paradise was a totally different person.

“Hey, Stoneface, we’re about the same age, right? Why don’t we become sworn brothers?” Andrew tugged Justin’s sleeve. “Let’s get two sodas, do a blood pact. You in? I’ll be big bro, you’re second.”

Paradise cut in, “Hey, no alcohol for minors.”

“Soda, soda! Of course!” Andrew backtracked in a flash—pretty clear he’d be the type to listen to his girlfriend in the future.

Justin shrugged, “Sure. But I’ll be the big brother. You’re number two.”

He was, after all, a little older.

Andrew made a face, thought it over, then shrugged. “Alright, fine, I’ll be second. You’re the smart one anyway. At least now my dad can’t bug me about my grades—I’ve got the genius Herman as my sworn bro!” He cracked up.

Justin just gave him a look.

Andrew waved a waiter over for two sodas, and asked for a pin. If it’s a blood pact, well—you need a little blood.

Carter, watching from across the room, started to get suspicious. “What’s that boy up to now? I better check it out.”

Andrew dragged Justin into a side room that opened into the garden. If you’re going to swear brotherhood, you needed the sky as your witness.

Paradise followed, and soon a bunch of other kids tagged along, eager for the action.

Kids that age were all about loyalty and big gestures, ready to go to the mat for their friends. Stuff like swearing brotherhood felt epic—had to be done with proper ceremony.

On a little table, two glasses of Dr. Pepper waited, next to two pins. Andrew rolled up his sleeve. “I’ll go first.”

Without hesitating, he pricked his finger, winced as a bead of blood welled up, then squeezed a few drops into his soda.

“Your turn, Stoneface.”

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