Page 100 of Before Dawn

“Let’s get you home,amor,” he murmured, his voice warm, sending a flutter through my stomach.

His hand found mine again, steady and sure, and I knew tonight would stay with me. Not because of the concert or the crowd.

Because of him.

Because ofthis.

The car hummed through the city, New York’s lights casting a golden glow over everything. I leaned against the window, my lips still tingling from the kiss, sneaking a glance at him.

Mikkel’s expression was calm, eyes steady on the road, but the slight curve of his lips told me he was holding onto something—something just for himself.

The sudden glow of a drive-thru sign snapped me from my thoughts.

“Hungry?” he asked, already pulling in.

I blinked at him. “You think I have room after all the popcorn and nachos?”

He smirked, parking as the line inched forward. “This is for later, when you wake up starving at two a.m.”

Warmth spread through my chest. I shook my head, smiling as he ordered a barbecue shrimp sandwich and fries. When I shot him a curious look, he winked.

When we reached my apartment, he parked, grabbed the food, and followed me to the elevator without question.

“I’ll wait until you’re settled,” he said, voice firm.

I didn’t argue. My mind was a tangled mess of thoughts, but my body felt calm.

Inside, I moved through my bedtime routine, but the moment I stepped back into the room, my breath caught.

Mikkel stood near the door, hands in his pockets, but there was nothing casual about the way he watched me. His gaze lingered—heavy, knowing.

“So,” I started, crossing my arms with a playful tilt of my head. “What did it feel like?”

His brow furrowed. “What?”

“The kiss.”

For a beat, he didn’t answer. His eyes traced my face, slow and deliberate, like he was memorizing every detail. Then, stepping closer, he reached up, adjusting my bonnet with careful fingers. His thumb grazed my bottom lip.

“It felt like stepping outside on the first warm day after winter.” His voice was quiet, certain. “Like everything softens, everything melts, and for a second… the world feels perfect.”

My heart stuttered. His fingers brushed my cheek, and before I could speak, he closed the distance between us.

“And now,” he murmured, lips curving, “I’m going to kiss you goodnight, and every single day and night after this.”

He leaned in slowly, giving me space to pull away.I didn’t.

The kiss was deeper than the first—deliberate, unhurried, felt. His lips molded to mine with a certainty that sent a shiver down my spine.

When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against mine, breath warm against my lips.

“Goodnight, Red.”

I opened my eyes and found his waiting for me. “Goodnight, Mikkel.”

With that, he turned and walked out, leaving me standing there, heart full, lips aching for more.

I lingered by the door, fingertips resting on the knob, replaying every second.

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