Page 110 of Before Dawn

Her laugh filled the room—sweet, bright. As she started to pull away, I caught her cheek, my grip gentle but firm. “I think I need ten more just to make sure I’m fully recovered.”

Was I desperate for her? No. I was beyond desperate. I was ruined, consumed, completely hers. Ten kisses wouldn’t be enough. A hundred wouldn’t either. I’d spend forever chasing her, holding onto every second she gave me, and still, I’d need more. Always more. Always her.

“Recovered from what?”

“Barely seeing you, Red.”

She rolled her eyes but stayed, pressing a kiss to my temple, resting a hand on my chest. Then her fingers stilled. Her gaze lingered, brows furrowing.

I brushed my fingers over her cheek. “Amor? What’s wrong?”

She swallowed. “Your necklace… there’s a silver pendant with an ‘A’.”

Glancing down, I lifted it slightly, smirking. “Yeah, there is.”

Her lips parted. “How long have you had it?”

“A little over two weeks.”

She exhaled. “Oh my gosh…”

I tucked a curl behind her ear, my voice softening. “You’re with me, so you should be with me, even when you’re not next to me.” I pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You own me, Red. It’s only fair I wear something to prove it.”

Her fingers traced the pendant, her touch reverent. “There are stones…”

“Aquamarine,” I murmured. “Your birthstone.”

Her eyes shimmered with something I couldn’t name. “Mikkel…”

I lifted my wrist, showing her the matching bracelet wrapped around it. “And this,” I added, tilting my wrist so the ‘A’ charm caught the light. “Got it the same day.”

Her fingers ghosted over the charm like she wasn’t sure it was real. “You… I…” She swallowed. “You really wear these every day?”

“Every damn day.” I caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. “Because I’m yours.”

She let out a shaky breath, her touch lingering on the necklace, the bracelet, as if memorizing them, as if trying to convince herself they were real.

I kissed her forehead again, pulling her closer, her warmth sinking into me. My eyes grew heavy, and with her in my arms, the world outside ceased to exist.

My eyes snapped open, heart pounding from a restless sleep. That was the most amount of rest I’ve gotten in the past month and fuck, it felt good. The watch on my wrist read one in the morning, and my body ached, the exhaustion still clinging to me. I shifted, realizing I was no longer curled up in Abigail’s arms but alone on my sofa with a blanket draped over me. A soft breath escaped me as I looked around, noticing her bag resting on the coffee table.

She was still here.Thank God.

I called her name softly, but when no response came, I groggily got up, rubbing my eyes. As I stepped toward the kitchen, I saw her standing by the sink, clearing dishes. I blinked, confused. Did I leave dishes out? And wait—what was that smell?

“Hey,” I said, walking in.

She looked up with a small smile. “You’re awake. Hey.”

I dropped into a seat at the kitchen island, still shaking off sleep. “What are you doing?”

She turned, holding a mug and a bowl. “I made pasta.” She set them down in front of me. “And ginger tea. It helps with exhaustion.”

Warmth spread through my chest. Gratitude. Guilt. Something deeper. “I’m sorry for falling asleep on you earlier. I know you have work tomorrow and—”

She silenced me with a kiss. “My shift isn’t until midday.” She pulled back, her gaze steady. “You’ve been running yourself into the ground. You needed the rest.”

I exhaled, my shoulders loosening. “Thank you. You didn’t have to do this.”

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