Page 119 of Before Dawn

“You like it, huh?”

“Ireally reallydo,” Iadmitted, unable to tear my gaze away from him, utterly entranced.

“In that case,” he said, leaning, his gaze locked with mine. “Hablaré español más a menudo, entonces.56” Our lips met in a passionate kiss, and I melted into him, lost in the moment.

I was overcome by a rush of emotions—a sense of longing, of desire, of sheer bliss. It was as if every nerve in my body was alight with sensation, every touch sending waves of pleasure through me.

Breaking away from the kiss, he looked at me, his eyes sparkling with desire.

“Your lips are so soft,” he murmured, his voice thick with longing.

“Do you plan to woo me every single day?”

“What kind of man would I be if I didn’t?”

His gaze lingered briefly before he stepped back. “There’s a gala later, and I want to take you.”

“A gala?”

“It’s Dillon’s birthday tradition.”

I hesitated, chewing on my bottom lip. “I’d love to go, but I don’t have anything suitable to wear. Wouldn’t it be…weird?”

“You’d be my date,” he said, his voice steady.

I sighed, the weight of my thoughts pressing down on me.

“Are you sure?” I lowered my voice, unsure.

He studied my face for a moment before his expression softened. “I’m very sure.”

“I just don’t feel like I belong there... or that it’s my scene.” I paused, my mind racing. Would I be pretty enough? Would I even fit in with the other p—”

“Red.” His voice cut through the chaos of my thoughts. “You belong there. Never doubt that. There’s no one else I’d rather have with me.Ever.”

“I know it sounds stupid,” I muttered, feeling the ridiculousness of it, even as I said the words.

“It’s not stupid,” he said, hisvoice soft but understanding. “I understand self-doubt.” He reached for my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll figure it out because I want you there with me. But if you’re not up to it, I won’t press it. Okay?”

I nodded, the tightness in my chest easing slightly. “Okay. But even so, I have no gala attire.”

He smiled. “It’s nothing to take you shopping, or even bring the shopping to you.”

I chuckled as the tension in my shoulders slowly disappeared. “Flattery—”

“Will get me everywhere?” he finished, his tone playful.

“Exactly,” I confirmed, leaning in for another kiss.

The second we pulled away, three messages from Azzaria popped up, asking if I was good. I glanced up at Mikkel.

“I’ve been summoned,” I said, showing him the message. “But can I let you know about the gala later?”

“I have a meeting soon.” He nodded, then bent down to kiss my cheek. “And of course, don’t feel pressured to say yes. Your comfort matters above all.”

I smiled, and we walked out together. He walked me to the office door before heading off to his meeting.

“I’m here! Happy birthday, Dil—”

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