Page 124 of Before Dawn

She grabbed another glass from a passing waiter and took a gulp.

“It’s hard to look at anyone else when you’re here,” I murmured, my voice low but firm. “But don’t change the topic.”

Stepping closer, I found her hand, pressing a kiss to her forehead. She swallowed the rest of the champagne, and I took the glass,setting it on a nearby table. “I’ll be by your side all night. And trust me, no one in this room even comes close to your level.”

She held my gaze, and for a moment, I saw her walls crack just a little. “I needed to hear that.”

Before I could say another word, Lewis Baker—one of Dillon’s old partners—appeared, sliding into her space with that same cocky attitude I’d seen too many times before. His eyes dragged over her in a way that made my skin crawl.

“You look like you could use a drink, or maybe some company,” he said, clearly trying his luck.

My hand went straight to her hip, pulling her against me in one smooth motion. “Wrong woman, Baker,” I said, my voice cold as I stared him down.

“Oh, uh, didn’t know she was taken,” he stammered before retreating.

“How’s your wife?”

He shifted uncomfortably, eyes darting between me and Abigail, his earlier bravado gone. “She’s good,” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. “Really good.”

I didn’t blink, my gaze still locked on him. “Glad to hear it.”

He cleared his throat, taking a small step backward.

“Anyway, I, uh… I should probably get back.” He chuckled nervously, looking for a way out. “Nice to see you, Mr. Suarez.” His voice cracked slightly as he nodded, turning on his heel.

I watched him walk away, his pace quickening like he couldn’t leave fast enough.

Once he was out of sight, I turned to Abigail, half expecting her to scold me for being so possessive. Instead, she looked up at me with a soft glint in her eyes.

“You know,” she said slowly, her voice dropping to a sultry tone, “your whole possessive thing is hot.”

I blinked, not expecting that response. “Yeah?”

She grinned, stepping closer so that her body was flush against mine. “Totally.”

I tightened my grip on her waist, pulling her closer. “Good to know,mi amor.”

She smiled up at me, but then her eyes drifted toward the displays. “I want to go see those,” she said, her voice soft but insistent, pointing toward the art pieces and sculpture garden nearby.

I nodded, guiding her toward the displays, taking in the luxury around us—priceless paintings hanging on the walls, limited-edition jewelry catching the light, and a collection of haute couture gowns on mannequins.

However, I had to pull away briefly for photos with the guys. Abigail chose to stay behind, not comfortable with the attention. When I returned, I saw her with yet another glass of champagne.

Sighing, I tried to take it from her, but she pulled it away, flashing me a defiant look. “I’m fine, Mikkel.”

As if on cue, Ronan showed up with a fresh bottle of champagne, and I almost snapped at him. I suppressed it, offering Abigail water with each glass she drank, but it barely helped.

By the time Azzaria stepped up, she asked, “Has she been at it all night?”

“From the moment Ronan brought the bottle over.”

“Stay with her till I’m back, please?” Azzaria asked. “I need to change these heels.”

“The car’s parked around the back and the doorman has the key.”

“Thanks, Mikkel.”

Abigail, now clearly feeling the effects of the alcohol, leaned in closer, her words slurring slightly.

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