Page 126 of Before Dawn

Instead, she reached for the champagne bottle.

I caught her wrist gently, my fingers brushing her pulse. It was quick, fluttering—whether from the alcohol or something else, I wasn’t sure.

“That’s enough for tonight, baby.” My voice was low, coaxing. “Let’s get you home.”

Abigail pouted. “Bu–”

“You’ve had enough.” I stood, pulling her up with me. “Come on.”

She nodded, a sleepy smile playing on her lips as she leaned into me for support. After retrieving the keys from the valet, I helped Abigail into the car, where she quickly drifted off to sleep.

By the time we reached her apartment, she stirred just enough to show her ID before we headed upstairs, but it wasn’t long before her head lolled against my shoulder again.

I pressed a kiss to her temple.God, she had no idea what she did to me.

Fumbling through her purse, I finally found the swipe card and keys buried beneath lipstick tubes and crumpled receipts. With a sigh of relief, I unlocked the door and guided her inside, steadying her as she stumbled slightly.

“Thanks,” she mumbled, voice thick with sleep.

“Let’s get you to bed, Red.”

She sank on the edge of the mattress, heavy-lidded but still holding on.

“I saw something beautiful at the gala,” she murmured.

I crouched beside her. “Yeah? What was it?”

Her lips curled into the softest smile. “A necklace. Gold, with these tiny diamonds. It caught the light… like it was glowing.”

“Whe—”

She yawned, her lashes fluttering shut. “It was so pretty…” The words faded as sleep pulled her under.

“Red?” I called out but it made no sense, she was out like a light.

Carefully, I helped her lie down, gently removed her makeup and dress, then tucked her under a soft blanket. One by one, I pulled the pins from her hair, watching her curls tumble free. I let my fingers glide through them—slow and reverent—massaging her scalp before slipping on her silk bonnet.

By the time I returned with water and Tylenol, she was still fast asleep.

I kissed her forehead, savoring her peaceful expression, before slipping out to meet a visibly irritated Dillon at the gala.

“What happened?” I asked.

“Nothing, just… tired.”

“You sure?”

“I’m sure. Let’s go.”

I wanted to push, but the look in his eyes told me everything. Whatever it was, it had to do with Azzaria.

The car ride was quiet until he finally glanced at me.

“So, you and Abigail…?” His eyebrow lifted slightly, curiosity flickering in his gaze.

I nodded. “Yeah, but I haven’t officially asked her to be my girlfriend yet. I’m working on the details.”

Dillon smirked. “Happy for you, Suarez. Though I’m offended I wasn’t the first to know.”

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