Page 136 of Before Dawn

Aurora interrupted gently, “Youaredifferent. Mikkel’s anger wasn’t directed at you. I know it might feel that way right now, but you need to remember that.”

I swallowed hard, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill.

“It’s okay to be scared and shaken,” Aurora’s voice was warm with understanding. “But think about everything he’s done for you, how he makes you feel safe and loved. I know this has shaken you, I can feel it through the phone. It’s terrifying, but don’t let this one moment make you forget the good. Ask yourself, is this a dealbreaker? Can you still be with him knowing he has this side?”

Her words cut through my anxiety, and I felt a tear slip down my cheek.

Aurora softened her voice. “I know you’re scared, but I don’t think leaving is what you want. I believe you two can work through this, but it only works if you talk. Communicate. Everything will be okay.”

“I’m not…” I whispered. “I’m just scared. I’m overthinking, and my thoughts are a mess.”

“That’s okay,” Aurora said gently. “You’re allowed to feel overwhelmed. This situation triggered something for you, and no one can invalidate that. But this is just one of those things in relationships. It’s howyou move forward that matters. Talk to him when you’re ready. Be honest with him. And don’t push yourself away.”

“I just…” I sniffled, wiping my eyes. “I feel like a mess.”

“Take your time,” she said softly. “Don’t rush. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Handle it when you’re ready. Together.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, feeling lighter. “I needed to hear that.”

“I’m always here, Abi. You know that.”

“I know,” I said, steadier now, as I realized we had arrived at my building.

“Call me if you need anything. Anytime,” she added.

“I will,” I promised, heading for my apartment, until I was stopped in my tracks.

Mikkel was at my door.Wasn’t he to be in Jersey City?

“What are you doing here?”

He looked at me with wide, almost frantic eyes, his words tumbling out in a rush, as if they were fighting to escape before he lost his nerve. “I… I couldn’t just go home and know you’re in this state.” He swallowed hard, his voice trembling slightly. “I don’t want you to hate me. I just… I couldn’t leave you like this.”

His words hit me as his mask of control slipped, leaving me struggling to process the flood of emotions.

I stepped forward, slowly, and whispered, “I could never hate you, Mikkel.”

His face seemed to ease at my words, but he still looked like he wasn’t sure what to do with himself. “Can I come in?” he asked, his voice much quieter now, almost hesitant.

I nodded. “Yeah.” I stepped aside, allowing him in.

He took the flowers from me gently, placing them in the vase with a tenderness only he could possess.

“I need tonight to breathe,” I said, my voice quieter now. “To think.”

His eyes softened as he turned toward me, and I could see how badly he wanted to say something, but instead, he just nodded. “Of course.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I know it doesn’t feel like it, but you’re alwayssafe with me. Today, I lost it. I should’ve been more mindful, and for that, I’m sorry, mi reina. I d—”

Mi reina. My queen.

Oh Mikkel.

I cut him off before he could say anything else. “I know.”

His gaze softened, his lips forming a small, apologetic smile. I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to steady myself.

Before I could move, anxiety hit me like a wave. My chest tightened, and I turned toward my room, desperate for space to breathe.

I didn’t want to seem weak, but once I reached my bed, I broke down. Sobs wracked my body as everything—my past, the fear, the confusion—came crashing down. My heart ached for him, for us, but I didn’t know how to fix it.

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