Page 145 of Before Dawn

Gone.

She stood there in a pair of shorts and a loose tank that clung to her chest, her hair piled into a top bun, skin glowing under the dim light.

I swallowed hard, my brain short-circuiting.

Fuck.

I should say something.

I really should.

But all rational thought had left the building.

“Hey,” she murmured, her voice wrapping around me like a warm blanket.

“Hey.”

I stepped inside, letting the door swing shut behind me. The second it clicked into place, I pulled her in, capturing her lips in a deep kiss. Soft. Warm.

She sighed against me, her fingers curling into my shirt like she needed to anchor herself.

When I finally pulled back, I brushed my knuckles against her cheek, taking my time. “You’re so fucking beautiful.”

She blushed, and I smiled, ready to say something else—until she caughtme staring.

“You’re staring,” she said, a playful glint in her eyes.

I blinked, grinning. “There’s a lot to look at, baby.”

She shook her head, biting back a smile, but just as I leaned in again, footsteps sounded from the hallway. Azzaria.

“Alright, lover boy.” Her voice cut through the moment, arms crossed, an unimpressed look on her face. “Let’s set something straight. Don’t break her heart.”

I turned to face her, standing my ground. “I would never.”

Azzaria didn’t say anything right away. She just studied me, tilting her head slightly like she was weighing something.

Finally, she exhaled sharply and nodded. “Good. I’d hate to come after you.”

I smirked. “I believe you.”

Abigail laughed, and the tension melted into something lighter. The three of us talked for a while, easy conversation filling the space. It felt like home.

Eventually, I knew I had to leave—to get back to my sister and let her enjoy her girls’ night—even though every part of me wanted to stay.

Abigail walked me to the door, slipping her hand into mine. “Thanks for dinner.”

“Any excuse to see you.” I smiled, leaning in for another kiss. This time, I took it slow, savoring the feel of her lips. She melted into me, parting just enough for me to deepen it, pouring a silent promise into every lingering second.

When I finally pulled away, I cupped her face, my thumb tracing the curve of her cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow, baby.”

She nodded, but her grip on my hand tightened slightly. Then, in a whisper, “When you kiss me like this… I don’t want you to leave.”

A slow breath left me, my thumb now grazing her lower lip. “I don’t want to either.”

The air between us grew heavy, thick with something unspoken, the moment stretching taut. If I kissed her again, I wouldn’t be able to walk away.

But I forced myself to step back. “Goodnight.”

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