Page 147 of Before Dawn

And in his arms?

A bouquet so massive it could have been used as a weapon.

My breath stalled.Whatthe hell?

This wasn’t just a bouquet. This was a statement. A ridiculous, oversized, unhinged arrangement of yellow primroses, ivory garden roses, and soft sprigs of baby’s breath—all tied together with silk ribbon that probably cost more than my rent.

People were staring. A couple walking past did a double take.

One thing about Mikkel Suarez? Subtlety was not in his vocabulary.

His lips curled into that slow, knowing smile as I reached him. “Took you long enough,amorcita.72”

I folded my arms, fighting a grin. “Did you rob a florist?”

Mikkel chuckled, shifting the bouquet under one arm just to free a hand for my waist. “What? Too much?”

“You’re out of control.” I shook my head, reaching for the flowers. They were heavy. Like, genuinely heavy.

Mikkel bent down slightly, pressing a lingering kiss to my cheek. The scent of his cologne mixed with the blooms, all rich spice and warmth, curling around me like something dangerous.

“I—” My voice faltered as I traced my fingers over the delicate petals, the sheer excess of it all hitting me in the chest.

My heart flipped.God, he was thoughtful.

“They’re beautiful,” I whispered, breathing them in.

“So are you.”

I swallowed.Hard.

This man.This man.

We slid into the car, and before I could even reach for my seatbelt, his hand was already on my thigh, warm and possessive.

I bit my lip, grabbing my phone to snap a quick photo of the bouquet now taking up half the damn backseat.

When I glanced up, sunlight poured through the windshield, casting his sharp features in a golden glow. Our eyes met, something slow and intense passing between us.

Then, I saw the bracelet on his wrist, the silver charm dangling with myinitials.

Damn him.

I knew it was there, but it still sent a thrill through me every time.

“You know,” I said casually, shifting so his grip on my thigh tightened, “I keep forgetting you’re much older than me, Mr. Suarez.”

His fingers flexed. “I’m pretty sure I asked you this before, but does that ever bother you, Ms. Asher?”

Bother me? Never.

I shook my head. “No way. You’re my sexy, patient, and ambitious man.”

His honey-brown eyes flickered with something dangerous. “And you’re my beautiful, compassionate, and remarkable woman.”

The words sank into me, hot and sweet. I was blushing, I knew it.

Then his hand slid further up my thigh. Too slow. Too deliberate.

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