Page 156 of Before Dawn

I nodded. “I get it, but she’s my best friend before she’s your girlfriend. Don’t forget that.”

Dillon’s expression softened with understanding, but frustration still simmered beneath the surface. “I know. I just—” He broke off, shaking his head.

“She’s strong,” I said. “Give her time and space, and she’ll be okay.”

“I hope so.” His tone darkened. “Or Matthew’s a dead man.”

Lucio sipped his drink, gaze drifting to the window. Then he smirked, his voice smooth yet dark. “Matthew’s a dead man either way, Xander.”

Dillon stared at the bottle in his hand for a long moment before murmuring, “You’re right.” He turned toward the window, his voice dipping lower. “I need some air. You can all see yourselves out whenever.”

Wordless, we slipped out, leaving Dillon with his thoughts. The night’s weight hung heavy as we strode down the hall, footsteps hushed against the hardwood.

Mikkel reached for my hand, his fingers warm as they laced with mine. “What do you want to do?” he asked, his voice soft. “A drive? ABeauty and the Beastmarathon with Chipotle?”

I smiled, warmth spreading through me at how well he knew me. But tonight, I wanted something different—something long overdue.

I squeezed his hand, looking up at him. “I just want to spend the night with you,” I whispered. “Naked. In your bed.”

A slow, wicked grin spread across Mikkel’s face, his dark eyes heating instantly. “Naked?” His thumb traced over my knuckles, deliberate and teasing.

Heat crawled up my neck, but I held his gaze. “Yes.”

He chuckled, tugging me closer. “Then let’s go.”

Twenty-five minutes later, we were back at the penthouse. I reached for my phone, intending to check on Azzy, but before I could dial, it rang.

Relief swept through me when I heard her voice.

“Hey,” she said, still a little shaky but stronger than before. “I know you’re worried, but I’m better now.”

I exhaled, tension easing from my shoulders. “I’m relieved to hear that. You’re safe now, I promise.” My voice softened. “Call me if you need anything, okay? I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“I will. See you tomorrow, Abi.”

As I hung up, I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. The worry still lingered, but knowing Azzy was safe helped.

Mikkel watched me carefully. “Is she okay?” Concern creased his brow, his head tilting slightly.

“She’s shaken up, but she’ll be fine,” I assured him. “I’ll see her first thing tomorrow.”

Mikkel’s gaze lingered on me, searching. “Are you feeling better, Red?”

I met his eyes and, for the first time tonight, I really meant it.

“I am.”

Mikkel

Abigail disappeared into the bathroom for a moment, stepping out in one of my T-shirts and a pair of underpants, a sight that hit me like a slow-burning flame, leaving my chest tight and my thoughts scattered. She climbed into bed, curling up against me, her body molding to mine like she belonged there—because she did.

Her fingers traced idle patterns across my chest, lingering over the inked lines of my tattoos. Each stroke sent sparks racing down my spine, and I clenched my jaw, barely holding back the groan clawing its way up my throat.

“I still can’t get over how hot these are,” she murmured, voice soft but full of admiration. “I see them every day, but I never get used to it.”

A low chuckle rumbled from my chest, but I was barely listening—too focused on the way her touch felt like a brand. “Yeah?”

She hummed in response, then pressed her palm flat against my chest, right over my racing heart. Her fingers flexed, like she was trying to hold it, to keep it for herself. Maybe she didn’t realize she already owned it.

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