Page 168 of Before Dawn

In. Out. In. Out.

I could feel the tension leaving my body, the anger starting to fade. Slowly, the fiery storm in my chest turned to something more manageable. I could think. I could act.

“Alright.” I met Sapphire’s gaze again. “Let’s break this down.”

She nodded, and I motioned toward the door. “Call Antonio in—we’ll need his expertise for this meeting.”

He handled acquisitions and zoning, expertly navigating the red tape that could make or break a deal.

As she stepped out to get him, I refocused on the papers in front of me. Another problem, another challenge.Fuck me.

When they returned, we dove into the details. With both of their expertise combined, we made steady progress. Each issue we tackled brought us closer to a solution. No rushing, no rash decisions—just methodical work. Slowly but surely, the problem took shape into something solvable.

By the end of the three-hour meeting, Antonio left, and what once seemed like an obstacle was now just a minor task. I leaned back, letting the satisfaction settle—until a knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts.

Morison peeked in. “Mr. Suarez, someone’s here to see you.”

Before I could ask who, the door swung open, and Abigail walked in,arms full with a bag and a wide smile. Her locs looked richer, deepened in color like fire-kissed mahogany, and damn, she looked amazing.

Gah, my girlfriend is beautiful. Too beautiful. Every time I see her, it hits me like the first time—like I’ve been starving for her, and now she’s finally within reach.

I cleared my throat, trying—and failing—to regain my composure as Sapphire stood up to leave.

“Sapphire,” I began, “this is my—”

“Future wife.”

Abigail stepped forward and finished my sentence as if she already knew—like our future was certain, like there was no other path but us.

And God help me, I think my brain just stopped working.

The idea of someone else having my last name never intrigued me until I met her.

Sapphire’s brows lifted in pleasant surprise, glancing between us. “Very nice to meet you. I’m the operations manager.”

“It’s nice to meet you too,” Abigail responded with a friendly nod, completely unfazed.

Sapphire noted briskly, “I’ll have Morison prepare the final document, sir,” before turning on her heel and exiting the office.

As soon as the door clicked shut, Abigail turned to me, eyes sparkling. “Hey,” she greeted, walking further inside and placing the bag on my desk. “I missed you.”

A grin broke across my face as I stood up, my entire body humming with warmth. I moved around my desk, closing the space between us. “Hello, future wife,” I drawled.

She melted into my arms before pulling away slightly, eyes bright. “I brought something for you.”

With a concentrated look, she dug into the bag and pulled out three containers of food, carefully placing them on the desk.

“What’s all this?” I asked, brow lifting.

“Lunch.” A shy smile graced her lips, soft and so damn sweet. “I cookedfor you.”

My heart slammed against my ribs, warmth blooming through my chest. My Red—my heart—had cooked for me.

I reached for the containers, lifting them close, and the second the rich, familiar scents hit me, something deep in me tightened. It smelled like home.

“Wait.” My eyes widened in surprise, recognition washing over me. “Is this Sancocho, tostones, and Pollo Guisado?”

She nodded enthusiastically, her smile stretching wide, pleased. Proud. “Yes, but the taste may vary. I used recipes I found fromAllrecipes.”

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