Page 169 of Before Dawn

I set the containers down, cupped her face, and kissed her—slow and deep—pulling her close. She did this for me. Thought of me. Went out of her way to make something she knew would mean the world to me.

I pulled back just enough to whisper, “I really appreciate this. You’re amazing, and you put so much thought into it.”

Her fingers curled against my chest. “I hope you like it,” she murmured, voice soft, almost uncertain. But this wasn’t just about the food. It was the effort, the love she poured into it. The fact that she made Dominican dishes for me meant everything. I knew from watching my mother prepare them just how much work, patience, and care went into each one.

“You have no idea how much you’ve brightened my day, Red.”

I pulled out the nearest chair and sat down, already digging in. The sancocho was perfectly tender, the flavors deep and rich. It had a kick, spicier than I was used to, but it still tasted like home. The tostones were crisped to perfection, and the pollo guisado? Unreal.

I took another bite, closing my eyes briefly, savoring every bit. Then I glanced up at her, a teasing smirk curling at my lips.

“What do I have to do to get a plate of these per day?”

Excitement beamed across her face. “Exist.”

I’m doomed.

I reached out, running my hand through her hair, then stilled. “You changed the color?”

A small, knowing smile tugged at her lips. “I mixed the copper platinum with burgundy. Didn’t think you’d notice.”

I let out a slow breath, my eyes dragging over her, drinking her in. “I noticed the second you walked in.” My voice dropped, rougher now. “I always notice you.”

Her blush deepened, her fingers twitching at her side like she wanted to reach for me. Like she was holding herself back. And fuck, that made me want her more.

“How’s work?” she asked, her voice softer now, like she felt it too.

I told her about the acquisition, about how close I’d come to losing my patience, about the hours of negotiations that had me this close to snapping. And she just listened—eyes locked on mine, soaking up every word.

When I finished, she reached up, brushing her fingers along my jaw, her touch featherlight. “I’m proud of you, Mikkel,” she whispered. “Not just for what you’re doing, but for how you’re handling things.”

Something in me broke.

I swallowed, my throat tight, my chest burning with something I couldn’t name—something too big, too consuming. I needed her closer, needed to feel her against me.

I cradled her face in my hands, letting my thumbs trace the curve of her jaw, my forehead pressing against hers. “You make me want to be better,” I admitted, my voice raw. “You make me—” I exhaled sharply, shaking my head. Fuck. “You have no idea what you do to me, Red.”

Her breath hitched, fingers tightening around my wrist. She didn’t answer with words, but the way she melted into my touch said it all.

Smiling, heart full, I kissed her forehead, grateful for the calm she brought to my chaos. After a little more conversation, I took her to her nail appointment, hoping to beat traffic and make it back for my budget meeting.

I wiped the sweat from my forehead and set the dumbbell back on the rack. The gym was quieter than usual, the hum of treadmills and clinkingweights forming a steady rhythm. I took a deep breath, savoring the brief pause before my next set.

The budget meeting went smoothly. The Astar’s contract was on track, Chicago’s expansion was progressing, and Miami’s was underway. Seattle’s acquisition was being redrafted, while we explored transport markets in Africa and Europe. Client satisfaction remained high, though supply chain delays continued to slow our fleet. To counter this, we were actively streamlining operations and securing alternative suppliers.

As I caught my breath, my phone buzzed in my pocket. It was Abigail.

“Amor?94” I greeted, glancing at the gym clock. She was probably just about done with her nails.

“Mikkel Suarez, you aretrulysomething else.”

“What happened?”

She chuckled softly. “I went to pay for my nails, but Kody told me you’d already covered this set and the future ones.”

“I don’t see the need for you to spend your own money when I exist.”

Her laugh was sweet, like the gentle clink of a champagne glass. “You know you spoil me?”

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