Page 207 of Before Dawn

Afterward, we returned home, full and happy. Mikkel excused himself to take a work call, leaving me with my family in the kitchen.

“So, when’s the wedding?” Aurora teased, leaning against the counter.

“Soon enough.” I smiled, feeling content in this moment.

My dad nodded, looking pleased. “Well, I have to say I’m impressed.”

Aurora raised an eyebrow, shocked. “Dad? Impressed? That’s new.”

I rolled my eyes. “That’s Mikkel. He’s just…”

I paused, trying to find the exact words to capture how great he is.

“In love with you?” Aurora finished for me.

My smile softened. “Yeah.”

Aurora smirked. “I mean, you’ve got a guy who’s willing to make a day in Chinatown happen for your family in under an hour. Can’t argue with that.”

“That’s not even close to being the best part of him,” I replied, my voice quieter.

A lull settled in, and I felt a sudden urge to escape for a moment. Without saying much, I quietly slipped away, making my way upstairs to my room.

Mikkel was on the bed, his brow furrowed, looking slightly irritated yet deep in thought. I walked over and, without hesitation, sat down on his lap.

“Everything okay at the office?”

He nodded, but his expression didn’t change. “There’s this company, Luxe Transports.”

“A smaller transport company, right?”

“Yeah,” he said, running a hand through his hair. “They want me to buy them out, but it’s a bit sudden.”

I thought for a moment. “Is it?”

He looked at me, confused.

“I don’t think it’s sudden. You’re having back-to-back successful expansions on the first try, plus your Seattle acquisition is huge. Maybe they want to join the ever-winning side instead of competing.”

He grabbed my thigh, his fingers sending a jolt of warmth through me, then flashed that grin.

Thank God I was seated because my feet went lifeless.

“That’s one of the things I love about you, baby. You’re so fucking smart.” He leaned in closer, his breath warm against my skin.

I grinned. “I know.”

The conversation faded as we lingered in the silence, but I soon stood up, a new idea sparking in my mind.

“I want to take you somewhere.”

Mikkel raised an eyebrow. “Where?”

I smirked. “It’s my turn to surprise you.”

He chuckled, his eyes glinting. “Lead the way.”

I handed him a pocket knife.

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