Page 218 of Before Dawn

Lucio smirked. “It’s not about the money. It’s about making her happy.”

Arnoldo sat back, stunned. “You’re telling me you’d drop anything for your women? No questions asked?”

“Yes,” we confirmed.

“I’m not even surprised.”

“So, what’s the most you’ve ever spent, Arnoldo?” Alex asked, leaning forward, his curiosity clear.

“The Aruban house as a gift tomyselfor one of my cars.” Arnoldo sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t have any women to spend on.”

Dillon raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile creeping across his face. “When do you plan to fix that?”

Arnoldo rolled his eyes, his smirk betraying his discomfort. “I don’t.”

“Let’s hope you catch the bouquet at Dillon’s wedding, Reyes,” Alex chimed in, his sarcasm thick.

“Very funny,” Arnoldo shot back, crossing his arms but failing to hide his grin. “I’m too busy for commitment.”

I leaned back, amusement flickering in my eyes. “Busy doing?”

“Running the biggest multi-billion-dollar law firm in the country and keeping you all in business,” Arnoldo replied, shrugging it off. “Not every guy needs a partner to feel complete.”

“True,” I said, keeping it light. “But you might want to reconsider. You’re missing out on some good stuff.”

Arnoldo laughed, shaking his head. “Why are you all so hellbent on me falling in love?”

My phone buzzed in my pocket, pulling my attention away. I checked the screen—Abigail had texted me. My cheeks flushed as I read her message.

Red:I’m so wet thinking about you.

Red:*attachment*

They caught the look on my face, and Arnoldo raised an eyebrow. “What’s that grin about?”

“Just a… message from Abigail.” I cleared my throat, trying to keep myself composed. “I should probably get home.”

“Damn, man,” Dillon said, feigning shock. “Is everything okay?”

I gulped the rest of my water. “It will be.”

The guys exchanged glances, amused and curious. But all I could focus on was Abigail and that damn picture.

I pushed back from my seat. “We’ll talk later.”

As I headed for the door, Arnoldo called after me. “Drive safe, Suarez.”

The drive home was unbearable. Every mile, every second, stretched unbearably. Every red light, every delay, tested my patience. By the time I pulled into the parking lot, my pulse was a hammer, anticipation coiling tight in my gut.

I fumbled with my keys, barely getting the door open before stepping inside. The warmth of home wrapped around me, but it wasn’t what made my breath catch. It washer.

She sat on the counter like a vision conjured straight from my deepest, filthiest fantasies. The soft glow of the kitchen lights kissed every curve, making the sheer lingerie cling to her skin like sin itself. A glass dangled from her fingers, her green eyes gleaming with something wicked.

“You got here quickly,” she mused, her lips curving in amusement.

Not quickly enough.

“I couldn’t resist,” I admitted, stepping closer, every inch closing the aching distance between us. “Not after that message.”

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