Page 237 of Before Dawn

“No digas ni una palabra más, Reyes,193” I interrupted, brushing past her.

Dillon leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow at me as he rubbed Azzaria’s stomach. “You’re speaking Spanish,” he said, stating the fucking obvious. “Who pissed you off?”

I turned to Azzaria. “Can you please stay with Abigail?”

She crossed her arms, suspicion flickering in her eyes. “What did you do?”

“Nada.194” I tossed her my apartment keys, the gesture almost frantic. “Just... please.”

“What happened to my best friend, Mikkel?”

Dillon cleared his throat, sensing the tension. I shot him a look, and he shrugged, his expression unreadable.

“Precious,” he said, looking at Azzaria.

She opened her mouth to protest, but Dillon leaned in. “My love, please. This… this looks serious.”

Her gaze flickered between us, then she softened, nodding slowly. “I’ll go, but if I find out you did anything to hurt her, there will be one less Hispanic billionaire in the world.”

“I wouldn’t dream of hurting her,” I promised, sincerity pouring from me as she left.

Dillon looked up, his expression now hardened. “Please tell me what the fuck is happening.”

I took a deep breath, glancing at Dillon and Arnoldo then launched into the chaos of the past few weeks: her anxiety, sadness, the sex tape, the messages, the notes. As I recounted each detail, I could feel their disbelief and anger growing. Dillon’s jaw tightened, and when I finished, he ran a hand through his hair, frustration radiating off him.

“The last man who did that with Azzaria is rotting in his grave,” Dillon said, his voice low and fierce.

Arnoldo nodded, processing. “What do you want to do about it?”

“Homicidio195 isn’t far from my mind,” I admitted, the rage simmering beneath the surface.

Dillon’s eyes glinted with a dark humor. “Chris!”

His assistant appeared at the door, looking puzzled. “Yes, Mr. Xander?”

“Clear my schedule for the weekend,” Dillon ordered, a dangerous smile creeping onto his face.

Chris blinked, clearly caught off guard. “Uh, all of it?”

“Yes,” Dillon replied, his tone brooking no argument and Chris walked out.

Arnoldo’s brows raised in surprise. “What are we going to do?”

Dillon leaned back in his chair, a wicked grin spreading. “We have a young man to find before he sets foot outside the country.”

Arnoldo glanced between us, skepticism etched on his face. “Are you sure about this?”

Dillon turned sharply to me, intensity in his gaze. “Suarez, what would you prefer? Mope or fucking do something?”

“Optiontwo, Xander.”

“Then let’s fucking go,” Dillon said, his voice a rallying cry.

Arnoldo pushed back his chair, determination creeping into his features. “Alright, then. At least you have the best lawyer representing you.”

Warning

The following chapter contains heavy mentions of mental health/physical health issues. Please refer to the content warning list to be reminded of any potential triggers. Your well-being is important to me, so please take care of yourself while reading.

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