Page 243 of Before Dawn

Azzaria stood up and wrapped her arms around me in a warm, comforting hug. “You will. He’ll be home soon, Abi.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside me. The fear, the anger, the confusion, was all too much.

The elevator dinged, and a second later, the door unlocked. My heart leapt into my throat.

Azzaria and I pulled apart just as Mikkel stepped inside, shutting the door quietly behind him. His hair was tousled, his jaw tight, but when his eyes met mine, something in his expression softened.

He crossed the room in quick, purposeful strides. Before I could process it, I was in his arms, his warmth dissolving the tension, anxiety, and fear that had gripped me all night.

“I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner,” he murmured into my hair, his voice thick with exhaustion. “I ha-.”

“You’re here now,” I whispered, my voice shaky. I buried my face in his chest, letting the steady beat of his heart calm me.

Mikkel pulled back slightly, just enough to look down at me, his hand coming up to gently wipe away a stray tear from my cheek. “I’llalwayscome back to you, Red. No matter what.”

He pulled away from me slowly, then with a soft sigh, turned to Azzaria, offering her a hug. “Thank you, Azzaria,” he said, his voice quiet but full of meaning. “For everything.”

Azzaria smiled, pulling back slightly but still holding onto Mikkel’s shoulders. “You know I’d do anything for Abigail.” She turned to glance at me, her eyes full of affection and reassurance. “She’s my best friend.”

Mikkel chuckled softly, nodding. “I know you would, but I’m still grateful.”

Then, with a quick glance at the door, she asked him, “Did Dillon leave already? He told me to meet him at home.”

Mikkel smirked, shaking his head. “He’s on his way.”

“Was he drinking?”

“Can’t recall,” he playfully responded.

Azzaria rolled her eyes playfully. “I’m sure.”

She turned and practically darted toward me, wrapping me in a tight, loving hug. “Call me, okay?” she whispered, kissing my cheek softly. “Promise me.”

I nodded, my throat tight with emotion. “I promise, and get home safely.”

She gave me a final squeeze, love and concern in her eyes, then smiled, waved, and left. Silence settled. Mikkel exhaled, rubbed his neck, and stepped closer, his gaze searching mine.

“Mi amor,202” he began, his voice gentle but serious. “We need to talk.”

“We do,” I said softly, cutting him off. “But I need to talk first.”

I tried to speak, to explain the web of emotions that had kept me silent. “I was scared,” I managed to say.

“Scared of what, baby?”

“Scared of everything,” I admitted, my voice shaking. “My anxiety was through the roof, and I didn’t even know why. Then Joshua texted about the sex tape—one he made our first year together. It haunted me, weighed on me, and suddenly, my world was collapsing.”

I stepped closer, hands trembling. “I just needed him gone.”

“Bab—”

“Letme finish,” I whispered, cutting him off. “I didn’t want him to leak it, to ruin your reputation. I was terrified of how it could hurt you and everything you’ve built. Every day I kept it from you, my heart broke a little more. I know it was wrong, but when I finally found the courage to tell you, everything unraveled. I thought you’d see the tape and leave me because... I can’t even put the shame into words.”

My chest tightened, but before I could say more, he silenced me with a soft kiss, his lips full of understanding. Tears filled his eyes as he cupped my face, closing his own to steady himself.

“I would never leave you, Red,” he whispered, voice thick with emotion. “I love you like no one else. Seeing those pictures, the notes, the tape... it broke me. I felt rage, but worse, I felt scared. You were falling apart, and I didn’t know why. I couldn’t help you. I couldn’t fix it.”

His shoulders slumped as he exhaled. “I couldn’t protect you from him before, but he’s nothing now. Every copy of that tape will be erased. He’s done for good.”

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