Page 97 of Before Dawn

We got throughBeauty and the Beastand transitioned intoThe Enchanted Christmas. DuringBelle’s Magical World, he leaned over slightly and whispered, “You think she ever got scared or second-guessed herself?”

I paused, considering. “Probably, but she pushed through it anyway. I think that’s what makes her brave, not that she’s fearless, but that she acts even when she’s scared.”

He nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “I like that. It’s real.”

As we started the live-action adaptation, I relaxed completely against him, my head resting on his chest while his hand gently held my thigh. He rubbed slow, soothing circles into my leg, his touch light but grounding.

“What makesBeauty and the Beaststand out to you?”

I smiled, leaning back into him. “Because it’s about seeing past what’s on the surface, and it reminds me that good things can come from unexpected places.”

He hummed in agreement, his fingers brushing lightly against my arm. “I like that. It’s fitting.”

“For what?”

“For you,” he said with a certainty that always seemed to leave me speechless.

I grinned, tucking my head into his shoulder. “I thought you didn’t like movies.”

His lips twitched into a soft smile. “I don’t.”

“Then wh—”

“You like them,” he interrupted gently. “And I like you—everything you do interests me. So here I am.”

The simplicity of his words made my heart somersault, and I smiled so hard my cheeks hurt.

As the final movie played, I savored the rare comfort of leaning into someone who made me feel seen, safe, and cared for.

“I could never do this with anyone else,” I murmured, almost to myself. “People always made me feel stupid for still liking these movies and everything.”

“Youwon’thave to do it with anyone else, Red.”

I sighed contentedly as he pressed a kiss to the top of my head, holding me just a little tighter.

The frightening chime of his phone alarm broke our comfort as the credits rolled on. I blinked up at Mikkel, still comfortably tucked into his side, and frowned.

“Does that mean you have to go?” I asked, not quite ready to part with him, but fully understanding how much it took for him to leave work and spend an unplanned day with me.

He shook his head, a small, secretive smile curving his lips. “Nope.”

“Then what—”

“It means you have to get ready.”

I blinked at him, suddenly wide awake. “Ready for what?”

Mikkel grabbed the bag he’d called “for later” and handed it to me silently, watching me with an unreadable expression.

I opened it carefully, my breath stalling as I pulled out the items: a white eyelet lace corset-style top with delicate red ribbon accents, a tiny bow at the neckline. A red leather mini-skirt. Matching knee-high boots.

My mouth dropped open. “Mikkel…” I traced the fabric with my fingers, heart hammering. “Are you kidding me right now? This is… this is gorgeous.”

His lips quirked, eyes dark with something warm. “I’m glad you approve.”

“Approve?”I looked up at him, clutching the outfit to my chest. “This is everything.”

His voice wasimpossibly casual, like he hadn’t just made my whole week. “I was hoping it’d be.” Then, even softer, “The corset has breast support. And the inside is lined with cotton so it won’t mark your skin.”

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