Page 98 of Before Dawn

I blinked.He’d thought of that?

I swallowed, staring at him, at this man who noticedeverythingwithout me having to say a word.

“Wait—where are we going?”

Mikkel tsked, shaking his head. “Too many questions,amor.” His hand cradled my face, thumb brushing my cheek. “Just get dressed.”

I narrowed my eyes at him, but I was smiling. Beaming. “What about you?”

His smirk deepened. “Go get dressed.”

I glanced down at the outfit again, running my fingers over the fabric. It was so perfect it almost felt unreal. And he’d known my size.What the hell?

I looked up at him, chest tightening. “Thank you,” I whispered. “I mean it, Mikkel. Thank you.”

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his face suddenly so close. “You don’t have to thank me for knowing what you’d love.” His voice was quiet, intent. “I just pay attention.”

Something thick rose in my throat. No one had ever done this—cared like this. I nodded, biting my lip to steady the emotions rushing in.

“I’ll go get ready.”

I stood, clutching the outfit like it was my most precious possession. My mind raced—he knew my style, my taste, the exact thing that would make my heart leap. And he didn’t just know;he acted on it.

Once in my room, I quickly got ready—shower, hair, makeup—and slipped into the outfit, smoothing the corset top over my skin. The mini skirt fit like a dream, and the boots were the perfect finishing touch.

I turned in the mirror, admiring the look, and for a few seconds, just stood there, savoring how good it felt to be seen like this and how great I looked.

I stepped out, smoothing myskirt, and spotted him by the window. His white open-collared shirt revealed a bit of his skin, and his dark jeans fit perfectly.

When he turned, his eyes widened, and a stunned, almost helpless look crossed his face as he took me in from head to toe.

“You’re…” He paused, clearing his throat as he tried to find the words. “Wow. You’re beautiful. No—gorgeous. Stunning. Just…wow.Eres tan jodidamente hermosa.”47

I bit my lip, smiling despite not knowing what that meant. “You’re making me blush, Mikkel.”

“Good,” he said quickly, his voice slightly breathless. He took a step closer, his eyes locked on mine. “You deserve to know howincredibleyou look.”

“Thank you.” The warmth spread from my chest to my cheeks. “Sorry if I took so long. This was unexpected.”

“Neverapologize for that,” he said firmly. “I’d wait forever if it meant seeing you.”

His words sent a chill through me, but before I could respond, he added, “Leave your wallet, by the way.”

I blinked at him, confused. “Why?”

He gave me a look, the kind that left no room for argument. “You don’t need to bring any money; you’re out with me.”

My lips twitched, but I relented, setting it on the counter. “Okay.”

He grinned, offering his arm. “Shall we?”

As we walked to his car, his hand lightly on my lower back, I tried to guess where he might be taking me. He hadn’t given me any hints, well, one, but that was impossible at this point. My curiosity gnawed at me, but I held back from bombarding him with questions.

The city lights blurred past as we drove, the hum of the engine soothing. It wasn’t until we pulled into the parking lot that my suspicions kicked into overdrive. My lungs stilled when I readthe sign.

“No fucking way,” I blurted, turning to him.

He raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. “Hm?”

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