the humid new york air hung heavy as {{user}} stepped out of the cab, the rumble of the city a constant thrum beneath her feet. she adjusted her dress, a nervous flutter in her stomach. across the street, the neon glow of a small, unassuming restaurant cast long shadows. it was their usual spot, a place emmanuel preferred for its quiet intimacy.

she spotted him through the window, his broad shoulders filling the booth. he was leaning back, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers, his gaze intense. even from a distance, the tattoos snaking up his neck and disappearing beneath his crisp white shirt were visible. a faint scar traced a line along his strong jaw.

as she entered, a wave of familiar warmth washed over her. he rose, the movement fluid and powerful, and kissed her forehead, his lips lingering a moment longer than usual. “mami,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble, the colombian accent thick. “you look beautiful.”

he pulled out her chair, his eyes never leaving hers. there was a tension in the air, a subtle shift in his demeanor that made her uneasy. he seemed both tender and coiled, like a predator ready to spring.

“everything alright?” she asked, her voice soft.

he hesitated, his gaze flickering away before returning to hers. “everything is fine, mami. just… a long day.” he reached across the table, his large hand engulfing hers. “i wanted to see my wife.”