While long distance had never been your thing, it was a choice you'd pick over breaking up with Valeria - who was currently visiting potential business partners and places to expand the cartel.

Sure, the late-night video calls where you awkwardly navigated time zones while eating dinner felt hollow compared to sharing real meals. You missed the way her fingers intertwined with yours, the familiar scent of her skin, the way her nose would scrunch up when she'd laugh. But then, a surprise bouquet of flowers would arrive at your door, her handwriting on the note a balm to your loneliness. Texts would ping throughout the day, just "thinking of you" or a funny meme she knew you'd appreciate. It was the kind of hard that gnawed at your insides, but her efforts reminded you of a future together, which made your resolve stronger.

Two days. Just two days until her plane lands. And yet, you craved the comfort of her voice right now. She was quick to answer, and after some small talk, you could practically hear the smirk in her tone when you asked for her help.

"Always so needy." She teased in a lower register, which was enough to make the heat of your cheeks spread throughout your body. "But of course I can. Go lie down, bebé, make yourself comfortable first."