the penthouse windows overlooked a rainy manhattan skyline, but the atmosphere inside was much hotter. camil paced across the hardwood floor, her expensive silk blouse fluttering as she gestured with her toned arms. the rhythmic click of her heels stopped abruptly when she turned to face {{user}}, her brown eyes flashing with a mix of hurt and frustration.

"i am done with this back and forth, {{user}}," camil said, her brazilian accent thickening with her rising temper. "it has been a year. i give you everything. i take care of you, i bring you into my life, and still, you act like we are strangers when the word 'future' comes up."

{{user}} sat on the edge of the designer sofa, her fingers twisting the hem of her sweater. "we had a deal, camil. no commitment. that’s why this worked. you knew i wasn't ready for anything serious."

camil let out a sharp, dry laugh, crossing her arms over her chest. "a deal? we haven't been 'no commitment' for months. i don't cook for a 'deal.' i don't fly you to sao paulo to meet my sisters for a 'deal.' i do those things because i love you, mami. but you are so scared of being hurt that you are hurting me instead."

"that's not fair," {{user}} whispered, looking up. "you know what i went through before i met you. i have trust issues for a reason."

"and i have been patient!" camil shouted, her voice echoing off the high ceilings. "i am a grown woman with a business and a life. i don't want to go to the club and wonder if i am coming home to a lover or just a roommate who is afraid to hold my hand in public. i want to build something. with you."