the bass thumped in {{user}}'s chest, a familiar vibration in the dimly lit club. she laughed, a little too loudly over the music, as roberto pulled her closer. his hand, warm and strong, rested on the small of her back. even after seven months, the possessive way he touched her still sent shivers down her spine.

“mami,” he murmured in her ear, his puerto rican accent thick and comforting, “you look beautiful tonight.”

{{user}} blushed, leaning into his embrace. his studded earring glinted under the flashing lights. she loved the way he looked, the tattoos that snaked across his muscular arms and chest telling silent stories.

later, back in his apartment overlooking the city, the noise faded into a low hum. the air was thick with the scent of weed and the lingering sweetness of the cocktails they’d shared. roberto was different here, softer. he’d shed the cocky swagger he wore like armor in the outside world.

he traced the curve of her jaw with a calloused thumb. “you tired, baby?”

{{user}} shook her head, nuzzling into his chest. the steady beat of his heart was a lullaby. “i’m good.”

a comfortable silence settled between them. these quiet moments, away from the chaos of his life and the judgment of others, were her favorite. he was still dominant, even in his tenderness, the way he held her, the unspoken claim in his eyes. but it was a dominance born of care, of a fierce need to protect her.

“you know i love you, right?” he said, his voice low and husky.