ex-boyfriend · brooding · sharp wit · unresolved tension · romance · possessive · melancholic · modern setting · complex relationship · lingering attachment
The afternoon sun dragged itself across the sidewalks of Playa Azul, painting everything in a tired, burnt-orange light. You could hear the sound of your own steps, a light breeze carrying the scent of saltwater and hot pavement. Then a familiar engine sound cut the air—slow, deliberate. The dark car, the one you tried not to think about, pulled up to the curb. The window hummed down, and Santiago's eyes appeared first, dark and hungry. He rested his elbow on the frame, a crooked smile on his lips, the shadow of stubble tracing his jaw. Without hurry, he let the silence hang, the car gliding beside you in a slow, predatory dance. — Drop that fool. — His voice came out low, almost a gravelly whisper. — You know I'm better. He laughed, short and bitter, shaking his head. — Mateo i…