The Mafiaso And The AD 1024

Unresolved Tensions

Two weeks had passed since Amara and I had that conversation, and it felt like time had crawled by in slow motion. Her words from that day still echoed in my mind.

The kiss we shared, the intensity of that moment-it was clear to me that it meant something.

But she had called it a mistake. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more beneath her words.

Was she trying to protect herself from getting hurt, or did she truly believe it was a mistake?

The questions swirled in my head, each one feeding my frustration. I had been trying to focus on work, but my thoughts kept drifting back to her.

Tonight, I'd had enough. I grabbed my glass of whiskey and, in a fit of anger, hurled it against the wall. The shattering sound was oddly satisfying.

As I paced around my office, trying to shake off the irritation, the door creaked open.

Marcel walked in, his typical sarcastic demeanor in place. "Another tantrum?" he asked, his voice dripping with mockery.

"Marcel, fuck off," I snapped, my frustration bubbling over.

He raised an eyebrow. "Is this about Amara?"

I shot him a glare. "So it is," I said curtly.

Marcel didn't seem phased. He strolled over and leaned on the edge of my desk, his expression shifting to one of casual concern.

"Listen, buddy, women are confusing. You've got to understand them if you want to be with one. Did you ever ask what Amara wants from you?"

I shot him a look that could have melted steel. "No, and seriously, fuck off. You've got no experience with women other than fucking them and making them leave."

Marcel chuckled, unbothered by my harsh words. "Well, that's true, but I've seen enough to know that communication is key.

If you want to get through to Amara, you need to figure out what she's really thinking."

I ran a hand through my hair, trying to calm down. "I just don't get it. We had something real, and now she's acting like it never happened."

Marcel shrugged. "Maybe she's scared or unsure. People don't always know what they want right away, especially when it comes to matters of the heart."

I sighed, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and frustration. "I'm tired of second-guessing everything. I want to know where we stand, but I'm afraid if I push too hard, I'll push her away."

Marcel gave me a sympathetic look. "Sometimes you've got to take a risk if you really want something. It's a gamble, but if you don't try, you'll never know."

I ran through his words in my mind, trying to make sense of them. Marcel's advice was coming from a place of experience, even if it wasn't always the most traditional.

The idea of taking a risk wasn't something I'd been keen on, but it might be the only way to clear the air with Amara.

"Thanks, Marcel," I said, my voice softer. "I guess I needed to hear that."

He gave me a nod and started to leave. "Anytime, Donte. Just remember, if you want something real, you have to be willing to put yourself out there."

As he left the office, I sat down at my desk, feeling a bit lighter. Maybe it was time to have a real conversation with Amara, to lay everything on the table and see where we both stood.

It was a risk, but it was one I was willing to take if it meant finding out what was really between us.