The Mistress - 4. Chapter 4: Mateo's world is rocked and he might in too deep. Can he finally be happy?

The weight of Mateo’s actions pressed heavily on his shoulders as he pushed the door open. The dim light in his apartment greeted him as he stepped inside, casting long shadows that seemed to mirror the turmoil in his mind.

Closing the door behind him with a soft click, Mateo leaned against it for a moment, his eyes fixed on a distant point. The silence of the room enveloped him, amplifying the echoes of his own thoughts. The air seemed charged with the consequences of his choices, and he moved through the familiar space with a heaviness in his steps.

“God knows how much I want to kiss you!” Those words lingered in his mind, on repeat as a reminder of his actions earlier.

Images of the forbidden kiss flashed before his eyes, and he winced at the vivid memories. The weight of guilt settled in his chest, and he felt an ache in his heart as the realization of betraying Henry washed over him. Mateo's breaths became shallow, and he closed his eyes, trying to block out the tormenting images.

“I meant every word I have said up to this point. I really like you!”

Slowly, he slid down to the floor, his back against the door as the motions battled within him like a storm raging in his soul- threatening to drown him. Regret, guilt, and self-loathing twisted together, creating a knot in the pit of his stomach. Tears welled up, and he couldn't hold them back any longer. They streamed down his face, silent witnesses to the internal struggle tearing him apart.

“Why did I do that?” He said under his breath, hitting his head severally. “Why do I feel so bad?”

He buried his face in his hands, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as he tried to make sense of the mess he had created. How could he have been so foolish, so reckless with his heart? The realization of his betrayal weighed heavily on him, a heavy burden he couldn't shake off.

He remained there and he didn’t know for how long he had done that. In the midst of this emotional storm, his phone vibrated, breaking the oppressive silence. Startled, Mateo fumbled for his phone and saw Genny's name flashing on the screen. He hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether to answer or not. Eventually, he pressed the button, his voice weak as he greeted her.

“Hey, baby! How was your visit to Mark? Spill the details!” She said excitedly, almost squealing.

Mateo sighed, rubbing his tears.

“It... it didn't go well, Genny. I messed up. I messed up really bad.”

“What happened?” Genny asked, now concerned. “Are you okay?”

“I don’t know.” He sobbed softly.

And there, in the quiet confines of his home, Mateo found himself unraveling the tangled threads of his own indiscretions. He recounted the painful details, the guilt and confusion pouring out in a confession to his friend.

“Is that all?” Genny asked on the other end. “And here I was thinking that it was something serious. What’s the one thing that I have been telling you? You need your own man, Mateo, someone that will actually care for you and take care of you.”

“What about Henry?” Mateo asked. “He’s done so much for me. He took me when I was stranded… he paid for my school and he provides everything that I need. I feel like I am betraying him and he doesn’t deserve this.”

“And I’ll say what I have always been saying.” She sighed. “He’s a married man. He’s got a wife and if there is something you should be feeling guilty about, it’s the fact that you’re sleeping with a married man.”

Mateo was quiet. What Genny had said was something she hadn’t expected.,

“Don’t you think I know that? You’re making me feel shitier than I already do, please.”

“I am sorry, but it’s the truth. It’s time you opened your eyes and left him. He’s done so much for you but so have you. It’s time he lets you go so that you can go find your own path.”

“Whatever!” He sighed, combing his hair with his fingers. “I am done with this. I am not gonna see Mark again. I’d rather live peacefully.”

With those words, he cut the call and just sat there thinking. All he hoped for was to feel better and forget what he had done. But was it gonna be easy to forget about the hunk? Only time will tell….

***

Mateo rushed into Genny's apartment, his forehead creased with stress lines. The door swung shut behind him, and he wasted no time in getting straight to the point.

“What's so urgent, Genny?” he asked, his voice edged with impatience. “You made me rush here thinking it was a matter of life and death.”

Genny opened her mouth to respond, but before she could utter a word, Mateo's eyes wandered across the room and landed on the figure seated on the couch – Mark. His heart skipped a beat, and the stress that had burdened him a moment ago transformed into sheer disbelief. The man was staring at him with an intensity that sent shivers down his spine.

Mateo turned to face her friend.

“What’s this?” He asked with a weak grin. “What’s going on here? I thought you were in trouble for reals and I came here rushing…”

“Mateo!” Mark rose from the couch. “It’s not her fault. I forced her to do it.”

Mateo turned and looked at the man shaking his head. “Why?”

“You weren’t picking up my calls or returning my texts.” He said desperately. “I was getting anxious and I had to do something.”

Genny could smell the tension and she quickly excused herself and left them alone.

“I wasn’t picking your calls because I didn’t have anything to talk to you about.”

“Then tell, why did you leave like that?” Mark's voice was desperate, tinged with a hint of pleading. He reached out to touch Mateo's arm, seeking some kind of connection, some kind of understanding.

Mateo recoiled at Mark's touch, pulling his arm away sharply. “I don't owe you an explanation,” he replied, his voice laced with bitterness. “You know exactly why I left. What else did you want?”

“We kissed, Mateo and it meant more to me than anything else.” He replied.

Mateo chuckled bitterly. “It doesn't matter. What matters is that you crossed a line, and I can't just pretend like everything's okay. What did you expect me to do, stay so that you can get into my pants?”

“What?” Mark gasped, his eyes widening in shock. “Is that what you thought I wanted? I am sorry if the kiss hurt you but I will not apologize for it because it meant a lot to me. I agree that that I might not be the best of people but my intentions with you are pure.”

Mateo felt a lump in his throat. “It doesn’t matter. Ler’s just go back to the way we were before we met, forget that we existed in each other’s lives.”

As Mateo turned to leave, Mark's hand shot out, grabbing his arm firmly. “Please, just talk to me,” Mark pleaded, his voice cracking with emotion. “I need to understand. Why are you doing this?”

Mateo hesitated, feeling the weight of Mark's touch on his skin, the conflicting emotions swirling inside him. For a moment, they stood there in silence, the air heavy with unspoken words and unresolved tension.

But then Mateo pulled away, his eyes hardening once more.

“Why are you being so cold all of a sudden? Do you not like me?” Mark asked, his eyes searching Mateo's for answers. “I am not a bad guy, I promise, and everything I have said to you up to this moment has been nothing but the truth.”

Mateo took a harsh breath, his gaze breaking away from Mark's.

“It's not about not liking you, Mark. I just don't want trouble. This is too complicated, and I need time to figure things out."

“Okay, fine!” Mark raised his hands. “I am not going to force you to explain things to me. But one thing is that I will not cause you any trouble.”

“This isn’t about you.” He sighed. “It’s about me and I am just scared, Mark. It’s better…”

“Don’t say it!” Mark pleaded. “I will give you all the time you want in the world. I'm willing to wait, Mateo. I can't lose you.”

Mateo took a step back, his guard still up. “I don't know, Mark. I just need some time.”

Mark nodded, his eyes softening. “Okay, I’ll respect that. Let's take it slow then. We don't have to rush into anything. How about we start by being friends? Just get to know each other better. No pressure, no expectations. What do you say?”

Mateo studied Mark's earnest expression, the sincerity in his eyes. After a moment of silence, he let out a reluctant sigh. “Fine. Friends. But that's it, Mark. Nothing more.”

“That's a start. I'll wait for as long as it takes, Mateo. I don't want to lose you.”

Mark's face lit up with a hopeful smile, and he pulled Mateo into a tight hug. The warmth of their embrace offered a glimmer of possibility, a chance for something more. As they held each other, the tension began to melt away, leaving room for understanding and the potential for a new beginning.

*

True to his word, Mark and Mateo became friends although Mateo was still hesitant because he knew Henry would kill him if he found out. What started as a simple exchange about their favorite novels and literature evolved into late-night conversations about life, dreams, and the complexities of relationships. Mateo, however, was guarded, concealing the truth about his own entanglement with Henry, a married man with whom he had found solace.

As the texts turned into phone calls, and the phone calls extended into long, soul-searching conversations, Mateo found himself drawn to Mark's warmth and sincerity. Yet, a nagging fear lingered – the fear of betraying Henry. The guilt weighed heavy on Mateo's heart, making it difficult for him to fully embrace the budding friendship.

Mark, unaware of Mateo's hidden life, suggested they go out to a local restaurant to continue their conversations face to face. Mateo, torn between the desire for connection and the fear of betrayal, hesitated before agreeing. The restaurant became the backdrop for an evening filled with laughter, shared stories, and a growing sense of camaraderie.

As the days turned into weeks, Mateo and Mark began spending more time together. Casual dinners at charming restaurants slowly evolved into adventurous nights out in the city's vibrant bars and clubs. In those moments, Mateo felt a sense of freedom he hadn't experienced in years. Mark, unaware of Mateo's complicated past, saw only the surface of the charismatic man who had become his friend.

Mateo and Mark's friendship deepened, transcending the boundaries of mere camaraderie. Long conversations under the city lights blurred the lines between duty and desire, and Mateo found himself grappling with a truth he couldn't ignore – he was falling for Mark, and the web of deceit he had woven threatened to unravel.

Haunted by the fear of betraying Henry and losing the security of the life he had built, Mateo faced an internal struggle. Yet, the heart has a way of defying logic, and as emotions intensified, Mateo couldn't deny the inevitable. Love, like a persistent flame, ignited within him, burning away the carefully constructed walls he had built around his heart.

***

Mateo and Mark burst into the room, their passion igniting the air like a wildfire. The door slammed shut behind them, and in that fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still. The world outside ceased to exist as they embraced, their lips meeting in a desperate and fervent kiss.

Clothes flew in all directions, scattered like confetti in their wake. With each discarded garment, their desire seemed to intensify, fueled by the raw passion that surged between them. There was no time for hesitation, no room for anything but the overwhelming need to be closer, to touch and taste and lose themselves in each other.

Before they knew it, they found themselves on the bed, limbs tangled and hearts racing. The world outside faded into oblivion as they surrendered to the primal instinct that pulsed through their veins. Skin met skin in a frenzy of desire, each touch setting off fireworks of sensation.

And fuck was the man blessed with a cock, fit him so perfectly and drove him insane. Mark had fucked him so good, his entire body quivered with mind-blowing pleasure. His hands gripped so hard on the sheets as the man pounded into him, making him breathless and in need for more.

Their bodies moved together in perfect harmony, a dance of ecstasy and abandon. Moans and whispered declarations of love filled the air, merging with the sound of their racing heartbeats. In that moment, nothing else existed but the two of them, lost in the throes of passion.

As they moved together in a blur of motion, time seemed to stand still. Every touch, every kiss, every whispered endearment was etched into their memories, a testament to the depth of their connection. In each other's arms, they found solace and salvation, a refuge from the chaos of the world outside.

And as they reached the peak of their passion, the room filled with the symphony of their love, a crescendo of pleasure that echoed into eternity. Their climax was so powerful they’d both cried with rapturous gratification.

They were both catching their breath when they were done. It was a lot to take in but they were happy, if the smiles on their faces was anything to add to that. Mark wrapped his arms around Mateo’s arms and kissed him passionately on the lips. Both of them were tired and didn’t waste any time before they went to sleep.

*

Mateo slowly opened his eyes, the morning light filtering through the curtains casting a soft glow in the room. As he blinked away the remnants of sleep, he felt a warmth beside him. Turning his head, he saw Mark staring at him with eyes that seemed to hold the entire universe.

Mark's gaze was intense, yet tender, and it spoke volumes of love and vulnerability. The room was quiet, filled only with the gentle rhythm of their breaths. Mateo couldn't help but smile, feeling a deep connection in that quiet moment.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” He asked, his voice a gentle murmur.

“I've been awake for most of the morning, just watching you. I was scared you might disappear again.” Mark said, his voice with seriousness.

Mateo's brow furrowed in confusion. “Disappear? I'm right here,” he said, reaching out to gently caress Mark's cheek.

“I am was just scared that you might run away like the first time we kissed.” He chuckled nervously. “Well, you can’t blame me. I am crazy about you.” He leaned closer and held Mateo’s hands, staring into his eyes. “I can’t explain these feelings that I have for you. They’re so strong and… it’s almost like you’re the complete part of me. I love you so much, Mateo, so so much. These past few weeks I have spent with you have been the best of my life. I want you to be completely mine, my boyfriend and soon, to be part of my life for good.”

Mateo felt his heart begin racing and fear took ahold of him as he was once again reminded of what he had gotten himself into.

“I love you too, Mark…” He sighed, losing the smile on his face. “…but I don’t know what I am supposed to say to that. There’s a lot on my mind and I feel like I don’t deserve you. You deserve someone that will make you happy.”

“You keep saying that.” Mark said with a raised eyebrow. “I know I am not gonna push, you’ll tell me one day yourself. And I am the one that feels that I don’t deserve you. You’re just too good for me but that’s why I am gonna work hard so hard I don’t disappoint you.”

Mateo’s heart was stuck and he felt the confusion begin.

“What if it’s something that you can’t handle?”

Mark smiled and got closer. “No matter what, I love you so much, Mateo. Nothing in this world will ever separate me from you.”

Mateo’s mouth visibly shook. Oh… how he so much wanted to tell him the truth in that moment but he couldn’t do it. He was so scared because the burden that he carried was too heavy. And besides, Henry was still in the picture. He might have not seen him or talked to him in a few weeks but he knew he was gonna be back.

“Come on, don’t think too much about it.” Mark said, wrapping an arm around him. “Come here,”

Mark's touch was tender as he wrapped his arm around Mateo, drawing him close in the warm embrace of the bed. Their bodies, bare and entwined, ignited a familiar fire between them. With a passionate kiss, they rekindled the intensity of their connection. As Mark settled on top of Mateo, their hearts beat in sync, and the world outside their shared moment faded away. In this intimate space, they found solace and passion, lost in each other's touch.

***

Mateo entered his apartment, a radiant smile lighting up his face like a bride on her wedding day. The door swung shut behind him, and he kicked off his shoes, still grinning from ear to ear.

“Stop it!” Mateo chuckled, his joy evident in his voice.

Mark's laughter echoed through the phone, a mischievous tone underlying his words.

“How do you want me to stop when I miss you so much?” He moaned, making Mateo blush. “I can smell you on my sheets and I just want you back here. I want my lips on your skin… my body on yours, whispering something sexy in your ears. Oh fuck… I miss you so much!”

“Look who’s being naughty and flirty.” Mateo shook his head, still grinning from ear to ear. “I miss you too, naughty boy and your kisses too.”

Mark's laughter echoed again, warming Mateo's heart. “I can't help it. You're just too irresistible,”

Mateo's cheeks flushed pink, but he couldn't wipe the grin off his face. “Alright, alright. Let's stop before this gets out of hand.”

“Let them get out of hand!” Mark laughed on the other end. “I wouldn’t mind having you back here.”

“Alright, naughty boy, save that for our next date, okay?” He smiled.

Mark agreed, a hint of mischief still in his voice. “Deal. Looking forward to it, Mateo. Until then, try not to miss me too much.”

Mateo chuckled, “No promises, my naughty boy. Take care, and talk to you soon."

With that, he hung up the phone, still smiling as he thought about the wonderful day he had spent with Mark and the prospect of more to come. With a contented sigh, he leaned against his door, feeling grateful for the warmth of home and the warmth of Mark's presence.

Mateo's smile lingered as he headed upstairs, his footsteps light with contentment, the tune of a happy song escaping his lips. As he reached his room, he swung the door open, leaning casually against it. However, the cheerful melody froze on his lips, and his eyes widened in shock.

There, seated on the bed, was Henry – the married man Mateo had been secretly dating. Mateo's heart sank, and a wave of fear and dread washed over him. Henry stared back at him, an unreadable expression on his face.

Mateo's mind raced. Did Henry overhear the conversation with Mark? The smile slowly faded from Mateo's face as he faced the unexpected and potentially disastrous situation unfolding before him.

To be continued...