Authors note: I started writing this because I couldn’t get the idea out of my head, and somehow it turned into this. Most of my writing happens late at night, so if you spot a typo or a sentence that sounds like it was written by someone running on three hours of sleep… it probably was. ..This story is a slow burn and inspired by a chase atlantic song,the fic also focuses heavily on healing, trust, comfort, and learning what it feels like to be genuinely cared for after experiencing trauma. While there are romantic moments, I want the emotional connection between Rio and the reader to be the heart of the story. <3 stay comforted by this fic maybe🖤
Listen to this while reading! <3 (is ok if not.)
The house was quieter than usual.You stood in the doorway of Rio’s bedroom,your fingers nervously playing with the sleeve of the oversized shirt hanging from your frame.Most of your boxes were still sealed in the hallway,but somehow the place already felt different.Your shoes sat beside his at the front door.Your favorite blanket was folded over the arm of the couch.Your coffee mug rested next to his in the kitchen.You lived here now.The thought alone made your heart race.
Rio sat at the edge of the bed,watching you in complete silence.His elbows rested on his knees,his hands loosely clasped together.You could feel his eyes following every little movement you made.
“You gonna keep standing there?”
You blinked.
“What?”
“You been staring at that floor for five minutes.”
You looked down.
“…Have I?”
“Mhm.”
Heat crept into your cheeks.
“I didn’t notice.”
“I know.”
You let out a quiet laugh.
His eyes never left you.
“You nervous?”
You hesitated.
“…Maybe.”
“‘Bout me?”
Your eyes snapped up.
“No.”
A small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.
“You answered that real fast.”
“I’m serious.”
“I know.”
The room fell quiet again.
Rain tapped softly against the bedroom window while the warm glow from the bedside lamp painted soft shadows across the walls.You swallowed hard.
“I’ve never done this before.”
Rio tilted his head.
“Done what?”
“…Moved in with somebody.”
He nodded slowly,letting you continue.
“I keep thinking I’m gonna mess something up.”
“You won’t.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I do.”
You laughed under your breath.
“You sound awfully confident.”
“I am.”
You looked away.
“I’ve always had to be careful.”
“I noticed.”
You frowned.
“You notice everything.”
“I do.”
He stood from the bed and walked over slowly,stopping just in front of you.Close enough that you could catch the faint scent of his cologne,but far enough that you still had room to step back if you wanted.
You didn’t.
His gaze lingered on your face.
“You keep waiting for me to change my mind.”
Your chest tightened.
“I…”
“You ain’t gotta say it.”
His voice stayed calm.
“I can see it.”
Your eyes watered.
“You keep apologizing every time you put something down.”
You laughed nervously.
“I said sorry because I left my hoodie on the couch.”
“You live here.”
“I know.”
“You apologized because your shampoo’s in my shower.”
“…Yeah.”
“You asked if you could open my fridge.”
A tiny smile escaped you.
“…That one was kinda stupid.”
“A little.”
You rolled your eyes,earning the smallest chuckle from him.
“There she is.”
Your smile faded just as quickly.
“I just…”
Your voice cracked.
“I don’t wanna be too much.”
Rio’s expression softened.
“You ain’t.”
“I have baggage.”
“So do I.”
“I have bad days.”
“So do I.”
“I get scared.”
“I know.”
A tear slipped down your cheek before you could stop it.
Rio lifted his hand slowly,never rushing,never assuming.His fingers stopped just short of your face,waiting.
When you didn’t pull away,his knuckles brushed gently against your cheek,wiping away the tear.
“So damn pretty…”
He murmured it so quietly you almost thought you imagined it.
Your breath caught.
His eyes searched yours.
“You still thinking?”
“…Yeah.”
“Quit.”
“I don’t know how.”
“We’ll learn.”
His thumb rested lightly against your cheek.
“Together.”
You couldn’t stop looking at him.
Neither of you moved.
Neither of you spoke.
The silence wrapped around you like a blanket.
For the first time in a long time…
Being close to someone didn’t make you want to run.
It made you want to stay…You couldn’t stop looking at him.Neither of you moved.The silence settled between you,heavy but comforting.Rio’s thumb brushed your cheek one last time before his hand slipped away.
“You still with me?”
You nodded.
“Use your words.”
“I’m here.”
“There you go.”
A faint smile crossed his face.
His hand found yours,fingers threading gently between yours.He gave it the slightest squeeze.
“You can tell me to stop.”
Your heart skipped.
“I know.”
“Anytime.”
“I know.”
“You sure?”
Instead of answering,you took one small step closer.
The space between you disappeared.
Rio searched your face,his eyes moving from yours to your lips before meeting your gaze again.
“You thinking again.”
You let out a nervous laugh.
“I can’t help it.”
“I know.”
His hand settled lightly against your waist.
“Breathe for me.”
You inhaled slowly.
“Good.”
His voice stayed low and steady.
“Again.”
You did.
“There you go.”
Your shoulders relaxed.
“You don’t gotta be scared.”
“I’m not scared of you.”
“I know.”
His forehead rested gently against yours.
“I just want you comfortable.”
“I am.”
“You sure?”
You nodded.
“I’m sure.”
His lips curved into the smallest smile.
“Good.”
He leaned in slowly,giving you every chance to pull away.
You didn’t.
His lips met yours in a soft,lingering kiss.It wasn’t rushed.It wasn’t demanding.It was gentle,like he was asking instead of taking.
When he pulled back,he stayed close enough for your noses to brush.
“Still okay?”
You smiled.
“Yeah.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“That’s the first real smile I’ve seen all day.”
You laughed quietly.
“I guess it is.”
“There she is.”
You rolled your eyes playfully.
“You say that a lot.”
“‘Cause I like seeing her.”
Before you could answer,he guided you back a single step until the backs of your knees touched the edge of the bed.
His eyes never left yours.
“You alright?”
You nodded.
“Sit.”
You eased yourself onto the mattress,never breaking eye contact.
Rio knelt in front of you instead of towering over you,resting his forearms lightly on your knees.
“No running.”
A small smile tugged at your lips.
“I wasn’t planning on it.”
“Good.”
He reached up,tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ear.
“‘Cause I’m not going anywhere either.”
Your chest warmed.
For the first time in years,the room didn’t feel like somewhere you had to escape from,It felt like somewhere you were finally allowed to stay…The room fell quiet again.The rain continued tapping against the window while neither of you said a word.Rio’s eyes never left yours.
“You still alright?”
You nodded.
“I need words.”
“I’m alright.”
“Good.”
He offered you his hand.You slipped your fingers into his without thinking.He gently guided you farther onto the bed until you were sitting comfortably against the headboard.He sat beside you,close enough that your shoulders brushed.
“You look nervous.”
“I am.”
“You don’t gotta be.”
You looked down at your lap.
“I’ve never…had someone be this patient with me.”
Rio was quiet for a moment.
“Then we’ll take our time.”
Your heart fluttered.
“No rush.”
His fingers found yours again,absently tracing small circles across the back of your hand.
“You tell me if something don’t feel right.”
“I will.”
“You promise?”
“I promise.”
A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
“Good.”
He reached up,brushing another loose strand of hair away from your face.His fingertips lingered for only a second before pulling away,letting you decide what happened next.
You closed the distance yourself.
Your lips met his in another slow kiss,soft enough to make your chest ache.
Rio smiled against your lips.
“That’s my girl…”
His voice was barely a whisper.
The words sent warmth rushing through your body.
He rested his forehead against yours once more.
“Look at me.”
You did.
“There she is.”
You laughed quietly.
“You keep saying that.”
“‘Cause I like seeing you smile.”
Your cheeks warmed.
“You blush easy.”
“Stop pointing it out.”
“Can’t.”
He chuckled softly.
“It’s cute.”
You hid your face against his shoulder with an embarrassed groan.
Rio laughed under his breath.
“There she is again.”
“You are so annoying.”
“Mhm.”
“But you’re still here.”
“…Yeah.”
“Why’s that?”
You peeked up at him.
“…Because I like being here.”
His expression softened.
“I like you here too.”
Silence settled between you once more,but this time it wasn’t filled with uncertainty.It was comfortable.
His arm slipped gently around your shoulders,pulling you against his side.
“You know what I want?”
You looked up.
“What?”
“For you to stop waiting for the bad part.”
Your smile faded.
“I’ve spent so long expecting it.”
“I know.”
He pressed a gentle kiss to the top of your head.
“But it ain’t coming tonight.”
You closed your eyes,listening to the steady beat of his heart.
Writers Note:Hi! Just a little note before you read…I wrote most of this at 3 a.m., so if I accidentally forgot a word, made a typo, or my sleep-deprived brain decided to stop functioning… no, it didn’t. 😭This story contains heavy themes, so please read the trigger warnings before continuing and take care of yourselves.I hope you enjoy this little Rio x Reader fic as much as I enjoyed writing it. Feel free to leave a comment, scream with me, or let me know your favorite part,also I’m not THE BEST at writing and english is not my first language.
TW: This story contains themes that may be upsetting to some readers, including emotional abuse, toxic relationships, manipulation, trauma, neglect, anxiety, panic attacks, mentions of past abuse, unhealthy relationship dynamics, and scenes that may be emotionally distressing.Reader discretion is advised.If any of these topics are triggering for you, please prioritize your well being before continuing.
Listen to one of these while reading🖤
༺♡༻
The bass from the speakers echoed through the crowded bar, making the glasses on the shelves rattle.You hated loud places.You hated strangers brushing past you.you hated the smell of alcohol.
Most of all, you hated feeling trapped.
Your fingers wrapped tightly around the glass in front of you, your knuckles turning pale. You hadn’t taken a single sip.Across from you, your(strict) boyfriend laughed with Rio as if the world had never hurt either of them.
You stayed quiet.You always stayed quiet.It was easier that way.People couldn’t criticize what you didn’t say.Your boyfriend rested a hand on your shoulder as he laughed.
Your body stiffened before you could stop yourself.
“So tense,” he muttered with a grin, giving your shoulder a squeeze.
“Relax.” he told you. You forced a smile.
“I’m okay.” …He seemed satisfied with the answer.
You weren’t.
“You two keep talking,” he said, standing from his chair. “Im going to the Bathroom.”
The moment he disappeared into the crowd, your shoulders dropped.You hadn’t even realized you were holding your breath.
“You can breathe now.” Rio’s voice was calm.You looked at him, startled. “What?”
“I said…”
He leaned back in his chair.
“…you can breathe now.”
Your eyes widened.
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“Nah.” His gaze stayed on you. “You do.”
Silence.
“You ain’t looked comfortable once since you got here.”
“I’m just tired.” You told him. A literal lie,In which he could tell.
“You flinch.”
Your stomach twisted.
“What? What do you mean Rio?
“When he touches you.”
Your lips parted, but no words came out.
“You apologize every five minutes.”
You IMMEDIATELY looked away.
“You keep checking his face before you answer a question.” He said. And oh lord..Heat rushed to your cheeks.
“You wait to see if he’s mad.” …Your heart hammered against your ribs.Nobody had ever noticed.
Nobody.
Not your friends.
Not your coworkers.
Not even the people who claimed to care about you.
Yet somehow…Rio had.
“You got a place to go?” He asked
The question caught you completely off guard.
“What?”
“If you had to leave.”
You blinked.
“I…”
You couldn’t answer.Because there wasn’t one.Rio reached into the pocket of his jacket,and without drawing attention to it, he slid something across the table beneath your hand.
Metal touched your fingertips…you looked down.A silver key,your breath caught.
“Rio…” you whispered his name..
“My apartment.”
You stared at him.
“I can’t take this.”
“You can.”
“What if he finds it?”
“He won’t.”
You looked back at him, completely speechless.
“I don’t understand.” You told him..
“You don’t have to.” His voice stayed low.
“If you ever feel like you can’t do it anymore…”
He gently closed your fingers around the key.
“…come to me,Darling..”
Your eyes filled before you could stop them.
“You don’t even know me.”
Rio held your gaze.
“I know enough.”
Before you could say another word, your boyfriend returned to the table.
“What’d I miss?”
Rio picked up his drink,obviously pretending nothing happened.
“Nothing.”
You slipped the key into your pocket.For the rest of the night, your hand never left it.
—
After this whole chaos with your man he went away,the thing is that you lived in a small apartment in which wasn’t really cozy,it was sometimes not always..
Your hands trembled as you stood outside his apartment door.The silver key felt heavier than it should have.You stared at it for a long moment before sliding it into the lock.
Click.
The door opened.The apartment was quiet.Warm.Safe.
You stepped inside carefully,closing the door behind you as softly as you could.
“…Rio?”
Your voice barely rose above a whisper.
Footsteps echoed from down the hallway.
A second later,he appeared.
His dark eyes landed on you.He froze.Then his gaze traveled over your shaking hands,the tears threatening to spill,and the way you couldn’t even meet his eyes.
“You came.”
It wasn’t a question.You nodded.
“I…I didn’t know where else to go.”
Rio didn’t ask what happened.He didn’t ask if you were sure.He didn’t ask why you were there.
He simply walked over until he was standing in front of you. “You hurt?” He asked..
You hesitated. “…No.”
He held your gaze.
“You lying again?”
A tear slipped down your cheek.You let out a quiet,broken laugh as you wiped it away.
“I really suck at lying to you.”
“The worst.”
Despite everything,the corner of your mouth twitched into the smallest smile.
“There she is.”
It disappeared almost instantly.
“I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“For showing up like this.”
“You got nothing to apologize for.”
Your shoulders finally gave out.Every wall you’d spent months building crumbled all at once.
“I’m so tired.”
“So damn tired.”
Before you realized what you were doing,you stepped closer.
Rio stayed still.He let you decide.
The moment your forehead rested against his chest,your breathing hitched.Then the tears came.Quiet ones.
The kind you’d swallowed for far too long.Rio slowly rested a hand against your back.Gentle.Steady.Safe.
“It’s alright.”
“You made it.”
Those three words shattered whatever strength you had left.You grabbed the front of his shirt and cried into his chest.Rio didn’t move.
He didn’t ask questions.He didn’t judge. “You hungry?” You looked up,confused.
“That’s…your first question?”
He shrugged. “Crying burns energy.”
A laugh escaped through your tears.
“There it is again.”
“What?” You asked,confused.
“That laugh.”
His expression softened. “I like hearing it.”
Heat crept into your cheeks.
For the first time in what felt like forever…You felt safe.
Ever since that late night call, you decided this back and forth between you two got to stop.
So, your bright idea on how to stop it? By ignoring all her tactics.
She started teasing your new hair style? Called it childish?
Ignore.
She made fun of your favorite movie?
Ignore.
It didn't take long for her to notice your dismissive attitude. However, that made her even more persistent in getting a reaction from you. Waiting for you to snap back at her like you would always do.
This only fueled you and your stubbornness.
Now you’re ignoring her as a whole.
Your friends decided to stay out of it, saying stuff about how it was, “bound to happen”
Which was absolute bullshit in your opinion.
Ignoring Rio wasn't easy. Having the same friend group meant seeing each other was inevitable.
Especially on a Saturday night like today. You and your friends were planning on going to the movies to watch some trashy romcom
However, you didn't know those plans included Rio until it was too late.
Now here you are, standing awkwardly with your arms crossed while waiting for your friends to grab their tickets and snacks.
There is still no sign of Rio (not like you're waiting for her.)
God you’re the one ignoring her! why are you so nervous to see her?
“Okay eyes closed” You and your friends have this tradition of picking movie tickets randomly, which means you will have no idea who you will be seated next.
When it was your turn to pick you chuckled at the stupidity of this tradition
(H-10) your ticket read
Right after you grabbed your ticket, Rio strolled in. Wearing her usual hoodie and grey sweats combo.
Your eyes instantly met. Though instead of the usual spark hers held, it was a dull indifference. You expected some sort of remark your way. But nothing. She just walked past you to grab the last ticket left.
You tried to act unaffected.
You’re the one who wanted this after all, right?... right?
“I’ll use the restroom.” you mutter to no one in particular.
Reaching the bathroom, you finally feel like you could breathe. Splashing water on your face, you catch your reflection in the mirror.
“God what am I doing.” You sigh, running your fingers through your hair. After a couple more deep breaths, you leave the restroom to catch the movie.
The movie has already started so you hastily scan the area for your seat. Praying that your best friend is the one sitting beside you.
Finally, you reach your seat. And pause.
Fuck this stupid tradition.
Fuck your life.
Fuck this whole movie theater.
Of course, you got the seat right beside Rio. It's the last on the row so no one would be on your left, which also means no one would be willing to switch...
She doesn't notice you at first
“Move your legs.” You whisper softly.
That gets her attention. She looks up at you with the same indifferent look as before.
It breaks something inside you, but you ignore it and take your seat.
An hour into the film and still nothing, not a glance your way, not a comment about sharing popcorn with each other, just pure agonizing silence.
You couldn't focus on the movie. Not when the main character started crying because her and the male lead had a fight. Or when they got back together at the end like every romcom.
And before you know it, the movie ended and the credits started rolling.
You were still in a haze that you hadn't noticed everyone leaving the theater, leaving you and Rio alone.
“Aren't you going to say anything?” She was the first to break the silence.
You glanced her way, catching her eyes. This time you saw the unmistakable pain in them, which probably reflected yours.
“I’m tired Rio. I’m so so so tired.” You breathed, still caught in her eyes.
“I’m tired of this back and forth between us” you lower your gaze. Knowing you don't have the right to be upset, not when you were just as responsible as her for the downfall you two had.
You two started as friends, best friends even.
But it was different. Not like your usual girl friendships.
It was deeper, more intimate.
It didn't take you long to realize that you had the biggest crush on Rio. But you were too cowardly to admit it to anyone. Falling for your best friend? That had to be some kind of broken rule.
So, what did you do?
You shut her out. You stopped hanging out every day, stopped telling her all your secrets, stopped laughing at her stupid jokes.
And day by day it broke you more. Seeing her getting closer to other people. Calling other girls her best friend when it should have been you.
It should have been you experiencing all her major life changes. Should have been you putting those cheesy smiles on her face, should have been you, she teased.
No one else.
You.
And you hate yourself for thinking this way. For being this selfish.
"I just want to- No" Rio shook her head
“I need to know why. Why did you shut me out? I was your best friend, and you just left me.” The broken expression on her face made you want to admit everything.
And deep down you knew that you should. She deserves the truth more than anyone.
So, the words started slipping out, all the pent-up emotions going along with them.
“I liked you, Rio. Not like a friend but... More.” You couldn't meet her eyes, too embarrassed by your confession and the tears welling up.
Her breath hitched, surprised by your claim.
“I’m sorry for what I did, I just...” You pause to inhale a deep breath. “I couldn't keep acting like I only saw you as my friend when you were in my every thought, all day.”
“Not when I looked for you in every person I met.” You add
You finally met her eyes again, expecting a disgusted look on her face.
But you were taken aback by the tears her eyes held. Matching yours.
“Why- Why didn't you tell me?” She asked.
“Goddammit I could've shared those feelings with you.”
“What?” Your tear-stained face was frozen into a look of surprise. You didn't hear her correctly, right? You definitely misheard. Because if what you heard was correct then that means... she also had feelings for you?
“I liked you too. Ever since we became friends –God it was so obvious– How did you never notice?”
She ran a hand through her hair, frustrated.
You felt tears running down your cheeks. Frustrated with yourself too. How could you be this stupid?
What about all the wasted time?
a/n: this stupid small font hurts my eye, too bad it looks pretty.
You head into your mothers house with your sister on your heels. It smells like freshly baked goods. The ooey gooey kind that are behind the glass tiered shelves of overpriced bakeries. Your mom had worked in one for many years, her second job to provide the extras for her two girls. Cops kept the store safe, were regular customers and kept the tip jar full. You noticed how your Ma’s eyes lit at the sight of them. Maybe it was then that your brain subconsciously decided to join the academy. It sure as shit wasn’t to tote guns and save the world. Nor was it to be in life threatening situations. There were perks to being the baker's daughter and the little girl so many OG officers had watched grow up. They had a vested interest in your progress and development and so much of the hazing and toxicity evaded you.
“Mommy,” Sonnie says, rushing into your arms.
“We’re playing manhunt but I saw your car and wanted to say hi. Theo and I are the last one’s standing” he bounces and you hug your nephew Theo.
“Okay baby don’t cheat by being in here - have fun” you smile kissing the top of Sonnie’s sweaty head.
“Have your friends come by for some sugar after all that running” Your mom hollers at her grandsons who are already out the door.
“The kids are outside again, the world is healing” your sister says, washing her hands behind you. You laugh heading into the kitchen to see the assortment of treats on your mothers island. You pick a classic cinnamon sugar donut that’s still warm and tastes better than the ones at the fair.
“Mom, why do you insist on giving the kids so much sugar?” your sister says biting into a chocolate chip cookie.
“Hush, I want to talk to your sister before they come back,” your mother says.
You pause eating the donut to look up at her. “About?”
“That man of yours and the big house you’re moving into” Your Ma sighs.
“Y/N you have a man, you think Rio’s gonna just let you move his son in with another man?” your sister asks.
“I don’t have a man. Ma’s talking about Christopher, apparently he bought a house for us. He told Sonnie about it and now Sonnie’s all excited.”
“Us? It hasn’t been us in a long time” Your mom says staring a hole in your face. She’s the real detective. Disarming you with freshly baked goods only to pounce when you least expect it.
“I’m just explaining what he told me.”
“Are you gonna move in?” Your sister asks.
“No.”
“Why not?” she groans, your sister is Rio’s biggest cheerleader in your family while everyone else is more skeptical - for good reason.
“Did we forget the photo I got sent of him staring in a red-head’s face like he was in love?” You ask, remembering the humiliation and heartbreak of getting a text from your cousin telling you your man was at the bar, then came the photographic evidence of what he’d been doing. They say good girls who don’t go outside get cheated on. They never lied. You’d been cuddled up on the couch with Sonnie who was asleep. Rio denied all allegations, claiming the proof wasn't what it was. Claiming it was business. But he was and is a master liar – the trust had been broken.
“No, but I also remember how he was when you were pregnant, getting you everything you needed, helping you get around, how patient he was, how he’d come in and rub your back and feet. You gave that man hell and he just took it in stride. I have a husband and the man calls me when I he has to go to the groceries to replace the houses staples for fuck sake- Sorry mama. Christopher’s always there no matter what, he’s present, makes sure you’re comfortable, he never misses Sonnie's milestones or important events and you still love him so live a little” she says.
You swallow the lump in your throat. Your mother is more indifferent to your child's father. She treats him well because he treats Sonnie well. Unlike your sister you didn’t do things the right way, there was no engagement or wedding before Sonnie. There was no meeting of the families and the lack of tradition didn't sit right with her. Neither did Rio being on the other side of the law.
“Ma, tell her to give the man another chance, don’t you want more grandchildren?” Your sister asks pretending to be pregnant by motioning around a nonexistent round stomach. Your mother’s silence stretches on.
“I want the two of you to be safe and well taken care of. I don’t think Christopher has his life set up in a way to do that without conflict. Your sister being with him is a huge risk.” Your mom says and your sister sighs, fanning Ma off.
“Move-in, play in his face, sit on his face, get yours and then leave if you want to. If it doesn’t work. But get yours and let that man take some of the weight off your shoulders. You’re you, I know you already have everything set up for the worst. You know me - I don’t play about you. You have me and you have Ma. Fuck it” your sister says in your ear.
Your mother watches her girls shaking her head. “Don’t be like mom, nearly sixty and pretending to be celibate while getting cracked by Mister Rogers a few times a week. Live out in the open” your sister says and you watch your mother freeze like she’s been caught stealing. The tips of her ears get more color and her swallowing goes shallow. She looks to the left, shaking her head.
“Your sister tells stories” she snaps dismissively and you’re a hundred percent sure she’s lying. She grabs a covered tray of pastries taking them outside.
“Mr Rogers?” you whisper.
“Mhm, you know my husband installed the security system. Imagine my surprise when mom gets a late night visitor that leaves in the morning. Ole’ girl stands on the porch in a robe tiptoeing to kiss him and everything” Your sister says making a disgusted face and you shake your head amused and disgusted as you picture it. You both shake your heads making faces like you’re eating lemons and laugh. When your mom comes back for the second tray she glares at your sister still flustered.
“Mom make that man make an honest woman out of you, stop giving the man the milk for free” your sister continues, giving your Ma hell and you shake your head laughing. Your phone buzzes and you see a PDF of the home's blueprints. You click around and end up in a 3D render. You exit out of it overwhelmed by the possibility of what if.
“Quit that dangerous ass stressful ass job and come work with me or work for yourself as a PI. Go home to your babies every night and give your rose toy a break” she teases.
“You’re HELL, STOP” you warn laughing as you hold your hand up threatening to slap her. She may be older but you’re taller, with a better wingspan. “I’ll consider what you said” you sigh and she relaxes.
You and Sonnie head home after sunset, he’s pooped from all the running and already showered. Like clockwork he falls asleep in the car. You prepare mentally to haul his dead weight into the house when you spot his fathers car parked. Relief washes over you as you park and get out. Rio strolls over to get Sonnie out of the car. No words are exchanged as he follows you into the house heading upstairs with his son. When he comes back down he steps out, only to return with a bag. He starts taking things out, colour swatches, granite and marble slabs, wood colouring and a brochure with different designs for the kitchen and bathrooms.
“I had a long day, I can’t think about this or go back and forth with you right now” you sigh.
“Tell me about your day then” he says, being patient. You take a container out of your bag and push his favorite of your mothers pastries over to him.
“Ahh you went to see my hater’s federation” he smiles while digging in and talking about your mom.
“You weren’t stalking me today?”
“I don’t need eyes on you when you’re with our son. It’s when you find yourself working and playing that I tag myself in” he says without apology. There’s so much history between you. So much love for him that's still there. You’ve run the list on paper and in your head more times than you care to admit. The pros and cons almost always equaled out. His shady dealings and penchant for lies kept you resolute in your decision to stay broken up.
“Alright, I can tell you’re not in the mood. Look over what I sent when you can choose what matches and works. I’ll be out of town for the next two days. We can talk when I get back” he sighs, shoving his hands in his pockets.
“Where are you going?” You ask.
“To pick up Abuelita and see the family.”
“You don’t want to take Sonnie?”
“Nah, they’ll be down in a few weeks. My cousin is doing big things” Rio smirks.
“Nick?”
“Nah, beautiful not Nick.” Rio says closing the distance. “I didn’t get my kiss the other night”
“You sound like a corny teenager” you roll your eyes. “I wasn’t going to kiss you.”
“You know I like when you find yourself being mean to me. Makes the begging sweeter when I’m inside you” he says turning you on. You hate how your body reacts to him. You cut your eyes creating distance. It’s what your sister didn’t account for. There would be no playing in his face when he’s the game maker. You walk to the printer and hand him Sonnie's finalized soccer game schedule.
“Safe travels” you say hoping he leaves NOW but he doesn't. His hands graze your shirt before holding you by your waist. He invades your space, his cologne aromatherapy, casting a spell on your good sense.
“This isn’t a game to me, this is our life and I’m not playing. Never was … getting set up took longer than I expected. I’ve stayed away so you should know that me applying pressure means things have changed and your conditions are being met.” he says with eyes as earnest as your sons when he speaks with conviction. You’re close to being putty in his hands.
“Who was she?” you ask using your trump card. He lets go like clockwork, giving you space you would have otherwise begged for. He sighs deeply backing you and you head back into the kitchen resetting for the night. You wait to hear his footsteps leading out of the house and for the door to close. You wait for the tension to leave your house with the man causing it but nothing happens. The quiet stillness from him charges the atmosphere.
“It was complicated, she was a partner in my business. We had history but I hadn’t touched her in years. She found herself there trying to seduce me back into business. I played into it but I didn’t touch her, didn’t kiss her. I never cheated but you don’t believe me” he says with your back turned to him. The explanation is far too flawed leaving too much room for questions and conflict for it to be the lie he’s come up with after so many years. You decide to contemplate it being the truth.
“We’re great coparents and Sonnie is well adjusted-”
“Don’t logic me, this isn’t about that” he says, the frustration in his voice causing it to rasp.
“Didn’t I tell you I had a long day?’ you ask.
“Let me fix it” he says and you want him to. You want him to, so badly. To follow you into your bedroom and turn the tension into pleasure. To ease the frustration into release. To feel his body on yours, to feel him sliding into you as his mouth claimed yours hungrily.
But there were a hundred ‘but’s’.
“I’ll see you when you get back, we can talk then” you tell him and his nostrils flare. He nods and leaves, giving the door a slight slam. You lock up behind him. Drawing in a few deep breaths against the door. It takes too much mental fortitude not to want to call him back in, to set fire to the boundaries you set into place.
You’re about to spiral when your phone chimes. You open the message to a photo from your sister from the surveillance camera at your moms front door. You see your mom with her arms wrapped around Rogers with a robe on and house slippers. You smile.
Please tell Stella that you can't get your groove back during booty call hours. At least make the man take her out, sheesh.
Seester
You laugh at the two stalkers in your life and mull over what's next for you and Rio as you look at the swatches for the house.
THREE
You head to your office after a long morning debrief and consider putting in your resignation to work with your sister or on your own. Lately things have been increasingly more and more tense. You turn on the television and see the reason for all the turmoil in the office. The election for Governor. Well, if the polling is correct - the new governor. His crime crack down plans have everyone scrambling to adjust. Beause of plan for an overhaul that’s bound to follow his election with all the policy changes. You change the channel not interested in seeing his rehearsed smile and photo ops with babies.
It’s Sonnie’s days with Rio so once you’re off the clock from working overtime it’s just you and the house alone. You could show up at your sisters but sometimes seeing her with her family makes you want one of your own.
Your alarm chimes as you finish up organizing your investigations and you lock everything up before heading home. You’re in your car when you get a call from Rio.
“Hey baby, how was school?’ You smile knowing it's Sonnie and not his father.
“It was fun today, we’re going to do a recital so I need to practice my instrument and get an outfit for the assembly.”
“Sounds fun, are you excited?”
“Yeah, dad made fajitas. There’s enough for you if you want to come over and have dinner” Sonnie says.
“Sonnie you can't just invite me to your dads house,” You tell him.
“Why not?” You hear Rio say and roll your eyes changing course to his loft.
“Dad doesn’t have a problem with it,” Sonnie says.
“Okay, I’ll be there in half an hour” you say.
“Lets wait for mom” you hear Sonnie say excitedly.
“Alright, you don’t get an extension on bed time so go shower” Rio tells him and you hear him running away.
“Abuelita made spicy hot chocolate cookies, you want me to get vanilla ice cream?” Rio asks knowing it’s your favorite combination.
“It’s fine thanks, I’ll have them alone” you tell him.
“Yeah whatever, I don’t want to hear ‘it’d be so good with ice cream’ it should be delivered before you get here” he says after mocking you. You smile freely in the car where he cant see.
“I’m on a diet, Rio, today's not my cheat day” you tell him and he kisses his teeth in the phone. You can’t help but smile some more.
“Are you in nun training camp, diet, no liquor, no sex, what are you doing?” he asks.
“What if I am?”
“I got your fucking nun costume, i’ll be the cardinal, come see me in my chambers” he says making you laugh at his wild antics. It feels good to laugh after the day you’ve had.
“You’re stupid” you tell him.
“I miss your laugh,” he says. “I miss us Y/N” he says, sighing. Somehow the truth seems safer over the phone.
“Me too” you whisper but the silence tells you he caught it.
“I’m sorry for making decisions that lead to you looking crazy in front of your people.” he says and it hits different because he’s never accepted responsibility before. “Trust me I regret even looking in her direction because it cost me my family but we’re older now, and in a few weeks I’ll be what you asked of me” he says. You allow the words to settle over you.
“Ok” you sigh. “Rio?”
“Yes baby?” he asks and you shake your head, taking the exit.
“Can you look into someone for me?”
“Who?”
“Jeff Rogers”
“Your moms little boyfriend?”
“So I’m the last to know?” you laugh.
“I need to know everyone with access to my son's homes. Ole boy has a couple baby mama’s and likes stolen merchandise. Nothing else, no debts - he’s clean. You’re safe, our sons’ safe” Rio says.
“Thank you” you tell him and he stays on the phone for the rest of your drive silently.
His loft smells amazing when you walk in and Sonnie rushes into you. You bend to hug him tight.
“I missed you a lot today,” he says.
“I always miss you” you smile, kissing his cheeks. He takes your hand after you exit the bathroom bringing you to the table. Fajitas sit sizzling in the middle of the table. Rio started cooking when you were pregnant and was something of a natural. His body thanked him for it too. Eating better and hauling around furniture, car seats, groceries made him bulk up from his naturally slim physique. He’d never be big but the lean muscle was an extra special sprinkle. One you noticed he was getting back.
“Tell your mom what you told me about your friend in music class” Rio says tapping Sonnie on the shoulder with a mischievous smirk. Sonnie's expression brightens.
“Okay so mommy, Josh plays the tuba right and there’s this part where he needs to do two big blows. It always squeaks instead of sounding smooth.” Sonnie explains.
“Okay” you nod as his father makes his plate.
“So Josh … dad that’s too much vegetables!” Sonnie interjects.
“What’d abuelita tell you about gratitude?” Rio asks.
“Thank god for the food we’re blessed to eat and pray for the less fortunate.” Sonnie recites making you smile.
“You were telling me about Josh” you remind and he perks up again.
“So Josh is annoyed that he always has to try over and over again. He didn’t even want the tuba, he wanted to play the piano or the drums. It’s his part and he ate beans that gave him a tummy ache.” Sonnie says, pausing to laugh and hold his stomach. “When it was his turn he farted so loud the teacher said bravo” Sonnie says laughing so hard there are tears in his eyes. You look at Rio who is no better and shake your head.
“HE POO’D” Sonnie yells and you cover your face, losing it at the two of them and the idea of the child coming up with such a flawed plan. “And he got in school suspension. Then the principal came to talk to us about mischief” Sonnie continues laughing.
“And I thought private school would be boring,” Rio laughs, shaking his head. They both laugh and you do too because of how boy humour works. Sonnie takes a deep breath as you fix your food. “Mom, you don’t get it. Everyone stopped and then Emily screamed EWWWW” he continues bursting into a fit of giggles. “The teacher's eyes went big like in the cartoons and she turned red like a stop sign when she saw” Sonnie says, fighting for breath.
“Sonnie I get it, I want to eat without thinking of your classmates' shenanigans” you laugh and he continues to do the same thing.
“Abuelita woulda tore my ass up if I did something so stupid. Where do kids get this shit from?” Rio asks, thoroughly amused.
“The internet is full of good pranks” Sonnie says and you shake your head.
“Well you stick to spectating.” You tell him and he smiles.
“Ok mom” he sighs, laughing to himself some more. “How was your day?” He asks.
“Nothing special until now, I get to be entertained by a laughing storyteller” you smile
“Don’t forget dads cooking” Sonnies smiles.
“It’s very good Chris” you smile.
“Come by anytime” he says.
You keep your eyes on Sonnie who smiles watching the two of you showing all of his little teeth. You feel guilt for not giving him this more often.
“What else happened?”
“Mike was sad, his parents are getting a divorce. I told him it would be okay. But he said his parents won’t do stuff together like we do. He said his dad has a new girlfriend” Sonnie says.
“Every situation is different, baby. Sometimes people don’t get along and divorce is good. The alternative could be arguing all the time and two unhappy people.”
“Did you and daddy argue all the time?”
“No” Rio says before your shock wears off.
“So why don’t you have a ring and call daddy your husband, why do we live in different houses?” He asks. You thought you had more time.
“Because that’s what we decided was best for us as adults for the time. Maybe we can talk about it when you’re older but right now it doesn’t matter because we’re family and we show up for each other. You know your mommy calls me for anything and I call her too. We’re a team.” Rio says taking the lead.
“Daddy, do you get annoyed sometimes when she calls you?”
“Nah, your mother doesn’t annoy me. Look at her.” Rio says, making Sonnie smile.
“You know some of my friends whose parents are married aren’t nice to each other like you guys are. Parents are hard to understand” Sonnie reflects.
“People are difficult to understand baby. Just tell your friends that whatever happens between adults has nothing to do with the kids.” You smile and he nods.
“Okay” he nods, turning his attention back to his food and giggling again at the tuba sharting incident no doubt. You finish your food and you load the dishwasher as Rio sets up the projector for a movie. You join them on the sectional and somehow you and Sonnie both end up leaning on his father. His cologne and body heat has you out like a light. You forgot how much the open concept loft feels like home until Rio’s waking you up. You check the time and see it’s after eleven. His eyes are sleepy too as he pulls you to the bedroom. You hear him in the bathroom and relieve yourself in Sonnies. Your stomach is full and so is your heart as you watch Sonnie sprawled across his full sized mattress.
You pad back to Rio’s room and see a toothbrush and one of your old night dresses out for you. You take a quick shower and reenter the bedroom to see an empty bed. You yawn getting in and wait for him but he doesn't come. Frowning you hope it’s not business and find him on the sectional.
“What’s wrong?” he asks, sleepy.
“Why are you out here?” You ask, unable to fathom that the man that can't stop making passes at you is opting to sleep on the couch.
“Boundaries” he yawns.
“Shut up and come to bed” you groan, padding back into his room. He follows as you hug your corner. He gets in and pulls you back against his body.
“Shh” he says before you can protest.
Peace and sleep come faster than ever.
You wake up first, well rested and perfectly comfortable in Rio’s arms. He behaved last night and somehow that means more than anything else. You hold his arms against your body and his hold tightens silently. A kiss lands on your shoulder.
“I’m gonna get up and make breakfast” you whisper letting him go and it takes him a moment to release you. You get ready for the morning remembering when Sonnie was first born and this was your home. It was perfect in size, one floor making recovery easy. You pad out of the bedroom where he’s still asleep and look in the fridge to see what’s on the menu.
You whip up French toast and cut up some fruit relieved Rio isn’t feeding your son junk all the time. When you’re finished Sonnie smiles at you sleepily.
“Mommy you’re still here” he says and you bend to kiss the top of his head.
“We both fell asleep and it was late to drive home,” you explain.
“I’m happy you stayed, I think sometimes daddy gets lonely. You like alone time but I don’t think he does. You have auntie but when we’re together he’s all alone” Sonnie whispers. His emotional intelligence and empathy makes you proud.
“Then he needs hobbies and good friends,” you smile. “I know you want your daddy and I to get back together but I don’t want you involved. We got together without you the first time. We can do it again if it’s meant to be alright?” You ask and he pauses thinking it over before nodding.
“If you don’t get together can we spend more time together just the three of us at home. Not like at amusement parks and the movies?” He asks.
“We can” you nod and he hugs you tight.
“Thank you” he smiles and you make him his plate. He sits and you head into Rio’s closet hoping to find something that fits.
“Your clothes are still in your drawers” Rio says appearing behind you.
“Dusty?” you ask as reality pulls at your heart strings.
“Nah,” he says, opening the drawer. You find a pair of pants and a shirt to wear and smell them. “Abuelita came by and did the laundry to prepare for the move.” He says glazing over the fact that he’s never gotten rid of your things.
“Aren’t you going to miss this place?” You ask, stepping into the pants.
“I don’t miss places, I miss you” he says, holding your gaze.
“I looked over the swatches for the house and made my selections. I’ll send them to you when I get back home” you swallow meeting him halfway. You can feel the change in him, the fact he didn’t initiate sex last night was huge. The kind of respect and maturity you never expected. Rio had always been the man to take all the shots. Something about this version of him is unnerving, your heart races in anticipation as he showcases his newfound patience. You know when the two of you make it to bed together there’ll be no going back with how he’s about to put it down.
He smirks, stepping back like you’re thinking out loud.
“At least you know baby, acceptance is the next step” he whispers, kissing your cheek before leaving the closet. You shake your head wondering how he reads you so well. You try your best not to smile as you slip on a top and head back out to the kitchen with your boys.
______
Authors note: Hope you enjoyed the domestic bliss and backstory. I decided to put two and three together since you guys seemed to like part one.
What are you doing in this situation?
Do you believe Rio's changed and a family man now?
Kind of, his actions show it.
Not sure.
YES! Him trying to sleep on the couch solidified it for me.
Girl, you took us on a ride with this last update. I'm wondering if we'll get more of their backstory... I mean it seems like there's a lot of love there or at least there was....
re: Cop & Criminal
Hope you liked it 😊 I tried to do something new in terms of the premise.
How they got together? Favour exchanges over time, quid pro quo, mutually beneficial, leads to friendship then to hooking up. Push and pull, they get together and the reader gets pregnant. They're both happy and scared. Baby comes, they're excellent parents.
As far as the break up? Basically they broke up because of Rio's secrets and the readers trust issues. Rio was trying to protect her by omitting certain truths and it blew up when she got sent a picture of him smiling in a certain red heads face.
So Rio had and lost his family and he's never gotten over it. Neither of them are completely over it really.
whyyyyy can’t I come up with any ideas on the spot!!!
Rio is my fave so I’ll throw in: first date with Rio, patching Rio up or not being able to get in contact with Rio sooo you stop by the gym to find him letting off steam. somebody throw some good ones!!😭
Okay, I'll do a patching Rio up / boxing gym scene since its been requested a few times, and I haven't written anything like it for Rio. Just let me think on it. Drop any specific details.
You drive into the elementary school parking lot and spot his G wagon right away. He smirks halfway out the window as you pull up alongside him, window to window without having to get out. His eyes look you over lazily, as he tries to hide the fact that you look good - you always do these days.
“Hey sexy, heard they upgraded your whip. Must really be putting these criminals through it” he flirts. It’s just Rio being Rio.
“Christopher” you greet him with much less charm shutting your car off and removing your seatbelt. You adjust your mirrors to be aware of your surroundings and take your gun off your hip locking it in the glovebox.
“I don’t know why you want to work a job where you need that. You should be put up somewhere, out the way” he continues full of shit. He’s handsome, charismatic and your chemistry is unmatched. You send an exasperated eye roll off in his direction and he chuckles. His smile disarms you.
“I mean baby if work is that stressful we can park in a back street and get it in” he proposes, his one track mind fully tuned in.
“Glad you’re enjoying yourself Christopher” you smile pleasantly ignoring his advances. “If I quit, who's gonna keep you out of jail?” You ask him. “Your partners are courting informants. Their operation is pretty much compromised. You need to untangle yourself from them fast” you share and he nods looking pensive. You check your mirrors again and see kids running through soccer drills. When you turn back to Rio he’s already watching you.
“Can you do me a solid? Kick up a fuss somewhere else? Make a big stink?” He asks.
“You know I can't, I'm just passing along information. You helped me so I’m returning the favour” you remind him.
“How fast do I need to be untangled?”
“Expeditiously. Is that a problem?” You ask.
“It’s no problem, mama. You know I’m always ready.” He says sitting up straight.
You nod, “good, if I hear anything else I’ll let you know.”
“Preciate it” he nods. You get out your work phone and look through your urgent emails that have been sorted by your assistant.
“Where are you coming from all dolled up?” He pries.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” You smile without looking over at him.
“Lunch at the new restaurant Elsie’s. You kept it light with a chicken Cesar so you probably really wasn’t feeling the guy” he says forcing you to turn. This time his head is against the back of his seat as he looks through his dash instead of at you. Pleased with his reconnaissance. “You don’t have to do all that Mama. He won’t know what to do with you. You know those squares like to throw fits when you dump them. Don’t make me have to kill him” he says, maintaining his aura of nonchalance. His eyes meet yours for a moment effectively communicating that he’s not playing. But your world isn't his. He has bigger fish to fry.
“I don’t need to be babysat, I can handle myself and I know what I need better than anyone else” you assert and he scoffs. You hear a shrill whistle and see the kids lining up in front of the coach and start the car. You watch the kids run off the line and hit the button to open your trunk. Your son comes barrelling down the hill tossing his soccer bag into the trunk.
“Hi mom!” He shouts.
“Hi baby” you smile as he runs over to his father’s trunk getting his school bag and another one.
“Bye dad, see you next week” he says walking between your two cars as Rio gets out to hug him tight. You catch a hint of his cologne. The woodsy, leather smell with hints of bourbon used to drive you wild.
“Bye, kid. Love you, listen to your mom alright. Do all your homework and don’t try to cheat her on bed time. Don’t make her call me.” Christopher says being stern.
“Ok” your son tells his father as Christopher takes the bags, tossing them in the trunk for his boy before getting to the passenger door. Your son hops in right beside you.
“Mom, you look gorgeous.” he gushes.
“She had a date,” Rio says, blowing up your spot.
“We’ll talk when we get home say goodbye to your father” you tell your son as you shift gears into drive.
“Bye dad” he says sitting back,
“Bye Sonnie” Rio says and you turn to watch the perfect mix of the both of you fasten his seatbelt. Sonnie smiles at you through the rearview mirror as you pull out of the parking spot. You smile back as he connects his phone to the car.
“How was practise?” You ask him.
“Good, dad has a new house.” he says.
“Does he?” You ask, having missed the memo.
“Don’t get upset, we didn't stay there yet. I just got to see my room - it’s huge and so is the yard.” Sonnie says and the excitement in his voice makes you happy. Reality gnaws at your nerves, you hope to God that Rio is being smart and not doing anything to jeopardise his freedom. A huge house means his earnings have to be legit.
“That’ll be good for your soccer drills” you smile being positive for Sonnie.
“Right, dad thought of that. He thought of everything” Sonnie says.
“Well I’m happy for him” You smile.
“There’s space for you too, and my brothers and sisters” Sonnie continues as you stop at a red light. You turn to the back seat with a raised brow. You know good and well your problem of a baby father was not just flirting with a baby on the way.
“Does your dad have– don't answer that” you stop not wanting him in the middle of the mess that had started the day you met his father. A smart woman would have never spoken to the criminal that pulled her out of a warehouse before it went up in smoke, again. The gun to your head should have been enough to terrify you more than his eyes and raspy voice intrigued you. It was the first time you went into the station and lied about what happened. Several comrades were down, internal affairs later discovered that they were all dirty cops, making the masked man a vigilante.
The next time you saw his face it was without the obstruction of a ski mask. It was after a girls night gone wrong. One of those nights where friendship implodes because someone’s drinking too much, and the other person's too thirsty. You were at the quiet bar in need of a respite from the girl drama. You were two whisky sours in when he pulled up a chair and smiled to tell you you looked better outside of your work uniform. You took in his features for the first time, eyes lingering on the bird tattoo on his neck, a poor choice for a criminal. Or was he? You still weren’t sure. He smirked at the recognition in your eyes and then his lingered on your lips. There were a hundred questions on the tip of your tongue and none of them made it out.
“You know how to play pool? I win, I get to take you out” he said before you could respond.
“I’m fine thanks” You responded nursing your drink.
He’d worn you down eventually though. The next time you saw him after leaving the bar that night was on a detective's wall a few months later. Misguided loyalty had you back at his bar. You were seated for no more than twenty minutes before he appeared at your side. You ended up following him to a back room where you told him what you saw at the police station. It was how your relationship persisted for the next nine months. Favor for favor until one night he finally taught you how to play pool.
You shake your head pulling yourself out of the trip down memory lane.
Brothers and sisters.
Sonnie’s words replay on a loop in your head. You didn’t know what to call your relationship with Rio. It’d been years since you’d had sex. The flirting never died though, neither did his requests for family. But there was always another woman that piqued his neverending curiosity. Always some opportunity that jeopardised your career and his freedom. He’d never come outright to confirm or deny his illegal dealings but where there’s smoke there's fire. You know better than to think he’s fully innocent with all the times something about him has floated through the station. You manage to push the thought of him shacking up with someone else to the back of your head as you prepare dinner, help Sonnie with his homework and then put him to bed.
You’re sitting on the front step when Christopher’s car rolls onto the boulevard parking in front of your house. He hops out and meets you on your porch. You don’t speak heading inside. He follows silently as you cross from the front of your home into the back for more privacy from prying eyes.
“Whats wrong?” he asks, sitting on the picnic table. You look up at him with folded arms. “You know I’ma handle it, what is it Ma?” he asks, sitting forward.
“You’re moving?” you ask.
“That’s what you’re mad about? It’s closer to his school. I can be around more” he says and it all sounds like a nightmare.
“You and his brothers and sisters?” you ask and he jolts noticeably before his posture stiffens, his signature smirk slides into place – a spark in his eye follows. He’s the cat that got the creme; you're the rat in the trap. You try to calculate your misstep as his smirk grows into a smile. He can’t help himself, he's so tickled. He’s in a checkmate and you don’t know where you’ve made a misstep.
“Me and my children” he nods with unnecessary cruelty.
“Sonnie thinks I’ll be staying there too, please don’t sell him dreams” you sigh and he shakes his head.
“You said we could get back together when I’m a hundred percent out. I’ll be there by the time the house is finished. Then you can sell this one or put it up for rent and get your back blown out most nights. Don’t worry, our bedroom has soundproofing - I know how you like to get loud” he says and you scoff taking a step back.
Your brain short circuits before rebooting and you look up at quite possibly the most delusionally insufferable man on the planet. He grins before having a laugh at your expense. You fold your arms too stunned to speak.
“Be for real Christopher, I’ll be more mad about you lying to me than you telling me you’re having a baby” you sigh. He steps down from the bench so your arms are touching his chest. He takes a finger tilting your chin up so your eyes meet his.
“My dick hasn’t been in you so you can't be pregnant. Lets go upstairs to practise” he says his voice low, seductive and raspy. You shake your head and push him away, resisting the electricity his proximity and bedroom voice sends through your body.
“We both know if Sonnie went to your place talking about brothers and sisters you wouldn't be so civil - stalker.” you state changing the subject.
“When our son talks about brothers and sisters he’s talking about our kids. Stop playing with me.” he says with nonchalance. You search his eyes for a lie and find none.
“Mom?” You hear and rush inside.
“Sonnie?” You ask, seeing him in his PJ’s.
“Dad?” he asks, looking behind you. You turn to see Rio coming in and turn to Sonnie lighting up with hope. You regret calling Rio instantly.
“I went to sleep in your bed with you and you weren't there mom” Sonnie says turning his attention back to you. “What are you doing in the backyard dad?” Sonnie questions.
“It’s spring, I forgot to check the deck to make sure the skunks don’t try to nest again.” Rio says lying so effortlessly, it’s scary. “We’re all clear buddy and you're too big to be climbing in your mama’s bed” Rio says, stepping around you to pick Sonnie up. It’s ridiculous because at eight, Sonnies are more than half of his fathers size, but you watch as your boy smiles dangling as his father takes him up to his room.
“Can dad read me a bedtime story?” Sonnie asks.
“Since he’s here” you sigh, refilling your carafe and bringing it up to the lonely primary bedroom. You rest it on the bedside table and head into the bathroom with all of your necessities. With Rio under your roof you lock the door knowing he has no boundaries and take your shower, then do the skincare that’s aided your genes at maintaining a youthful face in spite of a stressful job and personal life.
You step out lotioning your hands and see Rio sitting at the bench on the foot of your bed. You half expected it. He stares and you let him, it’s not something he’s witnessed in years. The intimacy of being in your space, seeing you undone, vulnerable and ready to sleep without him.
“I’ll walk you out” you say slipping your feet into your house shoes.
He nods, smiling. “You still use the oil I used to rub on your stomach when you were pregnant and after?” he asks. You nod instead of telling him that the stress from work and coparenting schedules have you stress eating your way into a few more tiger stripes.
“Stop objectifying me Christopher” you say knowing his eyes are glued to your figure as you descend the stairs ahead of him. You stand at the door and he takes his sweet time.
“End whatever you have going on with the square. Our house will be move in ready in two months.” he says.
“Goodnight” you say, opening the door.
He steps out the house turning before you can shut the door on him. His head dips to kiss you goodnight and he stops millimetres away from your face. You look at him and see he’s looking upstairs. You turn and the whites of your son's eyes grow in the dark as he scrambles back into his bedroom shutting the door.
“He’s bad just like his daddy” you groan as Rio laughs.
“Don’t do my boy like that” Rio says and you smile, shaking your head.
“Nite” You sigh.
“Night mama, now that cat’s out the bag I’ll be by with the blueprints so you can design the layout of your closet and pick the colours for our bedroom” he says walking down the driveway and to his car.
You shake your head shutting the door out of your depths with Sonnie and his pappy.
_________
Did you know you were waiting for your son to get into your car? Or was that a nice surprise? I never did baby daddy Rio and a bunch of you asked. So here it is 😉
