Gangster's Paradise // Rio (Good Girls)

18.make Me

Isla stood at her kitchen counter, her frustration growing as she looked down at her phone filled with pictures of dogs.
Right now, she felt more alone than ever, especially with everything that had been happening with Rio. She longed for a friend she could confide in, someone she could share all the things that had been happening without the fear of anyone getting hurt. It was during this time that she made up her mind completely. She decided to adopt one of the dogs she had seen at the shelter the other day.

But right Now, Isla was more frustrated than ever. While she hadn't actually seen him for a week, somehow he had managed to obtain her phone number. He consistently sent her text messages and called her, causing annoyance rather than fear. Isla reasoned that if he had wanted to harm her, he would have done so by now.

Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a knock at her door. Furrowing her brows in confusion, she wasn't expecting any guests. Setting her phone down, she cautiously made her way toward the door, unsure of who might be on the other side.

When Isla opened the door, her confusion only deepened as she was greeted by a delivery man standing next to a fairly large kennel. "Isla Lee?" he asked, and she nodded, her curiosity piqued. She glanced around, trying to make sense of the unexpected delivery.

"Sign here," the delivery man instructed, handing her a clipboard with some papers. Isla glanced at the documents and then back at the kennel next to him. "I, umm, think you have the wrong house," Isla hesitated, unsure of what to make of the situation. The man took a step back, examining the address on the house and comparing it to the paper. He shook his head and replied, "Nope, right house."

Realizing there must be some misunderstanding, Isla quickly signed the papers as the delivery man pushed the kennel through her front door. He wished her a good day and left. Isla slowly closed the door behind her, her mind racing with questions. She knelt down in front of the kennel, peering inside.

"Hi, buddy," she said softly to the small puppy inside. It was an adorable little creature. Isla gently picked him up, noticing a collar with a tag that simply read the letter "R." She let out a huff of surprise and set the puppy down. Determined to get some answers, she walked back to her phone and dialed Rio's number

"Hey, Mama," he said, answering the phone with a warm tone.

"A dog?" she replied, surprise evident in her voice.

"You've been looking for one. Do you like him?" he asked, the amusement in his voice clear.

"He's cute, yeah. But why a dog?" she questioned, glancing over at the energetic puppy running around.

"because I wanted to," he answered playfully, causing her to huff at the familiar response.

"I wanted a dog that would eat you when you try to get in my house," she retorted, her tone laced with sarcasm. He just hummed in response. "You... are an asshole," she added, conveying her annoyance.

"Isla, watch your goddamn attitude," Rio warned.

"And what exactly are you going to do about it?" she challenged, her voice dripping with defiance. "Oh, that's right, nothing."

"Isla, stop talking," he commanded, giving her another warning. But she simply refused to listen.

"Make me," she taunted, instantly regretting her words when she heard a dark chuckle emanating from the other end of the line.

"Oh, don't you worry," he responded, causing her heart to race in her chest. "You'll regret saying that."

Feeling a mix of fear and anticipation, she hastily hung up the phone, slapping herself on the forehead for engaging in the heated exchange.