Gangster's Paradise // Rio (Good Girls)

24. if we do this you are mine

Isla nervously tapped her fingers on the steering wheel, her eyes fixed on the building across the street where Rio lived. Her gaze shifted to the gun lying on the seat beside her, and then back up at the building.

Just as she started to succumb to her anxiety, her phone rang, breaking her concentration. With hesitant hands, she reached for her phone and looked down at the screen.

Emma's message flashed on the display:

Emma:
Isla, please come back! Please don't do anything stupid. Just come back.

Isla took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She powered off her phone and flung it onto the passenger seat floorboard. Her attention turned to the bag of money next to her, and she carefully tucked the gun into her waistband, concealing it beneath her jacket.

Leaving her car behind, Isla mustered her courage and walked into the building. Climbing the stairs to Rio's apartment, her heart pounding in her chest, she finally reached his door. With trembling hands, she pounded on it

Anxiety gripped Isla's body as she waited for the door to open. Her heart sank when she heard the distinct sound of a lock being unlocked. Panic surged through her veins, but she managed to keep a calm expression on her face.

"Isla," Rio said, leaning against the door frame as he scrutinized her from head to toe. Without waiting for an invitation, she pushed past him and walked into the apartment.

Isla closed her eyes, taking a deep, silent breath, before turning to face him. However, before she could speak, Rio's voice shattered the silence, sending a shiver down her spine. "I gotta admit, didn't expect to see you here," he said, his tone laced with curiosity. "What you need, Isla?"

Isla paused, her gaze fixed on the floor, and then placed the bag of money in front of him, its weight hitting the ground with a thud.

"That's $170,969," Isla said, her voice firm. "You'll get the rest in two month." She lifted her head to meet his gaze, determination etched on her face.

"Two months? That ain't our deal, Isla," Rio replied, his eyes shifting between her and the bag of money.

"Well, it is now," Isla stated, her tone unwavering. Rio merely hummed in response.

"Where did you get this money, Isla?" he inquired, his voice tinged with suspicion. Isla licked her lips, a hint of defiance in her eyes.

"That's none of your damn business," Isla retorted. "You've received a little under half of the money. The rest will be delivered in two month."

Rio's expression hardened. "Is this some kinda joke, Isla? You think you can walk into my place and call the shots?"

"Oh, I know it's not a joke," Isla responded, her hand reaching to her waistband. She pulled out the gun, pointing it directly at him. "But if you won't accept the deal I'm offering, we can just end it here."

Rio let out a laugh, his confidence undeterred. "You think I believe you'd actually pull that trigger, Isla?" he scoffed, taking a step closer. "You even know how to use that thing?"

Isla's fingers skillfully pulled back the hammer on the gun, producing a distinct click. Her resolve remained unshaken as she held the weapon steady.

"You're a gangster that nobody cares about," Isla said, her voice filled with a mix of anger and desperation. "Me, my brother, and sister, we were good people. We paid our bills on time. We have families. I'm a surgeon—I save lives. Ain't nobody going to miss you."

Rio rubbed his hands down his face, He nodded, his jaw clenched, and licked his bottom lip.

"So, let's say you do shoot me," Rio said, taking another step closer. "What's your story for the cops when they show up?"