𝗔𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼 ♡ＦＲＯＺ＄Ｎ

Ｂｉａ＄

Armando pulled into the parking lot of a low-key diner, the neon lights flickering in the night. Malia followed him inside, the warmth of the diner a stark contrast to the chilly night air. They slid into a booth near the back, away from prying eyes.

Malia stared at the menu, her mind racing with questions. Finally, she couldn't hold back any longer. "I don’t get it. Wouldn’t you get caught if you bring me in?"

"I’m turning myself in," Armando replied, his voice steady.

Malia looked at him in disbelief. "You dumbass. Hell."

"First of all, no I’m not, considering how long I’ve been able to lay low," Armando said, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Wow, never thought the most wanted man is really making a dumb decision," Malia shot back, sarcasm dripping from her words.

"Since we are talking about dumb decisions, you really thought you could take down a drug lord?" Armando countered, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, I can fully admit that I’m way over my head," Malia confessed, her voice tinged with frustration.

"You are," Armando agreed, his tone matter-of-fact.

"You’re such a bitch," Malia muttered, glaring at him.

Armando ignored her insult, focusing on keeping her alive. He couldn’t afford to let her get under his skin. As Malia studied him, her eyes traced the scars that ran across his exposed arms and the one faded scar across his face.

"Why not just help me?" she asked, her voice softer.

"No. Why would you ask that?" Armando responded, his eyes narrowing.

"Well, that was my last hand. You might as well leave me here for that guy to find me," Malia said, a hint of resignation in her voice.

"I can’t do that here," Armando replied firmly.

"I’m useless if you’re just gonna turn yourself in," Malia argued, her frustration boiling over.

"You’re not, because if I do turn you in, that gets me some more good points on my part," Armando explained.

"You’ve killed many people, yet you want some good points? Do you have any at all?" Malia asked incredulously.

"Yes, I do," Armando said, his voice filled with conviction.

"How?" Malia pressed, leaning forward.

"None of your business," Armando shot back, his expression hardening.

"That’s why you’re turning yourself in," Malia said, realization dawning on her.

"Huh?" Armando grunted, caught off guard.

"You have no home or no one to call home," Malia said, her voice softening.

"And you have a home, so why leave it?" Armando asked, his tone filled with genuine curiosity.