𝗔𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼 ♡ＦＲＯＺ＄Ｎ

Ｇａ＄

They pulled into a small gas station on the edge of town. The place was quiet, with only a few cars and a handful of people milling about. Malia and Armando had gotten used to moving quickly, always aware of their surroundings.

"I’ll pump the gas," Malia offered as they came to a stop.

"Okay," Armando replied, eyeing the people around them. "I’m getting some snacks. Want anything?"

"Hot fries, water, sweet tea, and something sweet," Malia listed.

Armando nodded and headed into the gas station, keeping an eye on her from the windows.

As Malia started pumping the gas, she noticed a group of white guys hanging out near their truck. One of them, a tall man with tattoos snaking up his arms, kept eyeing her. Eventually, he walked over.

"Well, what is a pretty sweetheart like you doing out here?" he drawled. "The name's Leo."

Malia flashed a polite smile. "I just like to travel. Call me Malia."

Leo’s eyes flickered to Armando inside the gas station. "You riding with your man over there?"

Malia shook her head and winked at him. "No, I’m a solo rider."

Leo smirked, clearly intrigued. "I'd definitely like to test that out."

Malia leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a playful whisper. "You would? Aww, could you really handle me, though?"

Leo’s grin widened. "Yes, I can, baby girl."

Just then, Armando emerged from the gas station with a bag full of snacks. He saw Leo getting too close for comfort and quickened his pace.

Armando approached them, his eyes cold and hard. "Is there a problem here?"

Leo looked Armando up and down, his bravado faltering slightly. "No problem, man. Just chatting with the lady."

Armando's jaw tightened. "Well, chat time is over. We're leaving."

Leo raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. No need to get all worked up."

Malia finished pumping the gas and gave Leo a final, flirtatious smile before getting back in the car. Armando threw the snacks into the back seat and slid behind the wheel, his eyes never leaving Leo until they were back on the road.

As they drove away, Malia laughed softly. "You didn’t have to scare him off, you know."

Armando shot her a sidelong glance. "I’m not taking any chances. We’ve got enough trouble as it is."

Malia nodded, her expression turning serious. "I know. But sometimes a little distraction can be useful."

"Just be careful," Armando warned, his tone softening slightly.