The dread of returning home to a less than ideal reality is coursing through your veins. It's so overwhelming you can feel something is coming in your bones. The fight to maintain your centre is active. You haven't practised yoga in more than a week and you have not maintained your meditation rituals. A hand splays over your thigh offering comfort and affection along with a kiss on the top of your head as you rest your head on his chest. You can't help but wonder how he knows that right now you're in need of affection as your mind drifts. The plane starts its descent and you place your hand over Rio's. You wish you were happier, especially after all the effort he'd put into your excursions the day prior but it feels like that ship has sailed with those bullshit messages. Closing your eyes you sigh deeply regretting the grace you'd given him. You regret not going postal, not showing up to his job, not kicking and screaming, not telling his mother, bleaching his clothes, the whole nine yards. Clearly, he has no intentions of sparing you or maintaining your reputation. Swallowing you decide the gloves are all the way off. Cheating back just didn't seem to cut it. You'd have to hop down to the depths to meet him at his level. You sit stewing without knowing Rio has already taken care of it. He'd gotten the message confirmation before you'd left the villa this morning. It was part of the reason why he found himself capable of smiling. As soon as the plane landed he knew there would be more details. He needed James down and incapable of bothering you for at least the next month. From here on out he'd let you decide the next courses of action - unless James gets out of pocket again. You and Rio leave the airport side by side. His assertive energy is quite the thing to experience in person. People just seem to give him respect. The airport staff nod at him in acknowledgement. People come over to help him when he needs help and he delegates efficiently finding an attendant to get your bags off the baggage carousel paying them handsomely to lift the bags and push the cart. He doesn't break a sweat keeping you close. You watch him in awe as he moves with precision and purpose; you end up at a part of the airport you don't recall ever coming across as your bags are transferred to a new attendant.
"Hey man, table for two" Rio says and your eyes bulge in horror when you realise where you are. It's a five star restaurant.
"Rio, I'm in loungewear" you whisper.
"Let me find out you're trying to impress someone else" he comments and you shake your head. "You look beautiful" he smiles as we are seated in a private area. Everyone else is well dressed.
"Thank you, it's just ..."
"Mama, me being able to get my girl in a restaurant I don't own in her pyjamas is boss shit" Rio says and you feel your cheeks burn.
"Ha, Ha! You've seen my pj's, this is loungewear" you correct.
"Whatever you say" he shrugs and you look away laughing as a server comes over pouring you a delicious smelling tea.
"The boss will be right out, if you need any help with the menus let me know. We're happy to make any substitutions you may require. If you need anything click the button on the table and I'll be right out" the man explains. Overwhelmed you hand Rio your menu.
"Please order what you think I'll like" you tell him and he smiles proceeding to do just that on your behalf. The server smiles and disappears. It's clear he has great taste and only likes the best of the best, everywhere he goes he's treated with the utmost consideration.
"I had a dinner planned for us last night" he confesses. It's clear Rio is upset about having to pivot because of James. Your first instinct is an apology but you reconsider it knowing Rio doesn't expect one.
"I wish things happened differently," you confess. "I know it would have been gorgeous" you smile and he nods.
"It was, and I was going to ask you to be my girl because I figure being clear is the best thing for both of us. I know you've got a lot going on and I know you're trying to be happy but it's okay if you're not. Fuck shame and James the joke. Soso said I need to be more sensitive" he says.
YOU ARE READING
FORGIVELESS - RIO Good Girls X READER
FanficOn the night of her wedding anniversary, the reader discovers her husband's betrayal. Heartbroken but resolute, she finds herself crossing paths with Rio-a magnetic stranger who radiates charm and a touch of danger. Inspired by SZA's hit Forgiveless...