Chaotic Order // Rio fic

Chapter 16

The doctor cleared me, only needing ice on my neck and bed rest for the rest of the day, I was frustrated that I couldn't finish the rest of the first official day as a merged company but considering the circumstances, an afternoon off sounded well earned. Rio surprisingly sat beside me throughout the entirety of the check-up, his knee bumping up and down and his hands clasped in his lap.

"You sure you good to drive home?" I went to nod but winced as the bruises formed.

"Yeah, that's a no sweetheart." He chuckles, motioning for me to follow him. I rolled my eyes and thanked the doctor, following him into the elevator.

"Rio I'm fine-" I exclaim while the elevator door slides shut.

"Just let me give you a ride darlin, I ain't takin no for an answer." With that, the door opened back onto my office floor and I reluctantly agreed to him taking me home, knowing that I probably shouldn't drive anyway. I gathered my things from my desk, taking a stack of paperwork to do while I was at home to which Rio grabbed out of my hands and made me place back down.

"Doctor said get some rest don't you listen?" He taunted and I pursed my lips in annoyance.

"Well, there's no rest for the wicked, just cause I've got a sore neck-"

"Someone tried stranglin you mama, that ain't just a sore neck, you could use a break." I pouted at him but listened anyway, maybe I could use a break.

"Whatever, let's just go then, I'm going to be bored shitless at home now thank you." I grabbed my purse, checking my phone for any notifications to see a couple apologetic texts from Pete and promises that he'd be out of the country by the end of the week. I sighed deeply and lead Rio back out of the office toward the other elevator but as we passed Candace she stopped us abruptly.

"Oh my god boss! I never thought Pete would do something like that in a million years, I can't believe him. What did the doctor say?" She interrogated her hands moving to check my neck for herself.

"It's ok Candace thank you for your concern. He just snapped out of nowhere, I think this whole boss thing has been weighing on his mind for a while, everyone can get a bit power hungry I suppose. He'll be out of the country within the week so we won't have to worry. I've been put on rest for the day so I need you to clear my meetings okay?" She nods, pulling me into a teary hug.

"Who knows what we would have done if something were to happen to you, you had us so worried." She whispered, gripping me tighter. It was comforting to know that my staff appreciated and worried for me.

"I'm not going anywhere just yet." I joked, pulling away before continuing. "Rio has been kind enough to escort me home to my frustration so we'll see you tomorrow."

"Of course! Oh, and before I forget, the contract has been drafted and finalized if you wanted to take it with you? It's with Leia on the third floor, I can grab it now for you." She offers and I look to Rio who shrugs.

"Perfect, don't worry about grabbing it, Rio and I will swing past on our way out. Thanks, Candace, see you tomorrow." She waves slightly before returning to her desk to make a number of phone calls on my behalf to cancel my meetings for the afternoon. I have no idea what I'd do without her organizing my life for me.

"You know what's weird?" Rio asks as we get out of Candace's earshot.

"What?" I ask, pressing the button to go down to level three.

"None of your staff are scared of you." He glances around the offices before the door slides shut. "Like if that was my boys they'd be scared shitless."

"You should see them when I'm pissed off." I chuckle as he raises a curious eyebrow. "It's only because they are my most trusted employees, best of the best and have worked with me for years. We're practically family." I explain and he smirks slightly.