...
I see a bad moon a-rising
I see trouble on the way
I see earthquakes and lightnin'
I see bad times today
Don't go 'round tonight
It's bound to take your life
There's a bad moon on the rise
Beth laid in bed, as her phone played what had become her death march. The flashes of Rio's shocked expression as she pulled the trigger kept replaying. The piercing sound that followed still rang in her ear. Slowly Beth raised her hand to her temple, her fingers trembling as she searched the silky smooth skin for injury. There was no sign of the attempt she'd made on her own life.
Beth just couldn't take it any longer. It seemed as though she would never escape the torture of reliving the worst day of her life. She'd tried everything. The utter despair of realizing that no matter what she did, she'd always wake up to see the same day was too much.
All of those thoughts and feelings bubbled up when Rio snapped at her, pushing her to kill the man bound at their feet.
Beth hadn't even realize the gun was pressed against her temple until she looked up at Rio's expression.
She almost couldn't believe she'd done it, but she most definitely wasn't surprised that she woke up to the same old song. Her heart felt both heavy and vacant. A cold numbness snuffing out everything inside her like water over flame.
Beth strayed out into the kitchen and began making coffee. Her motions were practiced as she operated on autopilot. She glanced over her shoulder as Dean entered the kitchen scrubbing his face.
"You're up early."
"Same time as every single other day." She replied dryly, the spoon clacking loudly as she stirred her coffee.
"You okay, Bethie?"
"Yes, Dean."
"You can tell me stuff. I know.. I know we aren't what we were but I think we can still be friends."
"Friends don't lie about having cancer." Beth wasn't sure if it was residual anger from the evening before or the sad despair slowly killing her, but the harsh words spewed from her lips.
Dean's eyes widened at the statement, the conversation about his horrible lie finally resurfacing. "Beth."
"Why Dean? Why that?" The idea that she'd cried over the news heating her blood up despite the time that had passed. "After everything with my mother. Watching her wither."
"I couldn't lose you." He mumbled, his steps faltering as she put a hand up.
"You mean, you couldn't lose the perfect little wife, in the perfect little house. Making perfect little sandwiches, ironing your shirts and folding your underwear."
"No, that's n-"
"It is." Beth snapped, her finger jabbing in his direction angrily. "You wanted me at home so you could fuck your secretary. Oh wait, I'm sorry secretaries."
Dean slouched against the countertop and confessed, "I know I screwed up, Bethie. You didn't deserve any of it."
"You didn't deserve me." She spoke with such conviction that she realized it was the first time she'd ever actually felt the words. The girls had said them, she'd even repeated them but it was the first time she truly believed them.
"I know." His choked on his words, the tears in his eyes only making her hate him more. Because after everything she still wouldn't change her past, not if it meant she didn't have her babies.
Beth drove her mini van towards the city, her mind muddled by the heavy conversations with Dean. She couldn't believe it'd taken her so long to throw all the hurt and anger in her husband's face but felt light for doing it.
So light that she'd gotten in her vehicle with a new determination to do things she'd always wanted to do. Now that repercussions didn't matter, Beth was going to let loose.
The van's brakes squeaked as she parked outside the bank she and the girls had cased previously. The idea of the robbery had excited her when she had planned it but they'd found other means to get the money that wasn't risking their lives. Now she didn't have to worry about that, now she could ignore the fear of being caught and do what felt good.
"Everybody freeze this is a robbery!" Beth shouted, her hand pointing the fake toy gun with way too much bravado. "Customers on the ground. Don't make any moves. You won't get hurt if you do as I say!"
She herded the few customers towards the counters, waving the gun over them as the clerks stood with their hands raised.
"You." She snapped, pointing the plastic pistol at a man with a mustache and tie. "You're the manager?"
"Yes."
"Empty the drawers." She tossed a backpack at him. "Hit the alarm and I'll put a round between your eyes. Got it?"
"Got it." He stammered, his hands shaking as he unlocked the cash drawers."
"Hurry, hurry, hurry." She shouted as he seemed to slow with every till. "No time to lallygag. I got places to be!"
Beth heard the swish sound of a sent text message, the phone in the hands of a woman laying on the ground.
Beth growled, stomping over to take the device from the woman who looked terrified. "That wasn't very nice." She mocked, glancing down at the message sent to someone named Tim telling him to call the cops. "Does Tim know you can't listen to directions?"
"Yes?" The woman's voice trembled as she peered up at the gun in Beth's hand. "Please, don't shoot. I'm pregnant."
Beth's heart stuttered at the statement, guilt flooding her as she looked down towards the woman's curved stomach. She swallowed thickly as she took the phone and set it on the countertop.
"Keep still." She ordered with her teeth ground against the shame. "I don't want to hurt you."
The bank manager handed off the backpack over the teller counter, allowing Beth to grasp the straps. She backed away from the group, her hand waving the gun over them. "Count to 100 before you move or my guys outside will pick you off like thanksgiving day turkeys. You got it?"
The door slammed after her, the bank alarm going off instantly. Beth jogged over to her van and hopped inside, the keys turning over with a loud rev as she floored the gas pedal. She'd just peeled out and turned a corner when the siren sounds came closer.
"Shit." She cursed as she passed by the cop cars coming to the scene, her eyes staying straight as they sped passed her.
Her heart was hammering hard with excitement, the thrill of getting away with such a blatant crime making her grin in satisfaction. Her hands curled around the steering wheel as she bounced in her seat and squealed happily.
"Oh my god." Beth chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. She couldn't believe she'd just robbed a bank in broad daylight. She only wished the girls could see her now.
Who was she kidding, she wished Rio witnessed just how much of a boss bitch she was now.
The clothing fit her like a glove, the silky dress accenting every curve and dip on her hourglass figure. She felt the eyes of several business men follow her as she swayed her way through the crowd to the sleek marble bar top. The bartender was greeting her instantly, his eyes landing on the uncharacteristic amount of cleavage she was showing off. The emerald cut diamond necklace she purchased to replace the one she'd loved all that time ago was tucked tantalizingly in the deep crease. Just thinking of the last time she wore it wrecked her, Rio's hand heavy on the back of her neck as he growled against her ear.
"Is that emerald cut?
How much of my money did that set you back?"
Shaking off the heady memory, Beth rolled her blue eyes and ordered a top shelf bourbon.
The modern building was nestled in downtown Detroit's business district, the venue a hotspot for the lawyers and stock market crowds happy hour.
Beth didn't have much in mind other than enjoying the money she'd taken from the bank earlier that afternoon. She'd spent most on her new wardrobe but a large chunk of it went to several pampering treatments at the spa near the boutique she'd shopped at. Her body was massaged, waxed smooth and moisturized by the most luxurious shea butters and body oils. Beth had never felt so sexy and couldn't help but go out for a celebratory drink.
"Not everybody can afford this, let only drink it without a wince." The bartender remarked, his hands braced on the marble as she took a dainty sip. Her eyes trailed over the tan skin of his forearms, her gaze catching at the way his rolled shirt sleeves highlighted the toned muscles flexing.
"I'm not everybody." She replied with a coy smile curling her painted red lips.
"No, no you aren't." He drawled, his voice nowhere close to the desirable grit Rio's had but it was close enough to make her crossed legs tighten.
"I'm Eric and you are?"
Her lips were poised to reply with something hopefully close to sounding sexy when a large hand slid across her lower back.
"Elizabeth."
The shiver that ran down her spine couldn't be concealed, the smirk pulling at Rio's full lips saying as much. "Sorry I'm late, sweetheart."
Bartender forgotten, Beth bit her lip as she looked over his slim-cut button down shirt and dark slacks. She hadn't ever gotten much time to enjoy looking at him all these days she'd replayed, the heat it caused not totally surprising.
"Guess you'll have to make it up to me." Beth spoke soft and flirty, her chest rising a little too fast to hold her facade of calm.
"Mmm." Rio's inked throat rumbled in consideration, his head cocking a bit to bring his mouth closer to her ear. The crisp scent of his cologne hit her nose, the smell warming her blood and increasing the aching need she had for him.
"Whatchu want, darlin'?" His breath was hot on her neck as he brushed his nose along the shell of her ear. "Flowers. Chocolates."
What did she want? She wanted everything to go back to normal. She wanted the night to end without gunfire and blood.
Beth clenched her teeth at the sudden spike of grief that hit her square in the chest. The gaping hole that had been slowly growing inside her all raw and exposed. She'd ignored all the darkness for most of the day, her mind focused on enjoying herself but just as things seemed to be cresting into something amazing, Beth went plummeting into despair.
Rio must have noticed her mood's complete one-eighty, his head pulling back to see her stricken expression. "Elizabeth."
"I want." Beth swallowed thickly as he stared at her with knowing eyes. "Something I can't have."
Rio stared for a solid uncomfortable moment before he stood from his bar stool, his hand held out towards her. "C'mon, ma."
Her heart dropped as she realized it was about that time. He had to have gotten Turner into the loft already, his next stop being her house.
"How'd you find me?" She asked as she took his hand and followed him out of the bar willingly. There wasn't any point in fighting what was to come. It was inevitable.
"Find my friends." He replied with a grin. "You really should watch how much of your personal data you give out. Can be dangerous, mami."
The walk to the car was short, his shiny Cadillac parked just down the street from the bar in an alleyway. The streets were silent, the only sound she could hear were the click of her stilettos and the drum of her heartbeat.
When they arrived at his car, Rio opened the passenger door and gestured for her to get in.
"Can we just not do this tonight?" Beth asked as she stepped towards the open door.
"Do what, ma? Just giving you a ride."
"We both know that's not true, Rio." She replied, his name falling from her lips freezing him for a second. The only times she'd said it was during their rendezvous.
"What do you know, Elizabeth?" He stepped closer, his chest brushing against hers as his hand came up to brush a stray curl behind her ear.
"I know that you want to kiss me more than kill me." She murmured with hooded eyes.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah." She let her eyes trail over his inked neck and sharp jaw, his pouty lip begging for her to nip and suck on it.
"And what do you want, mama?" Rio's voice was a low gravel, the sound pushing a rush of heat through her core and dampening her panties.
"You." Beth whispered with fluttered eyes. "I always want you."
"To bad it's over and done huh?" He drawled with a flash of anger clouding his dark eyes.
Beth reached forward as he tried to step away, her fingers curling into his shirt to keep him close. "I didn't mean it."
"You still said it."
"I'm a liar." Beth's jaw clenched at the admission. It was one of the first times she'd ever admitted it out loud.
She'd been a liar since childhood. It started out of self preservation. Lying to their schools about where her mom was at parent teacher conferences. She'd lie to their mother about how she got the food their table, which often meant she was stealing a car and shoplifting bread and peanut butter. She'd been lying to Dean about loving him for years to keep her family together. Clinging to her life with him like she wanted to be treated like a stepford wife.
Beth had been stealing and lying in some way to get what her family needed for her entire life. Lying came natural to her, sometimes she wouldn't even realize she was doing it until half way through. More often than not she would even begin to believe them.
"First step is admitting you got a problem." Rio's snark caused her defenses to rise up but she shoved them down in an attempt to change the evening's events.
"So when are you going to admit it?"
"Admit what? I ain't no liar, ma."
"Omitting the truth is the same thing."
"Nah, I tell you what you need to know. That's your problem. You think you deserve to know everything."
"I do when it affects me. You lied about the drugs, tried to sneak it in under my nose."
"Get in the car, Elizabeth."
"No."
"Get in, or I'll put you in the trunk." He snapped.
Beth clenched her teeth at his tone and felt her fingernails bite into her palms.
"Fine." She growled before stepping away to open the back door.
"Elizabeth.."
Beth slid inside, leaving the door open as she asked, "Well, are you going to join me?"
She saw him freeze, his hand gripping the door as he peered inside after her. Beth cocked an eyebrow in question as he pulled out his phone and sent a quick text message. A smile curled her lips as she realized he was probably getting someone to babysit Turner while he was delayed.
"You have somewhere to be?" She asked coyly, her tongue darting across her lip as he climbed inside and shut the door.
"Whatchu doin', mama?" His voice was low and rough, his eyes trailed down her exposed legs as her skirt bunched up. "That hubby not scratchin' your itch."
"He hasn't scratched anything of mine in five years, Rio." She confessed while reaching to remove her shoes.
"Leave 'em on." He rasped as he watched her squirm. "Show me your panties."
"Don't say panties." Beth quipped with a smile pulling at her red lips.
"Why? It making you wet?" His voice became rougher as he watched her hike her dress up, the navy lacy strip of cloth between her thighs exposed. "Should stuff them in that big mouth of yours, shut you up for once."
"You don't want me to shut up." Beth retorted as she cupped herself, her fingers pushing against her clit as she whimpered. "You like my mouth too much."
Rio's eyes were burning a scorched path over her body, his bottom lip hanging low as he wet it.
"That right?"
"Yes." She hissed as her fingers dipped passed the lace and into the wet folds below.
"Fuck." He grit out before lurching forward into her space, tearing her hand away to replace it with his own. "You think you know everything."
"Yes!" She moaned out, her head thrown back as he gripped the crotch of her panties and snapped the fabric with one vicious yank. She watched him ball them up with a mean looking grin.
"Open." He demanded, his hand working between her legs.
Beth widened her legs but froze as he clarified. "Other lips, baby."
Her mouth parted in shock which gave him enough room to shove the lacy fabric into her mouth, smearing her lipstick.
"Rio." She mumbled as the fabric filled her mouth.
"uh,uh." He growled, brushing his nose across her as he pressed closer to speak. "You gonna bite those until I'm done with you."
Beth clenched her teeth, the lace rough on her tongue and soft palate. She couldn't stop the deep throaty moan that escaped when his fingers replaced hers though. The thick stretch of his rough knuckles pressing against her folds as he pumped into her.
His eyes were dark pits as he watched her, his gaze dipping over her body to watch his fingers disappear inside her.
"Fuck, you so wet, mami." He grunted, his other hand sliding up her hip to her breast. "Show me them titties."
Beth moaned at the demand, her hand finding the zipper of her dress instantly. She watched him with doe eyes, her throat bobbing as she swallowed against the gag in her mouth.
"Fuck." He hissed through clenched teeth, his jaw rocking as she exposed the new brassier holding her girls high and proud. "Like a fucking dream, ma."
His thumb brushed across the stiff nipples showing below the thin fabric. "Think about these every night. Them bouncing when you rode my dick."
"Fuck." She cursed against the fabric shoved in her mouth, her needy sound bringing his eyes up.
"You think about it?"
Beth nodded vigorously, her legs spreading further as his hand pumped into her harder at the confession.
"Yeah? Whatchu think about?"
Rio chuckled lowly as she moaned into the gag. "Yeah I bet you picture me fuckin' you on your knees. Bouncing that ass off my dick."
Beth panted heavily as he kept pumping his curled fingers, the swivel of his wrist sliding his thumb across her clit. He tugged the cup of her bra down enough to release the tight bud below. She keened as he rolled it hard between his fingers, the feeling sending a shudder through her whole body. Rio moaned against her neck, his lips and teeth tasting her neck and breast.
"You like it when I grab these tetas as you fuck you out." He rasped before flicking his tongue over her nipple.
Beth clawed at his shoulders and ribs, her legs spread wide as he pushed a third finger inside her. His hot wet mouth latched onto her breast, sucking hard in rhythm with his thrusting fingers.
"Yes." Beth moaned into the gag, digging her nails into his shoulders. Her hips rose from the seat as she clenched and shuddered around him, cumming hard around his crooked fingers.
"Fuck." He cursed into her cleavage, his fingers swirling inside to rub the spot that made her writhe. "That's it mami. feel good?"
"Mmhm."
"Yeah you do." He flicked his thumb hard while pressing in as deep as he could go.
"Rio." Beth couldn't stop mumbled into the lace fabric snuffing out her words. Everything felt overwhelmingly good. After everything she'd gone through in however many days it'd been, the sensation of feeling alive was amazing.
Rio pulled the fabric from her mouth and kissed her deeply. She clung to him as he spread her legs while unbuckling his jeans. They panted into each other's mouths as his dick pressed against her wet core.
"Sure?" He rasped hoarsely, his eyes flicking over her face before drifting down to the sight of his skin against hers. A beautiful contrast of tan and cream.
"Very." Beth replied, her words turning into wanton moans when he pressed into her instantly.
"You gonna kick me outta my own car after?" He rumbled, licking his lips as he smeared the head of his dick across her hood.
Beth shook her head slowly, her fingers pulling at his hips. "Please."
"Damn, ma." Rio stared down between her legs, his long fingers and strong hands framing her hips as he rocked against her. "Look good on my dick."
"Yeah."
"Yeah." He huffed out a breath after a harder, deeper thrust.
"More."
"More?" His voice turned gruffer, his hands tightening around her curves. "You want me to tear it up, huh?"
"Fuck." She threw her head back against the seat as he began pumping into her with no restraint. She could feel the car rocking with every dominating thrust, his fingers bruising her hips and breasts.
"You feel me?"
"Rio."
"Tell me, ma. 'Fore we get locked up for indecent exposure."
"So good." Beth panted, her tongue darting out to lick her smeared lips. "you fuck me so good, Rio."
"Goddamnit." Rio hiked her knee over his shoulder and laid into her spread legs. Beth shattered around him, her walls clenching frantically around his the swollen head. Rio's own groans filled the car, his hips stuttering into hers as he came as well.
Fingers began to brush the hair from her temple out of her eyes, his thumb stroking the flushed skin of her cheek.
"Got a dirty mouth, Elizabeth."
"Only, because you put panties in it."
Rio threw his head back and laughed freely, his eyes crinkled as he grinned at her. "You liked it. Pussy was melting all over my interior."
Beth could feel her face redden at the comment, her eyes suddenly going to the leather seats.
"Don't worry, ma." He chuckled, pulling her hand his mouth. "Get it cleaned all the time, Pop's always spillin' shit back here."
"You let him eat in the car?"
"'Course. Ain't that big of an asshole." He scoffed.
Beth cocked an eyebrow at the comment, making them both chuckle.
"Aight, I'll give you that one."
"I mean you were sending me body parts in the mail."
"You don't like edible arrangements?"
"Eww." Beth smacked his shoulder playfully as she redressed. "Don't be gross."
His laugh was low and warm, his lips curled just enough to crease his eyes. "You like it."
"No." She rolled her eyes and combed her fingers through her hair. "I don't like it."
"What do you like?" His head was resting against the seat, his eyes trailing over her body as she smoothed down her dress. Beth's eyes rose to his, her lip pulled between her teeth.
"You." She spoke softly, her blue eyes wide and vulnerable.
Rio watched her carefully, his jaw rocking slightly at her response. She could see him shutting down at the confession, his expression clearing of humor. Beth grabbed his wrist when he made a move to open the door.
"Wait."
"Got shit to do, ma." He replied gruffly, his eyes narrowed and jaw tight.
"Please." She felt desperate to keep the evening from going where he was trying to lead it. "Wait."
"What?" Rios voice turned harder as he pulled his arm from hers.
"Look, can we just not go do what you have planned for me? Can we just take a night to talk."
"Nothin' to talk about." He moved to grasp the door handle again but Beth clung to his arm and shoulder.
"Wait, please, Rio." She wasn't above begging at that point, she needed him to finally listen. "I have to tell you something."
Rio's eyes narrowed as she spoke, his shoulders and jaw tightening in anticipation. "Whatchu do now?"
"No, it's not..." Beth shook her head and decided to go for it. "I know about Turner."
The car was dead quiet for a moment as Rio looked her over critically. "What about him?"
"I know he's at your loft. I know you're gonna try to get me to kill him."
"Yeah?" He asked roughly, pulling her hand away from the sleeve of his shirt. "How do you know that?"
"Because I've been reliving this day for.. I don't know how many days and anything you do or I do or anyone else does, doesn't change it. I always wake up to the same day."
Rio looked at her for a solid minute before chuckling lowly. "Didn't think you drank that much, ma."
"I'm not drunk." Beth snapped in frustration, her hand tucking hair behind her ear. "It's the truth. I've tried everything to fix it but it's always September 18th. It's not always the same, I can change some things but it always ends the same. Someone dies and I wake up to relive it all over again."
"You actually believe this shit?" Rio spoke cautiously, his eyes flicking over her distraught expression and clenched hands. "If you know so much, what happens when we leave here?"
"This is the first time we..." she felt the traitorous blush color her cheeks.
"Ain't the first time we fucked ma."
"No I mean today.. tonight. We hadn't before." Beth shook her head in frustration. "Look normally you kidnap me and take me to your loft. We fight, you yell and I yell and then... someone always gets hurt."
"Someone?" Rio rasped lowly, his eyes darkening as he stared intensely.
"Yes." Beth's voice is soft and cautious. She didn't exactly want to confess to shooting him, but there was no way to avoid it. "Sometimes... it's you. Sometimes Turner. Once Turner shot you. Last time... it was me."
"You sayin' you shot me, mami?" He asked gruffly, his hand reaching into his waist band to pull out his handgun. "You pop that cherry finally?"
"Rio."
"You tried to kill the king." Rio reached out to grip the back of her neck, his gun tucked below her jaw. "Hmm?"
The sensation of the cold metal on her jaw brought the last evening back in full force. Her mind flashed to the stunned look on Rio's face when she pointed the gun at herself and pulled the trigger.
"I protected myself." She hissed, pushing the gun from her jaw. "Stop pointing that at me."
"Should be used to it by now, Elizabeth. If the shit you say is true."
"It is true." She exclaimed, throwing a hand up. "Why would I make this up?"
"You said it yourself, mama. You a liar."
Beth ground her teeth and glared at him. "I'm not lying about this."
"Yeah? So after you shoot me, what happens?" His growl and heated expression tells her to tread lightly.
"I wake up."
"That's all. Curtains close and you just wake up."
"Yes."
"I don't believe you."
"Fine." She snapped, her cheeks flushed in frustration. He was always pulling more information out of her, she always bent to him and she hated it.
"I go home and pass out and then wake up."
"So you kill me and leave me to rot?" The tone he spoke in was filled with cold malice. "That about right?"
"I don't want to. Turner practically shoved me out the door."
Rio chuckled darkly, his hand tightening around his gun. "Oh I see, you leave me with a pig."
"Rio."
"Nah." His voice was hoarse and mean. "Enough of this bullshit. We got shit to do."
"It's not bullshit, it's happened and I want to change it. I don't want anyone to get hurt. I want to wake up to a new day. I just..."
Beth's throat closes on the emotions bubbling up out of her, shaking her head as tears flood her eyes. "I just want it to be over."
"Yeah, ma." He nodded his head, tipping his chin up. "You always do but you gotta learn sometime. Ain't no one else cleaning up your messes no more. You gotta put your big girl panties on and take care of business."
"I have." She cried out in frustration, her hands fisted in her lap. "I've tried. I killed him, nothing changed. I even killed..."
"Who?" He asked with a mocking grin. "Who else you killed, mami? You out taking care of everybody in your way?"
"Myself, okay!" She snapped through clenched teeth and watery eyes. "Me!"
Rio's face was almost as shocked as it had been when she pulled the trigger with the gun at her temple.
"Whatchu mean?"
"I mean, I took care of myself. I took that gun and blew my damn brains out and it did nothing. Nothing fucking matters. It just repeats and I can't take it anymore." She cried, her hands covering her face to hide the tears overflowing and smearing her makeup. "I can't do this anymore. I can't, Rio. I can't. I-I c-can't"
Rio's hands were pulling her closer, one sinking into her hair as the other spread wide across her back. "Sh,sh,sh."
"I can't." She gasped, her whole body trembling against him. "I can't do this."
"Easy, ma." His lips brushed along her cheek as he spoke low and calm. "Breathe, sweetheart."
"I can't."
"Yeah, you can."
Beth took in a slow shuddered breath, the exhale jagged and wet.
"There's my girl." His hand was sliding up and down her back, his voice a low rumble against her ear. Beth breathed in and out slowly until the sobs escaping stopped and her tears dried up.
"Here's what we're gonna do." He informed as he pulled back to look over her blotchy face and wet eyes. "You and me are gonna wait it out."
"Wait what out?"
"You say you wake up to the same day, yeah?"
"Yes." She huffed.
"Aight." He nodded firmly, while putting his gun away and making his way to the front seat. "We're gonna watch the sunrise to a new day then, ma."
"Rio."
"What? You try this already?"
"Well, no."
"Aight then. We do this and tomorrow we work this shit out." Rio explained, turned the car on. After a minute of driving he met her eyes in the rearview mirror. "So I gotta keep you awake or something?"
"I don't have a concussion." She scoffed.
"You sure?" He cocked an eyebrow at her, "It would explain some shit."
Beth rest against his side as they leaned on the iron railing. They stood on a bridge over the passing river, their gaze facing east. The subtle hints of dawn were approaching, a navy tinge starting to paint the horizon.
"What is this place?"
"A bridge."
"Rio." She wasn't proud of the whine in her voice but couldn't stop it from happening. For once she would like to get an answer out of him without an interrogation.
He shrugged lazily, his jaw tensing as he chewed on his answer a moment. "Place I go to think."
"Why'd you bring me?"
"Why do you ask so many questions?"
Beth rolled her eyes and turned them back to the slow moving water. She couldn't stop from resting her temple against the warmth of his shoulder. The air was colder above the river and the chill of it had her shivering.
"C'mere, ma." He pulled her in front of him, his arms circling her waist to warm her up. Her lungs hitched as he tucked his face against her neck, breathing hot air against her skin. "Better."
"Much." She sighed, resting her back into his broad chest. Rio rubbed her arms and brought her icy fingers up to his mouth.
"Why're you doing this?" Beth bit her tongue after the words spilled from her mouth. She wished she could stuff them back in side when he tensed up behind her.
"Still askin' questions." Rio commented, his hands resting on her hips. His lips brushed against her neck making her tilted her head to offer more skin.
"What can I say, you're a questionable person." She retorted softly, her heart clenching as he chuckled gruffly against her ear. The raspy sound melting her back into his chest. They'd never been anything close to cuddlers but standing there as pink began to bloom across the sky felt natural.
"Been called worse."
Beth snorted, turning her face to kiss the edges of the ink on his throat. "Don't brag."
His tugged her closer, a deep satisfied sound rumbled through his chest against her back as she nuzzled underneath his jaw.
"You got a way of gettin' what you want from me, ma." He finally replied, the rough stubble of his jaw brushing along her neck. "Got me on a hook."
Beth turned around to peer up at him, her cold hands sliding up his chest to wrap behind his neck.
"You think you're the only one?" She spoke cautiously, her blue eyes wide and vulnerable as he pressed her against the railing. The sun was slowly rising behind her, the warmth of it heating her back as Rio warmed the front. "I don't break into just anyone's place."
"Yeah?" He nudged the bridge of her nose with his own, wetting his pouty bottom lip. "Whatchu sayin', mama?"
"You know." She breathed against his mouth as he teased her with a kiss.
"Wanna hear it."
"I want you."
"Yeah? What else?" Rio's hands slide down her hips to grab her ass.
"I need you."
Beth heard and felt the breath in his lungs catch at the sentence she sighed against his throat. She couldn't help but repeat herself to try an illicit the same response.
"I need you, Rio."
"Fuck, mama." His hand rose to hold her throat and jaw, titling her face up towards his. "See it's shit like that, that makes me stupid."
They'd watched the sunrise, Beth feeling settled for the first time in too many days. Soon they moved back to his vehicle, their mood subdued as they climbed inside. Beth glanced at him as they pulled onto the road, heading towards her home. She leaned back into the leather seat and let her eyes trace his face as he drove. The evening had turned into something completely different than any before it. It had her hopeful for a fresh start. The car moved smoothly, the subtle rocking of it turning her eyes heavy. Blinking hard, her tried to keep her eyes open but soon it was just too much.
I see a bad moon a-rising
I see trouble on the way
I see earthquakes and lightnin'
I see bad times today
Don't go 'round tonight
It's bound to take your life
There's a bad moon on the rise
Beth blinked several times as her room came into focus, a sharp and sudden feeling of grief filling her chest. She could still feel the subtle movement of Rio's car, the smell of leather and his cologne still in her nose.
The emptiness of her room was suffocating. Clenching her eyes shut she felt the telltale burn of tears filling them. Beth curled up into a tight ball, pulling the comforter over her head to muffle the sobs tearing up her throat into the heavy cotton and down.
The uncompromising sadness of it all was wrecking her more everyday, but losing the evening she'd just had with Rio was utterly heartbreaking.