The Cartel’s Queen

My Friend Rio

“Well if it isn’t the diosa oscura!” My friend Rio said out amusedly walking up to the bar

He was dressed in his all black security suit. He looked like his job was being a part of the secret service if you asked me, but I don’t ask questions. Around here, it seems as if asking questions gets you disappeared. I just go to work and get paid. When I go home, I sleep and try to catch up on things around the house. And when I do have free time, I like to paint. I’m pretty good at it, but I’m not like Piccaso. It helps ease my anxiety, and helps me let go and release anything I have inside that is keeping me in the past.

“Shhhhhh Rio!” I snapped out angrily, stopping what I’m doing

He laughed out as he looked me up and down, admiring my body.

“Pour me a drink, beautiful and stop overreacting.”

He took a seat at the bar, annoying me.

I poured him a glass of whiskey, knowing he liked whiskey. Once I was done, I gave it to him.

“Thank you, beautiful.”

I gave him a sarcastic smile and gave him the finger.

“Not very lady like Amina.” He chuckled out as he sipped on his whiskey “Before I forget, you're working in the private room tonight.”

I sighed frustratedly, really wanting to go home after my shift was done at 10pm. I’ve been here since eight this morning, covering for people who never showed up.

“You wouldn’t be so upset if you knew how much money you're gonna make tonight.” Rio said out coyly as he drank his whiskey

I couldn’t lie, he piqued my interest, but I was still frustrated that I was gonna have to work most of the night.

“There’s a poker game starting at 10 tonight with very elite and wealthy people. They are friends and Allies of the owner of the casino. You will be sure to leave very happy in the morning after everything is done.”

Rio finished his whiskey, slamming the glass back down on the counter and wiped his lips with his hand.

“Why do I have to work in the private room? I’ve never done it before, why now?” I asked out frustratedly aggravated

I could care less about the money honestly, I was doing okay. I mean I wasn’t necessarily rich, but I was comfortable with the life I have made for myself. What is one night really gonna do for my life?

“Well for one, you’ve been working here for two years and have proven yourself to be a great employee. Plus the boss thinks you're ready, and trusts you enough.”

I rolled my eyes frustratedly

I’ve never even met the boss, let alone had a conversation with him. How does that mean he trusts me? Just because I’ve worked here for the past two years?!

“Sounds like a bunch of lies to me.” I said out annoyedly

Rio laughed in his deep voice, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I can’t help but think about the time Rio and I spent together. I mean he really did make me feel good, especially In the bedroom. But he just held too many secrets, too many secrets that I knew would make me see him differently if he ever told me. Plus I’m not good with relationships anyways. The memories of the great s*x we’ve shared will be good enough for me honestly.

“Just because you are untrusting of everyone and everything doesn’t mean this isn’t a good opportunity for you.”

I sighed frustratedly, listening to what he had to say. I mean he was right. I didn’t trust anybody, I mean how could I? Everyone in my life has betrayed me, even the people who were supposed to love me and take care of me. I stopped trusting people a long time ago, it’s not gonna change now.

“Fine but I swear I will kill anyone who disrespects me!” I said out angrily annoyed

Rio sighed out frustratedly, not liking what he’s hearing.

“Look Amina, when you're in there tonight, there will be no talking to the guests. Only when they ask you things, but other than that, keep your head down and do your job. The more silent you are, the better. These people aren’t like the rest of the people that are on the casino floor. Just trust me please.”

I looked at him, seeing the seriousness on his face. I could tell that I had to be on my best behavior, even though I wasn’t great with that. I have a tendency to put men in their place if they disrespect me. I can’t stand a man who thinks he has the right to touch a woman without her permission. You would not believe how many drunk fools I have had to knock out for trying to feel me up without my permission. f*****g idiots.

“Amina, this is serious. If you disrespect any one of these people in there and they feel the need to kill you, nobody will do anything about it, not even me. I can’t save you in that situation, or it'll get us both killed.” Rio said out frustratedly, throwing me from my thoughts

I looked him in the eyes, understanding what he was saying. But death? Really? Who were these people and why were they so violent. So you're telling me I have to be disrespected and sexually assaulted so I don’t die?!

“I’m not doing this Rio, I’m not! Are you f*****g serious?!” I yelled out angrily, making him cover his face frustratedly

“Relax Amina!”

“You have no choice anyways. I will come and escort you around 9:50pm

I looked over at the clock on the wall seeing that it said 8:12pm. Just great, I’m gonna have to prepare for this s**t show soon.

I sighed frustratedly, knowing I didn’t have a choice. I mean I needed this job, and I could use the money.

“Fine, but you better tell the boss that I deserve a paid vacation very soon.” I said out annoyedly

He laughed amusedly as he slid his empty glass over to me and got out of his chair.

“Or you could just let me take you back to my place when your shift is over, and let me make you feel good like I used to.” Rio whispered out seductively, leaning over the bar and lingering close to me

“In your dreams Rio.”

Such a horny fool, I should have never even slept with him. It made it worse when my body responded so greatly to his touch and the things he did. I mean I can’t say that I don’t think about the great s*x we’ve had, but it’s too much to deal with. Rio ended up wanting me to move in with him, says it’ll be better for us carpooling to work, but we both know that wasn’t the reason.

“I dream about you every night.” He whispered out cockily amused “Even the way I felt inside of you.”

“Rio!” I yelled out embarrassedly, hitting him in his chest

He laughed as he caught my arm, and pulled me into the counter and kissed me passionately on the lips. He caught me off guard, but it was nice. I could feel my cheeks heat up, indicating that I was a blushing mess.

He pulled back from the kiss and released his hold on my arm. I stepped back from the bar, running my fingers through my long black curls. I calmed my rapid beating heart as I was so flustered and in shock that he just did that.

I looked around the casino, watching if anybody saw what just happened. But everyone seemed to be preoccupied with their gambling and drinking.

“I just can’t help myself.”

He leaned in and moved a curl behind my ear.

I slapped his hand away from me, giving him an embarrassed yet angry look.

“We are at work! Plus we are not together! Stop doing that!” I snapped out flusteredly angry

He laughed, ignoring my feelings.

“I’m not gonna stop until you move in with me Amina.” Rio said out softly amused “but I will respect your boundaries at work.”

I rolled my eyes annoyedly.

He said that last time.

“Mhmhmm. Leave me alone so I can have some peace. Go do some work.”

I avoided his gaze, standing my ground.

“One day you will miss me so much.”

Ha! He’s sadly mistaken. I can live without Rio, the real question is if he can live without me.

I rolled my eyes and avoided his gaze. He was such a child. He did not need a job as a security guard at a damn casino. He cannot be trusted with anything important.