she didn’t come to his bar by coincidence and that’s why he follows her. he trails her by just a few seconds, doesn’t waste time, because he’s so deeply curious. could be business – probably not. elizabeth is slowly figuring herself out, her freedom and the things she’s capable of, and rio is aware he’s a tool for her in that way – he readily accepts this. so he lets her lead. closes the door and leans back against it, static and benign. it’s up in the air and he’s prepared to roll with what she gives him - presumably a desire for more cash or jobs - but instead she wordlessly steps closer. rio isn’t entirely surprised. the tension has always been palpable, not to mention she’s not too hard for him to read. he’s quick to mirror her, stand up straight-backed and nose to nose to match her intention. so that she knows he’s right there with her. still, he waits.

that stops him dead. rio’s pointed when he turns his body to face her wholly. all right -- got his attention. though he’s not really one to overthink much of anything, he takes a minute to study her face. drink her words in. “yeah?” brow furrows a little with that. the taunt is enmeshed with true satisfaction. “good.” doesn’t really matter if she means it or not, he’s always been prone to play along. the real scheme always comes out in the end. pushing off the pool table, he steps into her, his stare unwavering into her iced blues. head tilts as he pushes some strawberry blonde off her cheek. “-- so, what?”

“everybody’s is,” rio counters, tone level and gaze anchored to the sheets of new funny bills hanging up to dry. he cocks his head, shrugs his lips. “some people are just better at gettin’ what they want.” if there’s anything rio’s sure of, it’s that everybody’s out for themselves. after a beat of thought he lays his eyes on her. it’s not surprising that she’s greedy, but it does continue to throw him how fuckin’ good she is at finessing the system. she’s different. she’s like him. “what’d you think you were gonna do with all that dough? pay a few tuitions and move on? nah,” he sucks his teeth, eyes squinting his a knowing doubtfulness. he’s amused at the thought. can’t walk away after a taste.

“-- yeah?” the sentiment earns a sidelong glance and an arched brow. rio’s only vaguely skeptical, more prodding than anything. eternally amused by her. his head hangs for a second and then his glass is lifted to his pursed lips. “sure do come around asking for a helluva lotta favors.” problems to be solved, people to be plugged. she’s the boss bitch, yeah, but something tells rio she needs him to play his part, too. he shifts into a marginal shrug, curious and condescending in equal measure. “what happens when you pay off your tab?” could she really hack it without him?