Shadows In Durango

Chapter 11

*****Sofia's POV*****

The day had crawled by with agonizing slowness after the encounter with the cheerleaders. I managed to avoid Vincent and his entourage for the remainder of the day, but the absence of Daryl's comforting presence weighed heavily on me. It was silly, really, to feel disappointed that he hadn't sought me out again, but I couldn't shake the feeling of loneliness that settled in the pit of my stomach.

I shouldn't even feel this way, not over a boy I've known all of two days! He owes me nothing...

Embarrassed by my own vulnerability, I focused on the task ahead: my first shift at Intensity. The prospect both excited and terrified me. It was a chance to prove myself in a new environment, away from the judgmental eyes of my classmates. But it was also a daunting challenge, stepping into a world so different from the one I was used to.

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, I gathered my belongings and made my way to the exit. The hallways were a blur of activity as students rushed to leave, their voices blending into a cacophony of sound. I pushed through the crowd, my mind already racing ahead.

Outside, the loud hum of a sports car caught my eye, its passengers shocking me further when I find Vincent himself to be the one situated behind the wheel.

Of course.

By his side was Daryl, along with the other blonde and the shaved head one riding in the back. The music thumbed loud, as the engine revved itself to life - drawing all and every ounce of attention towards the car.

I couldn't shift the feeling of betrayal, watching Daryl laugh by Vincent's side as though he hadn't been encouraging me to stand up to him only hours ago.

But I knew they were close, it was my own mistake for trusting any of them in the first place!

Watching them ride off, with many females swooning as they pass, I take off quickly in the direction of my apartment - knowing that tonight was the night I was set to make my Intensity debut.

walk home, I allowed myself to fall in to autopilot, as

and unlocked my door - always ensuring to lock it back over again as soon as

it off of my face - knowing that I would thank myself for the

that I could remember as I closed over my eyes and pretended to do the

I can do this!

freshen

in record time -

a kaleidoscope of colors across the dimly lit room. The thumping bass of the music reverberated in my chest as I made my way towards the

a warm smile, his new enthusiasm as my manager infectious. "Hey, Sofia! You ready for your first shift pretty one?" He questions as I nod and

own because it's smaller and quieter up there." Tito turns to introduce

us for the complete experience

the other lined up popular drink bottles at hand. "Hello!" I squeak, trying to be heard over the music which was way louder than the other two times I

clapping me on the back. "Follow me,

give me something to wear?

to the VIP bar, my heart pounding with each step as I glanced around and

now, but I knew that it could soon be filled with

to me. "I'll be downstairs handling jobs so if you need anything, just let one of

then practice some drink pours if you'd like? Good luck!" He points, as I follow his finger towards the corner and nod - gathering up the bag left for me on the bar countertop. I watched as Tito disappeared back down the stairs before turning

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