Shadows In Durango

Chapter 37

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

I frantically keep checking outside, making sure my neighbours remained there for the time being while I got ready for work.

At least if I knew they were out front I could seamlessly exit out the back without being detected because what I feared most now was meeting them on the apartment building staircase... alone and without a door holding them back! I would rather know where they are at least to keep myself safe and to avoid them.

Checking my phone, I had twenty minutes left before my shift at the bar and with a final sigh, I pull on my jacket and decide to leave.

I quickly fumble with the keys to lock the door, hurrying down the steps and out the back exit - rounding to the end of the street in a quickened stride.

Great, I avoided them for another day at least...

Walking towards town for around ten minutes, the bright neon light of Intensity finally comes into view, leaving me with just over five minutes to spare.

"Can I help you?" I turn to find a random guy ask with a quizzical look on his face the second I enter the building, shocking me in his work uniform since I hadn't yet seen him around here before.

"Hey... I work here too, in the upstairs bar. My names Sofia, I don't think we've met!" I add politely, as he seems to eye me in disgust next, catching me more off guard than before as his eyes rake over me.

"You work here? Says who?" He pushes on, as I glance over to the main bar in desperate search of Tito, finding him nowhere to be seen.

Who the heck is this guy and what's with his attitude?!

"Tito." I tell him simply, before watching as he inaudibly curses under his breath in response with a shake of his head.

He had clearly decided seconds after meeting me that he didn't like me very much which I didn't find fair. He could have at least given me a chance... but I guess he was just old and grumpy!

"Well Tito isn't here tonight and we are incredibly short on staff. I'm the old manager, I recently retired from here. Just go to your area and set up!" He orders, rushing the words at me before shooing me off with his wrist.

damn well rude to

smile back at him, hurrying up the staircase towards the VIP lounge, only to be halted in my tracks for the second time tonight

covering his chest as I

into a dream like state and none of this was

me at the door and

him very

up, an eyebrow raising as he cleans another glass with

He all but says, as I tilt my

would Reid be working my night behind my station?! Maybe Vincent changed his mind and

love, they need you downstairs... to dance." Reid practically scoffs at his own statement, as my heart

I just hear him right?

that!" I explain, deciding that

to dance on a freakin pole! I was the only underage worker around here too, despite Reid who had suddenly stepped in to my job role it seems, but I figured it could

if people question how old I am and the bar

continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The

to dance so you better go get ready!" Reid states matter of factly as I open and close my mouth in horror. This had been landed on me last minute which I didn't

I needed the money...

for the stairs, hearing Reid's

he's an ass and that was

knowing that the

you need some help?" A beautiful tall black girl stops me,

haven't done it before so I'm really worried!" I tell her truthfully, as she eyes me over once before

and mirror,

to the beat - don't overthink it. You'll get good pay too!" Dina moves quickly to grab me something from the rack, ushering

without even looking at myself after, thanking her for her help since I must've looked like

tonight... there's a terrible flu going around after the storm, even Tito has it!" Dina explains with a shake of her head as I sit on the stool and allow her to add some blush to my cheeks and some sparkle to my eyes. "Red lips and I'll spruce up your hair!" She hums, handing me a lipstick as I face the mirror and try my best

fool everyone in to thinking