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.

was damn well rude

towards the VIP lounge, only to be halted in my tracks for the second time

bar, with an Intensity uniform covering his chest as I stilled for a second to process what was

I fallen into a dream like state and none of this was real? Or should I say

to greet me at the door and Reid was now standing behind my

him very much after he had tripped me last week

an eyebrow raising as he

nobody told you?" He all but says, as I tilt my head

night behind my station?! Maybe Vincent changed his mind and didn't have the heart to

working up here tonight love, they need you downstairs... to dance." Reid practically scoffs at his

just hear him

me that!" I explain, deciding that there has to be some sort of mistake

was good at my job up here - Tito and Vincent both said so! I wasn't one of the dancers, despite having danced in my younger years, but I wasn't hired to dance on a freakin pole! I was

old I am

you're loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete

asked to work, Vincent wants you down there 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

I needed the money...

for the stairs, hearing Reid's

an ass and that was

knowing

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

dance tonight... I haven't done it before so I'm really worried!" I tell her

room itself was small, with a dresser and mirror, with

my costumes! I'll fix up your hair and makeup quickly too! It's no big deal love, you stand and move your hips to the beat - don't overthink it. You'll get good pay too!" Dina moves quickly to grab me something from the rack, ushering me behind

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

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

fool everyone in to thinking that