Shadows In Durango

Chapter 41

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

The morning light filtering through the curtains felt harsh against my throbbing temples.

I groaned softly, my head pounding relentlessly, a reminder of the chaos of last night.

Slowly, I sat up, feeling disoriented and exhausted. The events of the previous evening flooded back into my mind- losing my job, the break-in at my apartment, Vincent's unexpected kindness in bringing me back here.

It was a lot to digest and I certainly didn't look forward to facing the questions from him today...

I glanced around the room, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings of Vincent's spare bedroom that I had slept in previously after the party.

The room was neatly kept, a stark contrast to the messiness of my own life right now.

I suddenly reach up to rub my temples gently again, trying to ease the headache, before I notice a glass of water and some painkillers on the bedside table.

Vincent must have left them for me... he seriously has gone above and beyond for me when I was convinced that he didn't actually even like me at all before. I would have to remember to thank him...

As I reached for the water, a soft knock on the door startled me causing me to freeze. "Sofia? You awake?" Vincent's voice was muffled through the door. "Yeah," I replied, my voice hoarse from last nights crying and stress.

The door creaked open after then, and Vincent stepped inside, holding a bundle of clothes. "Morning," he said quietly, his usual intensity softened by concern. "I brought you some fresh clothes again and you already know how to use the shower." He gestured towards a door in the corner of the room to which I all but nodded slowly.

"Vincent listen... thank you, this really does mean a lot." I murmured softly, taking the clothes from him.

"Take your time," Vincent said. "When you're ready, just come downstairs. I'll make some breakfast and then we can talk." He concludes with a final nod, making me nervous once more for what was yet to come.

I felt overwhelmed by his unexpected kindness. Vincent Walker, the intimidating school bad boy and bar owner who fired me last night, was now offering me sanctuary and a meal.

It was just a whole lot to process...

mine. "I'll see you downstairs," he said finally, before quietly leaving the room and closing

let

I closed the door behind me, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror- a disheveled version of

to the point I was shocked

was severely matted as though I had been viciously attacked

the shower, letting the warm water wash away the remnants of

was soothing-back under the rainfall shower I had so adored using here

body and hair after what felt like an eternity

dressed quickly in the clothes Vincent had brought- a simple t-shirt and sweatpants that seemed to belong to him that were a few sizes too big

packaged spare available before I left the room and descended the stairs, the aroma of

he motioned for me to sit at the table to which I tucked my hair back and followed

and bacon down in front of me, along with some toast

nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for the

seat across from

a hesitant bite. The food was warm and comforting, easing the ache in my stomach which wasn't caused from last night but instead was due to my bad

meal at school just

watched me for a moment in silence,

started, his voice serious yet gentle, "about

really sorry for the trouble," I interrupted, feeling the need to apologise for everything that had gone

said firmly. "You didn't deserve what happened - none of it - even how I

blinked back tears, overwhelmed by his unexpected kindness. Vincent Walker, the enigma of a man who had fired me in a fit of rage, was

didn't have to." I tell him truthfully, deleting how he had kicked off at work

things out," I then say, my voice steadier. "I just... I didn't expect any of that to happen but next time, I'll be prepared for it." I

he began, his voice measured, "what happened last night...

me feel exposed, vulnerable. "It's... complicated,"

too personal to share with someone like Vincent, despite

gentle. "You don't have to tell me everything," he said softly. "But if there's something