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...

moment, his gaze searching mine. "I'll see you downstairs," he said finally, before quietly leaving the room and closing the door behind

again, I let out a

closed the door behind me, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror- a disheveled version of the girl who had danced at Vincent's

of my face to the point I was shocked that Vincent hadn't laughed at me

as though I had been viciously attacked by a

swallowed hard and instantly turned on the shower, letting the warm water wash away the remnants

shower I had so

my time to wash my body and hair after what felt like an eternity under the shower, I stepped out,

simple t-shirt and sweatpants that seemed to belong to him that were a few sizes too big but

before

in the kitchen, focused on cooking breakfast as he motioned for me to sit at the table to which I tucked my hair back

of me, along with some toast

continues. Join us for the complete

said, taking a seat across from me. "You'll feel

up my fork, feeling a mix of gratitude and confusion. "Thank you," I said quietly, taking a hesitant bite. The food was warm and comforting, easing the ache in my stomach which wasn't caused from last night

school

me for a moment

serious yet

to apologise for everything that had gone wrong.

off. "None of that bullshit was your fault," he said firmly. "You didn't deserve what happened - none of it - even

the enigma of a man who had fired me in a fit

you done to help me too, you didn't have to." I

just... I didn't expect any of that to happen but next time, I'll be prepared for it."

as he studied me. "Sofia," he began, his voice measured, "what happened last night... with your apartment

swallowed hard, setting down my fork. The weight of his gaze made me feel exposed, vulnerable. "It's... complicated," I replied, unsure how much

Vincent, despite his unexpected compassion

don't have to tell me everything," he said softly. "But if there's something you need help with, you