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...

downstairs," he said finally, before quietly leaving the room and closing the

let out a shaky

dulling the ache in my head. I got up slowly, moving towards the bathroom. As I closed the door behind me, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror- a disheveled version of

up the left side of my face to the point I was shocked that Vincent hadn't laughed

as though I

letting the warm water wash away the

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

to wash my body and hair after what felt like an eternity under the

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 but

with the packaged spare available before I left the room and descended

on cooking breakfast as he motioned for me to sit at the table to which I

set a plate of eggs and bacon down in front of me, along with some toast and a steaming mug of

for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter

up," he said, taking a seat across from

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

school just wasn't

for a moment in silence,

he started, his voice serious yet gentle,

feeling the need to apologise for everything that had gone wrong. "I didn't mean to cause

"None of that bullshit was your fault," he said firmly. "You didn't deserve what happened - none of it - even how I acted at the bar." He admits,

man who had fired me in a fit of rage, was now

after what you done to help me too, you didn't have to." I tell him truthfully, deleting how he had kicked off

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

took a sip of his coffee, his gaze thoughtful as he studied me. "Sofia," he began, his voice measured, "what happened last night... with your apartment and your neighbors... that's not

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

to share with someone like Vincent, despite his unexpected

to tell me everything," he said softly. "But if there's something you need help with,