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...

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

again, I let

I closed the door behind

point I was shocked that

I had been viciously attacked

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

rainfall shower I had so adored using here after the party at

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

clothes Vincent had brought- a simple t-shirt and sweatpants that seemed to

before I left the

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

front of

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

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

a hesitant bite. The food was warm and comforting, easing the ache in my stomach which wasn't

at school just wasn't

moment in

his voice serious yet gentle, "about last

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

he said firmly. "You didn't deserve what

unexpected kindness. Vincent Walker, the enigma of a 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 at

I didn't expect any of that to happen but next time, I'll be prepared for it." I ramble my thoughts as he

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 something that just happens to normal people our age

fork. The weight of his gaze made me feel exposed, vulnerable. "It's... complicated," I replied, unsure

truth felt too raw, too personal to share with someone like Vincent, despite

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