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

again, I let out

behind me, I caught a glimpse

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

though I had been viciously

shower, letting the warm water wash

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

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

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

available before I left the room and descended the stairs, the aroma of coffee and bacon

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

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

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

quietly, taking 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 eating habits

at school just wasn't

for a moment in silence,

voice serious yet gentle, "about

apologise for everything that

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,

Walker, the enigma of a man who had fired me in a fit of rage, was now sitting across

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

out," I then say, my voice steadier. "I just... I didn't expect any of that

gaze thoughtful as he studied me. "Sofia," he began, his voice measured, "what happened last night... with your apartment and your neighbors... that's

his gaze made me feel exposed, vulnerable. "It's... complicated," I replied, unsure how much I wanted to

felt too raw, too personal to share with someone like Vincent, despite his unexpected compassion in the past few hours, I wouldn't risk

expression intense yet strangely gentle. "You don't have to tell me everything," he said