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...

"I'll see you downstairs," he

again, I let out a

bathroom. As I closed the door behind me, I caught a glimpse of myself in the

was smeared all up the left side of my face to the point I was shocked that Vincent hadn't laughed at me as soon as he walked

though I had

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

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

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

a simple t-shirt and sweatpants that seemed to belong

scrubbing my teeth with the packaged spare available before I left the

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

in front of me,

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

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

at school

a moment in silence,

his voice serious yet gentle, "about last

need to apologise for

he said firmly. "You didn't deserve what happened - none of it - even how I acted at the bar." He

who had fired me in a fit of rage,

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

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

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

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

felt too raw, too personal to share with someone like Vincent, despite his unexpected compassion in

leaned forward slightly, his expression intense yet strangely gentle. "You don't have to tell me everything," he said softly. "But if there's something you need help with, you can