Shadows In Durango

Chapter 58

*****Vincent's POV*****

I stood in front of my mirror, adjusting the collar of my shirt for the third time.

Nervousness wasn't a feeling I was accustomed to, but tonight was different. Tonight, I wanted everything to be perfect to at least make up for the shit I said to her last night at the bar.

Sure, I still stood by that she shouldn't have been out dressed like that, grinding on some random guy, but she made a good point - we weren't together.

But I had to change that, and soon, because one thing was made clear after last nights event - I didn't want anybody else to have her.

Checking my watch, I realised that I still had some time before we had to leave. I grabbed my phone and double-checked the reservations at the restaurant.

The manager had assured me that our table, the best one overlooking the lake, was ready and waiting for my arrival. The staff there knew my parents and me well, and I wanted everything to be flawless.

I took a deep breath after spraying on some fresh cologne, looking back at my reflection one last time. This wasn't just about a date; it was about showing Sofia that there was more to me than she had seen so far. I wanted her to see that I could be different, that I could be someone she could trust - without my temper always getting in the way.

Knowing that Daryl had gone out to check on my little locked up drug addict at the cabin, I knew that tonight was the perfect opportunity to win Sofia over.

Daryl was always the perfect sweetheart to girls, but I could tell that Sofia enjoyed the wild side all the same whether she would admit that aloud or not...

Making a move towards Sofia's room, knocking on the door and listening to them both hush and giggle, I roll my eyes and wait.

When she finally stepped out, my breath caught in my throat as I stilled for a second to drink her in fully. She looked stunning in a red dress that clung to her in all the right places.

"Fuck," I muttered under my breath as she stepped out with a shy smile. "You look perfect." I compliment instantly which causes her to blush.

and you smell incredible!" she replied, a shy look playing on her face. There was a hint of nervousness in her eyes, matching my own unease since I hadn't ever gone to this effort for anyone before. Saying a brief goodbye to Emma who was staying over again tonight with Reid, we headed outside to the car as

we're going?" Sofia asks me the second I climb in beside her, her curiosity getting the

smirked, shaking my head. "It's a surprise. But I promise that you'll

her eyes filled with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "I hope

We talked about mundane things - Emma and Reid's budding relationship, a movie she had mentioned wanting to watch, anything to keep the conversation flowing. But beneath it all, I was hyper-aware of

take her on the side of

The place was beautiful, a serene spot by the lake with lights twinkling on the water's surface as I gave her the

open her door, offering her my hand

so beautiful," she said, looking around in

glad you like it, it's one of my family's favourite restaurants in town." I replied, feeling a sense of pride and relief for choosing this for us. The staff greeted us warmly as we walked in. "Good

see Sofia's curiosity had piqued as she glanced between me and the staff who turned to acknowledge me one at a

adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all

the moonlight and the soft sounds of nature creating a peaceful ambiance. "This place is amazing, I've never seen anything like it!" Sofia states, her eyes wide

make tonight special, and I meant my apology earlier, you know that don't you?" I admitted, feeling a bit vulnerable as I revealed this side

say you are forgiven!" Sofia

feelings for in the past - she was more real, more raw. I knew she had a dark past, and perhaps with trust, she would begin to tell

widen, hoping that she could see the effort I was putting into this

raising my glass to

yeah, here's to a new beginning." She babbles in disbelief which causes

to decide whether or not she liked the thick taste of the red wine before she seems to shrug to herself and place the glass back

like wine too much myself, but for a date it

I begin, placing my elbows on the table to lean closer to her

for the complete experience-all for free. The