Shadows In Durango

Chapter 66

*****Sofia's POV*****

The ride back to the house with Daryl was somewhat peaceful, the kind of comfortable silence that usually put me at ease. But knowing what I had just told him, about everything I had pretty much told Vincent over dinner last night, he had gone a little too quiet.

I knew that he wouldn't judge me for my past, and that he probably needed time to process it all since it was heavy stuff, but I just wished deep down that he would say more... show me what he was actually thinking.

As we pulled into the driveway, I could feel the tension creeping in, tightening around my chest. Vincent's car was parked outside, and even before we got out, I could sense something was off. Why did he call needing to speak to me? It sounded important whatever it was...

After what we had done together after the date, I realised that his presence made me feel antsy. As though I was ashamed of what we had shared... despite having enjoyed it all the same.

As soon as we stepped inside, the atmosphere felt thick, almost oppressive. Daryl was right behind me, but his usual warmth seemed to fade as we walked into the hallway.

That's when I saw Vincent, leaning against the wall, his eyes locked onto Daryl with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat. There was something dark in his gaze, something unsettled, and I could feel the energy between them shift. "Vincent," I greeted, trying to sound normal, but my voice came out softer than I intended.

He didn't reply at first, just continued staring at Daryl like he was searching for something or trying to hide something. Daryl met his gaze, and for a moment, it felt like the whole world paused. Neither of them spoke, but the tension in the air was almost suffocating.

What is up with them? They are supposed to be friends?!

Finally, Vincent's eyes flickered to me, and his expression softened, though only slightly. "Sofia," he said, his voice steady but with an edge I couldn't quite place. "Can you come with me? We need to talk."

Daryl, whose jaw tightened just enough for me to notice. He looked like he wanted to

today, Daryl," I said, offering him a small smile, trying to ease

the smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Yeah anytime,

felt heavy as we walked to Vincent's little home office type room, my heart thudding in my chest. I wasn't sure what this

should have. I took a seat across from his desk, watching as he leaned back

tomorrow," he started, his tone blunt, leaving no room for small talk. "Some business stuff for

that I really didn't want him

probably a couple days." he admitted, his voice softer now, almost cautious.

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frowned, trying to piece together what he was getting at.

let out a breath, his eyes narrowing slightly as if he was weighing his words before letting them escape. "I want you to come

a moment, I wasn't sure I'd heard him right. "You want me to... go with you?" I echoed, disbelief

going on in your life. It's safer if you're with me, I want to help you, by keeping you safe." He admits, stunning me with his

trying to

what about school? And my work?" I stammered, trying to find some kind of foothold in the conversation. "School can wait, who gives a shit?" he said, brushing off the concern. "And Tito

me. "Vincent, I don't know if that's a good idea...

of me, his eyes intense. "It's the best idea, Sofia. I can't protect you if you're here and I'm

so much thus far... I

us for the complete experience-all for

a safety net and a trap. Part of me wanted to say no, to tell him that I could take care of myself, that I didn't need him hovering over me. But another part, a part I wasn't ready to admit to, wanted to go