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."

looked like he wanted to say something, maybe even argue, but he held back, giving me a brief

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

but it didn't reach his eyes. "Yeah

hallway, feeling Daryl's eyes on me until we rounded the corner. The air felt heavy as we walked to

door behind us, the click of the lock sounding louder than it should have. I took a seat across from his desk, watching as he leaned back against the edge of it, arms crossed, his gaze locked onto me. The silence between us stretched, thick

blunt, leaving no room for small talk. "Some

suddenness of it, discovering in that moment that I really didn't want him to leave either. "Okay...

days." he admitted, his voice softer now, almost cautious. "But that's not the only reason I wanted to talk

the adventure continues. Join us for the complete

what he was getting

narrowing slightly as if he was weighing his words before letting them escape. "I want you to

air between us, and for a moment, I wasn't sure I'd heard him right. "You want me to... go with

the idea of leaving you here alone, especially with everything that's going on in your life. It's safer if you're with

racing, trying to make sense of

my work?" I stammered, trying to find some kind of foothold in the conversation. "School can

weight of the situation pressing down on me. "Vincent, I don't know if that's a good

"It's the best idea, Sofia. I can't protect you if you're here and I'm halfway across the country." He presses

much thus far... I can

for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly

that I didn't need him hovering over me. But another part, a part I wasn't