Shadows In Durango

Chapter 71

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

Groaning loudly, I twist in the sheets before stretching my arms out - only to wince and snap my eyes open when feeling a horrifying jolt of pain shooting up through my rib cage. Sitting up, I look around the room in a panic before my eyes stop when meeting Daryl, who was seated in a chair by my bed as he rubs his swollen eyes and straightens himself up. "Morning." He yawns out, as I groan and reach up to the back of my hand, suddenly remembering how last nights argument had ended between the pair.

Foolishly, I had forced myself between them during their fight which I certainly wouldn't be doing again any time soon!

I knew that they hadn't intended to hurt me, but I was still annoyed that they had even resorted to fighting in the first place they were supposed to be best friends! "Morning." I whisper, my voice croaky and softer than what I had liked for it to be.

Daryl brings his wrist up to check his watch, before standing to open up some painkillers for me to take, handing me a fresh bottle of water which I drink back greedily. Each swallow sent a tension down to my abdomen, a tender pain that seemed consistent to remind me of my war wounds.

"Thanks." I reply, handing him back the bottle once the pills were fully down.

"It's ten." He comments, sinking back down into the chair as I all but nod, feeling awkward and uncertain around him after his blow up last night.

He had blown things way out of proportion yesterday, all because I willingly agreed to go on the trip with Vincent.

I was horrified to see Daryl in that light, and I hated to admit it but this time around he had been the one to cross the line. He threw the first punch and from there, Vincent had every right to defend himself.

It was a strange dynamic, usually having Daryl be the one to make me feel better after Vincent's aggressive moments, but I hated to admit that this time - Vincent hadn't actually done anything wrong.

Sure, I wish he hadn't sent a hard knee into my stomach, but it was intended for Daryl and I stepped in the way - just like the heavy duty punch that came to the back of my skull from Daryl.

me, but I guess one could argue that they still

throat as I instantly

his head before

even think to take you with him. It's not just a happy little vacation Sofia, the people we do business with aren't nice people." Daryl explains, finally looking back at me as I swallow the lump in my throat. I already knew that, after Vincent had filled me in on his father and his

already told me about his life and his Dad, and I still agreed to go with him. It wasn't right for you to blame it all on him like you did - you didn't

very least... it

you against Vincent - to fuck him over. They might hurt you if they

for the complete experience all

think there was more to

caring, but I'll be fine." I nod firmly, knowing that at some point I would have to

own decisions and after his violent outburst, I wanted to go even more

injured!" Daryl's brows furrow, his hands locking together in discomfort

I can even respond verbally, the door opens, and in walks the man of the hour

room without another word. Vincent smirks knowingly, before moving towards me as I assume that he was going to take his place in the chair, but instead he jumps onto the bed beside me. I bite back a

his bruised face, as he chuckles and watches me - his

the other guy!" He jokes, as I

all in comparison to Daryl who I feared still had some ruffled feathers over the whole

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

us... I would have never, you know, kneed you, if I would have had a second to react. You just came out of nowhere. I was so pissed off when he punched me, I just saw red after that." Vincent's words shock me, the same as they did whenever he would apologise

which somehow made his