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.

intended to hurt me, but I guess

his throat as I instantly hold

head before leaning forward with his

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

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 even give me a proper chance to explain myself either, you just went straight for Vincent." I breathe through my words, trying to remain

to say the very least... it

might hurt you if they learn that you two are... close." Daryl defends, seeming

Join us for the complete experience all for free. The

was more to

but I'll be fine." I nod firmly, knowing that at some point I would have to put my foot down with

in charge of my own decisions and after his violent outburst, I wanted to go even more so

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

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

at Daryl who obviously rolls his eyes before he pushes himself to stand up - making his way out of the 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 wince as he wobbles me slightly and just shake my head at him, as he places his hands behind his head - tattooed

he chuckles and

the other guy!" He jokes, as I roll my eyes playfully at

more unbothered by it all in comparison to Daryl who I feared still had some ruffled feathers over

for the complete experience-all

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

out of character for him which somehow made his apologies