Shadows In Durango

Chapter 85

*****Daryl's POV*****

I grab my car keys, feeling antsy now with knowing that Vincent and Sofia would be back home tonight.

I had unwillingly offered to pick them both up from the airport to which I was now fully regretting with dread for how awkward it might be...

But with my own feelings put aside, there were far more serious threats at hand and I knew that Vincent wouldn't have called me unless he was truly concerned about it either.

I walk down the hall in search of Reid and Emma, eventually finding them out in the back garden with hot drinks and blankets as they sit under the moon together.

If I hadn't have been in such a pissy mood this week, I would have cackled at the sight of Reid like this, wrapped up in a fluffy lilac blanket holding the warm mug between both hands... he was a sight for sore eyes and I just knew that Vincent would have tore him apart by now for this!

As though reading my mind since I had probably stared through him for far too long at this point, his eyes narrow in on me, presenting a 'don't even think about it' look as my lips pull upwards in to a knowing smirk.

"Cosy?" I all but say, earning a grumble from Reid as Emma glances at me in confusion.

"Very!" She chimes, smiling as I nod once and enjoy every last second of Reid's embarrassment.

"I'm leaving to pick them up, we shouldn't be too long." I inform them both, as Emma's eyes seem to light up at the mention of Sofia being home soon.

"Great, we will wait up!" She smiles brightly, as Reid takes another drink from his mug which causes me to chuckle this time before I walk off.

Despite being in a terrible mood, I knew that I would have my laugh about this later, that was for sure!

I head out in to the driveway, the cool night air doing nothing to ease the tension building up in my chest. My car's headlights flash as I unlock it, and I climb inside, gripping the steering wheel for a moment before starting up the engine. The hum of the engine is steady, but my thoughts are anything but...

It wasn't just about picking up Vincent and Sofia - it was about everything that had gone down between us only days ago which all resulted exactly as I had feared - with putting Sofia in danger!

into was all working hand in hand to make

that's how things were between us: messy, complicated, and never fully resolved... we show up for one

giving me time to think as I made my way toward

as opposed to texting when she was spending time with Vincent. But seeing her tonight? I wasn't sure how that would go. Would things feel different between us? Would she look at me the same, or was everything too

the airport lights came into view, I pulled into the short-term parking area, killing the engine and leaning back

show as 'delivered' which meant he

looked tired, like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders which suddenly

first, as I open the door to step out, and for a second, our eyes met. I couldn't tell what she

as they approached, his voice level but a bit

nodded at both of them, trying to keep things casual. "Let's go

awkwardness settle in as Sofia stayed quiet, her gaze flitting between me

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

piled into the car. Vincent took the front seat without

with a knife. It wasn't until we were

to talk when we get back," he said, his tone

if I wanted to hear whatever he had to say. But I knew

you hear back from your father?" I question, trying to keep my words curt

he would have left out the scary

landed." Vincent all but responds, clearly telling me with his tone that he

understood why, and silently agreed with the decision. It was for the

tense silence, broken only by the

resting against the window, eyes closed, though I could tell she wasn't

more controlled than usual, like he was

edge, and tonight, he was teetering on the brink of

pulled up to the house, the weight in the car lifted slightly, though not by much. I killed the engine and stepped out, helping with their bags again