Shadows In Durango

Chapter 96

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

As Vincent's parents disappear upstairs, the tension in the room seems to linger like a thick fog.

I glance over at Vincent, his jaw tight, and his posture stiff. Even though he's trying to hide it, I can tell he's bothered by something...

"We've got some time before they come back. Let's go in and get settled, I think we could all use a drink? Something strong?" Vincent says, his voice clipped but trying to sound calm as he looks around at us and we nod back in agreement. He gestures toward the dining room, and we follow him in, though I can feel the weight of unspoken words hanging loosely in the air.

"You look good..." He leans down to tell me, and before I can even respond, a dry scoff is heard from behind us, causing me to look over my shoulder to find the culprit to be Daryl.

What the hell is his damn problem with me today?!

Vincent all but shakes his head, ignoring him, as I follow his lead and brush it off - knowing that there was bigger problems to face right now...

The dining room was set up elegantly, with the long table adorned with candles and perfectly set places. Everything about this house screams wealth, and I almost felt like a fake for being here, especially thinking back to where I lived only weeks ago...

I take a seat beside Vincent with Emma sitting on my other side as Reid's words about sticking close to him echoed in the back of my mind.

Vincent asks one of the hired kitchen staff to supply us with some strong cocktails to which they nod and head off to do exactly that.

Emma immediately grabs my hand from under the table and gives it a reassuring squeeze, reminding me that she was still here - acting as my moral support through this night.

"You okay?" she whispers, her eyes searching mine.

I nod, though I'm not sure if I even believed myself. "I'll be fine," I reply softly, forcing a smile. "It's just... a lot of nerves."

Reid sits down beside Daryl, both now opposite us, with Reid maintaining his usual laid-back demeanour. "Worst part is over now, right?" Reid states, as Vincent lets out a dry laugh at his statement and agrees.

I want to believe him, but then my eyes flick to Vincent. He looks so different from his usual confident self. He's tense, almost on edge, and the fact his parents visiting can have such an effect on him was concerning in itself. Daryl, on the other hand, was still sulking, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed, his phone still in front of him and laid out on the table.

He hasn't said a single word since his snarky comment earlier, and the cold look on his face was yet to fade. I don't know what's gotten into him today, but I'm too exhausted by him to deal with it right now. Whatever his issue is, it's not helping the current situation in the slightest...

starting to suck the fun out of the room..."

answer, the kitchen staff enter the room and place a cocktail in front of

drink, finding it to be strong

breath towards Reid, but Reid only laughs and waves

air, awaiting to be discussed by someone, but I had no idea

can't believe what she was wearing," Emma whispers out beside me, leaning in closer. "She looked like she was heading to

Emma was at least trying to

footsteps from upstairs, and my stomach drops as I realise that it's

encouragement, as Vincent's

Here we go...

a deep breath, trying to do the same, as his parents re-enter the room, their presence filling it with an almost tangible weight. His mother is the first to speak, a smile playing on her lips, though her eyes don't match the warmth she's trying to project. "I hope we didn't keep you waiting too long," she says, her voice light, as she glances around the table. "Not at all," Vincent replies smoothly, though I can hear the

her, his face as unreadable as before, but his eyes scan the room with the same critical gaze he

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settle in, I feel my pulse quicken. Tonight is only just beginning, and

shocking me with the flirtatious tone as she seemed to have no shame in it. "Always Helena!" Daryl chirps, causing her to shriek out a giggle as she plops herself down beside him, pursing her lips and pressing herself closer to him. Helena,

under the table, as I turn to share a look with her once again, grateful that she seemed to notice everything I did - not that it was hard to notice how she was acting. Anybody with eyes could see this! The staff soon come back, taking a drink order from each

of town?" Vincent's father asks loudly, breaking the silence

sir! Looking after

help lighten the atmosphere, as

bet you are! What about you Daryl? What's been happening?" He moves around the table, as Daryl

if he holds up

He remarks, his voice sounding softer

hand the pair their drinks, before announcing that the starter will be served in the next few minutes to which Vincent thanks

him as we all quickly make a move to grab our glasses before he comtinues: "To my son on finding love!" He ends, before winking in my direction which

somewhat guilty and conflicted, as I laugh

was that about?! A toast to Vincent for finding love?! I only told Vincent

for the complete experience-all for free.

he probably knows that Vincent took me on that trip with him and