Shadows In Durango

Chapter 128

*****Vincent's POV*****

I watched Sofia and Emma disappear off down the hallway together, leaving a silence in their wake as they no doubt planned to discuss each and every detail of what had went on between us over at my house... She hadn't looked back either.

Not once.

Itching to rid herself of my company as quickly as possible - which I hated to admit hurt my feelings.

Her parting words echoed around in my mind, repeating on a loop like a stuck record: "Hopefully I'll find a way to move past all of this, just give me time to figure it out."

In other words, she was still a very long way from forgiving me. A long way from trusting me. And the worst part? She hadn't even seemed to care that I told her I loved her.

That was big for me to even admit, since before meeting her, I didn't even believe in love...

The thought made my jaw tighten as I sank down onto one of those hard plastic waiting room chairs again, forcing myself to sit still even though every inch of me was restless and wanted to move.

She had just stood there when I said it too, looking at me like I'd told her something as trivial as what I'd had for breakfast...

I barely noticed Reid taking the seat across from me, his gaze set with that knowing look of his, always prepared to poke his nose in every corner of my business.

He didn't have to say a word for me to sense his curiosity brewing...

"So," Reid finally began, his voice testing, "are you gonna tell me what went down, or am I supposed to just guess?"

I straightened up instantly, casting him a warning glance. "Not right now, Reid, just know that it went shit!" I state bluntly, expecting for that to be the end of it - which was wishful thinking.

He just leaned back, folding his arms comfortably whilst stretching out his legs. "Come on, Vin. You look like you've been through a hurricane. I can't believe that girl has you wrapped around her pinky finger like this... it's maddening to see you in this much of a state all because she's mad at you!" He scoffs next, shaking his head, as I scowl.

I tensed, my fingers tapping restlessly against my knee as I wanted nothing more than to fly across and attack him.

"It's between Sofia and me and It will get fixed soon enough." I conclude, leaving no room for dispute.

Reid raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Look, I'm not asking for the play-by-play, but maybe you'd feel better getting some of it out? I'm guessing you spoke about the arranged marriage scenario?" He trails off, as my blood begins to seriously boil.

off?!"

were kids which only bothered me more. "Fine. Guess I'll let you stew in it on your own, then."

feel his eyes on me every so often, dissecting my silence as though he was trying his damn

embarrassment was starting to churn in my stomach all over again, mixing with the humiliation that came with being the one to say "I love you"

the moment she deserved at least. But I'd just been so wrapped up in trying to make things right, in saying whatever I thought might bridge the widening gap between us,

was serious about my feelings for her, that

gaze finally dropped as he leaned back and closed his eyes, giving

reached in to my jacket pocket for my phone,

saw the screen flash with notifications: three missed calls and six unread messages, all from

Yay.

scroll through them. The texts were blunt, each one getting a little more impatient which was no surprise

Answer the phone? I'm starting to get pissed off having to manage your

time, and so is Frazier's patience. I can't just ignore his calls forever just to

need to get Sofia under control before her father starts knocking on all of my properties across the country to

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another day Vincent, I have more important

the situation, a sharp reminder of the

I still very much had to deal

look on my face as I scowled down at the

me a sec, it's my father." I muttered, pushing up from the seat as Reid nodded knowingly, looking concerned but not pressing

the exit doors, knowing that whatever our conversation was going to entail,

like a slap, clearing some of the

messages each a demand, each a reminder of the one part of my life

name as I hesitated, taking

twice before he picked

sharp and familiar, laced with that impatience

my jaw, pushing down the irritation

dripping with mockery. "Busy playing Romeo, I assume. Meanwhile, Frazier's up my ass because he still can't get a hold of his daughter. So, tell me, Vincent-how is it you're too busy to

was just fucking shot and nearly died! I've been down at the station giving statements all

before he groans heavily in to the

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