Shadows In Durango

Chapter 132

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

The road narrowed to a single strip of gravel as we wound through the trees, the dense pines working to block out what little moonlight seeped through the gaps.

I squeezed Sofia's hand in mine, trying to reassure her as we got closer to my parents beach house - a property often forgotten about by my father since we had only spent a lot of time out here in my younger years...

I glanced over at Sofia briefly; as she sat curled up tight in her seat, her knees pulled up to her chest, her face pale and eyes glassy and sore.

She was watching the road ahead blending together with the shadows, seeming lost in thought. The quiet moments she'd spent in this car had evidently done nothing to help ease her, and I knew she was holding onto the last scraps of her strength in order to keep it together.

"We're almost there," I murmured, giving her hand a small rub. "Just a few more minutes, and then you can rest until we figure it out."

She nodded, staying silent but still holding that fragile look I hated seeing on her face - a look that could drive any good man to commit bad sins against anyone who had wronged her.

For a second, I wanted to stop the car, pull her into my arms, and make her believe that I'd handle every last piece of this hell she was going through.

I'd do it too if I thought she'd let me if I thought it wouldn't make her feel more vulnerable than she already did...

But as we faced the last hill, and the headlights lit up the winding path leading down toward the beach house, my heart sank as the building came in to view.

The lights were on... why are the fucking lights on?!

Two large shadows moved across the closed curtains by the front window... as I began to shake my head.

Damn it!

"Fuck!" I grit out, as Sofia instantly begins to tense up as the car began to slow.

I'd forgotten Quade and Leroy were still here...

The last thing I wanted was for Sofia to feel even more crowded or like she was stepping into something even more dangerous with these two beef bodies hanging around her. How the hell had I forgotten about this?!

not thinking this through. "It's fine," I said quickly, though the apology was already forming in my mind. "Look, I meant to tell you. I... I've had some friends here for a while, just in case something went down. They're harmless. I'll have them leave tonight to give

can't just walk in there incase this is all a set up. What if it isn't who you think it is..." She sniffles, eyes watering as my heart tugs

like hell that I could make this easier on her. "Their names are Quade and Leroy. Would it help if I called them to confirm

nods, which I was relieved about as I quickly grabbed my

he picks up; "Vince? You good? Is that you outside,

two still inside the house?" I test, as we both hear shuffling before looking

he waves out at us. "Yeah, why you here so late? Your guy is asleep downstairs and

and she's safer here... we will need to move your situation to the factory tonight." I state, my tone clipped and cryptic which causes for Sofia to eye me weirdly. She didn't have to know about what we did to her neighbours... I didn't want to scare her more

said no more secrets and lying, but I won't have to tell her unless she straight

come in." He states, before closing over the curtain and ending

still held that fragile mixture of fear and uncertainty. I wished I could wipe away every worry she

felt. "They're inside, only them, and it's all going to be fine." My words

still had no idea of what I was going

full experience. You won't find the next

her side - opening it for her before offering my hand to help her out. She didn't accept my hand right away, but eventually, she shakily placed her palm in mine

she took a deep

I recognised from her all too well -

heavy, the sound of gravel crunching under our feet

for her, a safe haven, and I hated that I wasn't able to give her the

the hinges creaking like an

lit, with only a couple of lamps casting

couch, a beer in hand, while Leroy was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, an easy smile on his face that didn't

said, his voice loud and cheerful. "Vincent and his lady!" He announced, as though I hadn't already just spoken with Leroy who was in the same room

down," I snapped, stepping fully into the room and

but who now felt like a potential threat to her. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare the little thing," Quade grumbles, but there was a hint of mischief

usually the level

Is it Daryl? How's he getting on?

for the full experience. You won't find the next chapter anywhere else. Happy