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?!

car. "Vincent, someone's already here. Someone's inside. What if it's them!" She instantly begins to freak out, causing me to feel more guilty for 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 you space." I assure, as she chews her lip in

eyes darted from me back to the house, panic flickering over her face, and she shook her head, gripping her seatbelt. "Vincent, you don't understand. I can't — I can't just walk in there incase this is all a set up. What if it isn't who you

easier on her. "Their names are Quade and Leroy. Would it help if I called them to confirm that it's

was relieved about as I quickly grabbed my phone

twice before he picks up; "Vince? You good? Is that you outside, I heard a car pull up?" His tone is casual, as I watch Sofia's

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

Leroy appears, phone held up to his ear as he waves out at us. "Yeah, why you here so late? Your guy is asleep downstairs and he's..." He begins to say, as I quickly

factory tonight." I state, my tone clipped and cryptic which causes for Sofia to eye me

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

cool! I'll see you when you come in." He states, before

held that fragile mixture of fear and uncertainty. I wished I could wipe away every worry she had, but I knew it

said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "They're inside, only them, and it's all going to be fine." My

I still had no idea

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her hesitating, but I closed my door and rounded to her side - opening it for her before offering my hand to help her out. She didn't accept my hand right away,

she took a deep breath, her gaze darting toward the house, then back to

her all too well - the fight between

toward the house. Each step felt heavy, the sound of gravel crunching under our feet amplifying

refuge for her, a safe haven, and I hated that I wasn't

the door, the hinges creaking like an ominous

with only a couple of

a beer in hand, while Leroy was leaning against the wall,

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 as

could see Sofia's body tense beside me, and I shot Quade a warning look. "Keep it down," I snapped, stepping fully into the room and guiding Sofia

her side but who now felt like a

jokes. He was usually the

expression shifted as he noticed the tension. "You two good? What's going on? Is it Daryl? How's he getting on? Last

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