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?!

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

— I can't just walk

that I could make this easier on her. "Their names are Quade and Leroy. Would it help if I

relieved about as I quickly

out in to the car once and then twice before he picks up; "Vince? You good? Is that you outside, I heard a car pull up?" His tone is

two still inside the house?" I test, as we

in the flesh, 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

she's safer here... we will need to move your situation to the factory tonight." I state, my tone clipped and cryptic which

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

yeah cool! I'll see you when you come in." He states, before closing over the curtain

fragile mixture of fear and uncertainty. I wished I could wipe away every worry she had, but I knew it wouldn't be that simple.

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

still had no idea of what I was

full

only watched me cautiously. I could feel 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, but eventually, she shakily placed her palm in mine - placing her

assure, as she took a deep breath, her gaze

recognised from her all too well - the fight between

gravel crunching under our

had hoped this place would be a refuge for her, a safe haven, and I hated that I wasn't able to give her

the hinges creaking like an ominous warning

couple of lamps casting a warm glow over the

leaning against the wall, arms crossed, an easy smile on his face that

his lady!" He announced, as though I hadn't already just

warning look. "Keep it down," I snapped,

supposed to be on her side but who now felt like a potential

was usually the level headed one, whenever he wasn't

he getting on? Last we heard he was recovering..." he asked me, his tone more serious and

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