Shadows In Durango

Chapter 136

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

The morning came too quickly, the kind of morning where the weight of the day presses down on you before your eyes are even fully open...

I hadn't slept much, despite being secured in Vincent's comforting hold the entire night, but my mind kept replaying the many 'what if's' as my anxiety took full control.

Vincent's words from the night before would act as a constant reminder of the hope we still had- "It has to work." That was what he'd said, and call me a fool, but I wanted so desperately to believe him.

I sat on the edge of the bed ready to go, my fingers twisting a loose thread around on the hem of my sweatshirt.

The place was quiet, eerily so, except for the faint sounds of Vincent moving around downstairs. The man could move like a ghost when he wanted, but I'd learned to pick up on the subtle creaks and footfalls that signaled he was still around... Pulling my knees up to my chest, I rested my chin on them, trying to steel myself for what was coming as I focused on my breathing - in and out - slow and steady.

My ears honed in on Vincent's ascent up the stairs, each brush of his foot on the step bringing him closer to finding me here on the bed in silence.

A small knock on the door frame jolted my head around, pulling me from my thoughts as though I was surprised to see him there - despite having known that he was on his way up.

"You ready to go? I'm cutting it pretty short for time now..." He explains, as I take that as my sign to push myself to stand, my sneakers finding the floor boards beneath me.

We made our way downstairs, Vincent grabbing both the house and his car keys from the hook by the door as I shuffled my way towards him.

He was dressed casually in some spare clothes he had kept here - black jeans and a dark green tee - but the tension in his posture gave him away and defeated the whole 'casual' vibe he had gone for today...

"You good?" he asked, his tone clipped but not unkind as his hand reached for the door.

I nodded, swallowing hard. "They definitely won't be in there waiting for me will they? What if this is all just a trap?!" I question, my deepest fears coming to the surface as he all but shakes his head.

"Nah, never! My father may be a dick but he wouldn't do that, he knows I'd fucking ruin him if he did!" Vincent states dryly, meaning everything he had said as I swallow and nod.

I just have to trust him on this...

The drive back was quiet at first, with nothing but the smooth classics playing on the radio, acting as a mild distraction in the meantime. I stared out the window, watching the world blur by, trying to focus on anything other than the anxiety twisting in my stomach at the fear of showing up to Vincent's place - being forced to confront my brothers if they were to still be in there...

you remember what we talked about last night?" Vincent broke the

sure how

all of that out today. My father will have some ideas and we can go from

wave of unease rolling through me. He was an intimidating man, although he had been pretty pleasant with me when I had first

to stress yourself out more than necessary..." Vincent said, his eyes fixed ahead on the road as

with a dry laugh, wrapping my arms

almost be called a smile. "Look, I get it Sofia. Dealing with my Dad isn't exactly a walk in the park, but he'll help us. We have a leverage here... your father trusts mine remember so let's use

next hit that began to play through the car speakers - 'Careless Whisper' by George Michael, a song in which

would often complain about, telling her to switch it off when I was younger, as

but he made it almost impossible! He was different now... far more sadistic... it was sad to think back on how our family home used to be. Back when my Mom was still alive and acting as the glue

Vincent's driveway, the house looming before us, its stark exterior as imposing as

I was instantly thankful for the suggestion, as I nodded and watched him unbuckle his

the house with purpose, his movements sharp and efficient, like he was on a mission. My hands clasped together in my lap as I watched him disappear through

silence in the vehicle was oppressive, and despite the warmth of the morning sun filtering in through the

my seat, counting the

the front door and the rearview mirrors, half expecting

back outside and I was instantly relieved

the open door and gestured for me to come in. I quickly unbuckled my seatbelt and climbed out of the car, sucking in a deep breath as I swiftly moved towards him - almost terrified to be seen out in public... "All clear," he said, his voice low as I reached him. "They're definitely not in

breath that I hadn't realised I was holding. "O-Okay

of my back as I passed by. The gesture was subtle, comforting, and it

remembered it - clean, modern, and meticulously decorated. It didn't feel like a home; it felt like a show room, a perfectly curated space

to the living room, where his father was already waiting for us, standing

demanded attention without needing to raise his voice. His dark suit was tailored to perfection and as his sharp eyes settled down on me, I felt an involuntary shiver run down my spine. At least

smoothly, inclining his head in a polite but measured greeting. "It's good to see you again...

smile, my voice steady despite the nerves bubbling up inside me. "Thank you for agreeing to help us..." I whisper, almost embarrassed

lips twitched into a faint smile - though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Of course. Vincent's... urgency was hard to ignore." He

flinch under his father's scrutiny, crossing his arms over his chest as we both followed him out and down the hallway towards

the sofa seating by the window, as his father leaned forward with his

me briefly before beginning. "We aren't agreeing to the marriage." He states, as his father instantly

to just go back to him and tell him that the