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...

broke the silence after

almost too quickly. "I just... I'm still not sure how we're supposed to make it all believable. I worry they'll see right through

at me briefly, his expression unreadable. "We'll hopefully figure all of that out today. My father will have some ideas and we can go from

He was an intimidating man, although he had been pretty pleasant with me when I had first met him - unlike

stress yourself out more than necessary..." Vincent said, his eyes

I that obvious?" I muttered out with a dry laugh, wrapping my arms around myself for

lips twitched in what could 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

began to play through the car speakers - 'Careless Whisper' by George Michael, a song in which reminded me of my Mom before

switch it off when I was younger, as my mother would gush over how handsome George was

impossible! He was different now... far more sadistic... it was sad to think back on how our family

much longer as the song came to an end that we pulled up into Vincent's driveway, the house looming before us, its stark exterior as imposing as the very man who owned it. My chest tightened as we parked

me to go in first? Make sure nobody's in there?" He asks, and I was instantly thankful for the suggestion, as I nodded and watched him unbuckle his belt before climbing out of the

movements sharp and efficient, like he was on a mission. My hands clasped together in my lap as I

in the vehicle was oppressive, and despite the warmth of the morning

of my seat, counting the seconds to help

door and the rearview mirrors, half expecting something—or someone

stepping back outside

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

I hadn't realised I

against the small of my back as

like a home; it felt like a show room, a perfectly curated space

where his father was already waiting

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

greeting. "It's good to see you again... maybe we should take

inside me. "Thank you for agreeing to help us..." I whisper, almost embarrassed at how weak

faint smile - though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Of course. Vincent's... urgency was hard to ignore." He turned his gaze to his son,

father's scrutiny, crossing his arms over his chest as we

window, as his father leaned forward with his hands clasping together - waiting for

agreeing to the marriage." He states, as his father

you talking about?! It's the easiest option you've got! So you want me to just go back to him and tell him that the deals off the table? He won't be happy..." his father begins