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...

talked about last night?" Vincent broke the silence after some

still not sure how we're supposed to make it all

hopefully figure all of that out today. My father will have some ideas and

of his father sent a fresh wave of unease rolling through me. He was an intimidating man, although he had been pretty pleasant with me when I had first met him

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

I muttered out with a dry laugh, wrapping my arms around myself for desperate

in the park, but he'll help us. We have a leverage here... your father trusts mine remember so let's use that to our advantage!" Vincent suggests, and for now, what he was saying

to close my eyes, drowning in the next hit that began to play through the car speakers - 'Careless Whisper' by George Michael, a song in which reminded me of my Mom

complain about, telling her to switch it off when I was younger, as my mother would gush over how handsome George was in his younger years: ignoring his

ignore him like she used to, 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

us, its stark exterior as imposing as the very man who owned it. My

first? Make sure nobody's in there?" He asks, and I was instantly thankful for the suggestion, as I nodded and watched him

a mission. My hands clasped together in

despite the warmth of the morning sun filtering

edge of my seat, counting the seconds to help

the rearview mirrors, half expecting something—or someone to jump out

felt like an eternity passed before Vincent reappeared, stepping back outside

a deep breath as I swiftly

steady breath that I hadn't realised I

in, his hand brushing lightly against the small of my back as I passed by. The gesture was subtle,

It didn't feel like a home; it felt like a show room, a perfectly curated space meant

father

authority, the kind that demanded attention without needing to raise his voice. His dark suit was tailored to perfection and as his sharp eyes settled down

he said smoothly, inclining his head in a polite but measured greeting. "It's good to

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

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, one eyebrow arching. "So, what's the grand plan this

under his father's scrutiny, crossing his arms over his chest as we both followed him out

window, as his father leaned forward with his hands clasping together

briefly before beginning. "We aren't agreeing to the marriage." He

you want me to just go back to him and tell him that the deals off the