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...

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

I'm still not sure how we're supposed to make it all believable. I worry they'll see

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

unease rolling through me. He was an intimidating man, although he had been pretty pleasant with me when I had first met him - unlike his bitch

necessary..." Vincent said, his eyes fixed ahead on the road as he

obvious?" I muttered out with a dry laugh,

smile. "Look, I get it Sofia. Dealing with my Dad isn't exactly a walk in the park, but he'll

through the car speakers - 'Careless Whisper' by

I was younger, as my mother

it was sad to think back on how our family home used to be.

we pulled up into Vincent's driveway, the house looming before us, its stark exterior as imposing as the very man who owned

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

My hands clasped together in my

vehicle was oppressive, and despite the warmth of the morning sun filtering in through the windows, a cold

the edge of my seat, counting the seconds to help pass the agonising

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

passed before Vincent reappeared, stepping back outside and I was instantly relieved to see that he

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

a steady breath that I hadn't realised I was holding. "O-Okay then, that's

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

was just as I remembered it - clean, modern, and meticulously decorated. It didn't feel like a home; it

his father was already waiting for us, standing to

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 on me, I felt an involuntary shiver run down my spine.

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

the nerves bubbling up inside me. "Thank you for

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

flinch under his father's scrutiny, crossing his arms over his chest as

by the window, as his father leaned forward

beginning. "We aren't agreeing to the marriage."

back to him and tell him that the deals off