Shadows In Durango

Chapter 140

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

Vincent led me down the hall, his hand warm and firm around mine, his grip tight enough to make me think that he was desperately stopping himself from storming back to Sergio and throttling the man...

We stepped into the spare bedroom, and he closed the door behind us with a sharp click. The tension in the air between us was thick enough to cut with a knife. His jaw was clenched, and his usually soft eyes were burning with anger. "I'm sorry," he muttered, running a hand through his hair as he paced the small room. "That guy is an absolute" He cut himself off, exhaling sharply. "I didn't know he'd be like that. If I'd have known, I wouldn't have let him within a mile of you. He's a rude fucking asshole!"

"It's okay," I said quickly, even though it really wasn't. My pulse was still racing, and my skin felt like it was crawling from the way Sergio had poked and prodded at me. "I can handle it. It's only for tomorrow, right? This has to work with his help, so let's just give him a chance at least?"

Vincent stopped pacing and turned to look at me, his expression softening just a fraction at my reasoning. "You shouldn't have to handle it, Sofia, none of this is good for you - I feel fucking terrible about it. This is already enough without some guy making you feel like a fucking art display..." He trailed off, his fists clenching up again.

I gave him a small smile, trying to ease the tension. "I'm fine, Vincent, honest. I promise that it's all ok. Let's just get this over with, I'm brave enough for this."

His gaze lingered on me for just a moment longer before he nodded reluctantly. "Okay. But if he tries to demand anything else that I feel crosses the line anything at all—then he's out of here. I don't care how good he supposedly is at his job."

"Yeah, deal," I said softly, even though I wasn't entirely convinced that Sergio wouldn't find a way to push Vincent's buttons again since he was more than unbothered by him.

Vincent grabbed a pair of shorts and a tank top from a dresser and handed them to me. "Change into these," he said, his voice still tight. "I'll step outside for a minute."

I nodded, watching as he walked out of the room and shut the door behind him. For a moment, I just stood there, holding the clothes and staring at the door. The reality of what was about to happen hit me again, and a shiver ran down my spine.

Tomorrow wasn't just another day it was thee day.

Shaking off my nerves, I quickly changed into the tank top and shorts, the fabric hanging off of my body loosely. The thin material left more skin exposed than I was comfortable with, but I told myself that it was better than having to strip down to my undies in front of everyone...

step in my fight to

a final sigh, I opened the door, finding Vincent leaning against the wall, arms crossed, his jaw still set in a

with then..." He presses, suddenly straightening up and reaching a hand out which I take - allowing for him to take charge on leading us back to Sergio

impatience etched on his face. "Finally," he stated, drawing out the word as though we'd made him wait for hours when it had only been mere minutes. "Come,

as Vincent's father was now seated in the single armchair in the corner of the room - watching on as I wished he would have gotten bored by now, choosing to leave the rest of us to

forward, his presence steadying me. "Do what you need to do," he told Sergio, his voice low

dismissive hand, clearly unimpressed by Vincent's warning. "Oui, oui, yes I understand your English, calm down. Now, go over there and sit." He gestured to a free spot on the sofa as Vincent's features creased in disdain.

still, becoming the main focus in the centre of the room, Sergio pulled his case closer and

small jars of liquid and powder in varying shades - it was a makeup artist's

skin with precision. The first touch of cold, damp

and turned my face

already have some fading bruises? Real ones?" He queries, as I nod once

myself trapped in my crazed ex-boyfriend's basement as he took a psychotic break... not now, not ever did

thumb in to one of my bruises, earning a hiss from me as I found it

feet away, took to his feet in an instance, "Watch your fucking

an eyebrow but didn't respond, focusing instead on his work. "I must say," he muttered as he blended a dark purple bruise onto my cheekbone, "you will look very

This wasn't just makeup; it was a visual story of pain and control

only makeup, and

next, applying small, but realistic mottled bruises along my biceps and forearms. "Turn zis way," he ordered, and I complied, my stomach churning with every

his hands clenched into fists at his sides

up frustration radiating off of him, but he didn't say a word, probably knowing that it would only drag

some neck markings will top this off!" Sergio announced after finishing with

Then, he grabbed a