Shadows In Durango

Chapter 141

*****Vincent's POV*****

The morning sun split in through the blinds as I sat on the edge of my bed, my elbows resting on my knees, staring down at the floor. My fists were clenched, nails biting into my palms, and my jaw felt like it had been locked in place all night. Sofia had managed to sleep for a bit last night, which shocked me, but I woke her pretty early today since we were aiming for the whole 'exhausted' look...

Today was the big day.

Sofia was currently back in her own room, asking for some time alone to think and prepare, probably trying to calm her nerves.

I couldn't stop thinking about how many ways this could go wrong - fearing that we had maybe rushed in to things a little too soon? But it couldn't be helped, not with her brothers now on our back for a decision, we had no choice but to act swiftly!

The men we were dealing with didn't forgive mistakes either, but if all else fails, I had my trusty gun...

The door handle to my bedroom dipped, before my father stepped into the room, dressed in a navy blue suit with his latest watch purchase on full show - matching the array of gold rings painting his fingers.

I, on the other hand, had gone for a basic black sweatshirt and cargo pants - keeping it casual yet dark to match my mood.

He studied me carefully before he spoke, looking as composed as ever, with the faintest smirk tugging at his lips like today was just another business venture for him.

But for me, it was more like a fucking minefield, and Sofia was the one walking blindfolded through it...

"They'll be here in just over an hour now," he said. "And I've brought a little... insurance to help us."

I raised an eyebrow at that, but before I could even ask, he gestured behind him out in to the hall as I instantly stood to my feet to see what he was referring to.

of his meanest looking men stood side by side, the type of men who wouldn't hesitate on following through with the toughest of orders - each

squint at him, "What's all of this for?" I asked, my

I

of his selected cronies, "They're part of the show," he stated, as though it were obvious. "If her father and brothers are going to believe that she's under my control,

story. Fear sells, Vincent. And these men should help ruffle her feathers just enough to sell it, you know?"

ground my teeth together, my blood already boiling. "You didn't say anything about roughing her up using other men

waving me off like I was a petulant child. "They'll be careful enough. It's all part of the performance. This is what it's going to take, son! She has to look like she's truly terrified to be here - like she's already being punished. You must get in to character soon or you'll be the one to slip

we had asked my father for his help on this for a reason - he knew what he was doing more than anyone when it

they need to believe it and I don't enjoy putting all of my eggs in one basket - this is non-negotiable. She

the time comes, they'll drag her in like a prisoner, and your girl will put on the performance of her life

argue, he turned and walked towards the staircase, motioning for the three of them to follow after him

towards Sofia's room down the hall after that, knocking on the door and knowing that we had zero

little outfit that my father suggested would add to the whole - keeping her around for

pink, satin, the neckline far too low and the skirt far too short for my liking but helping to show off her extremely realistic battered and bruised body

glancing in to an alternate reality - one where I was the monster who had caused the marks

too?" She whispers, her fingers trembling as she doesn't take her eyes off

as I can't help the suffocating guilt I felt for watching her go through this

was pale, and the fake bruises Sergio had painted on her the night before looked even darker in the morning light - even more real that it would take

has added to the 'show' as he calls it," I begin, closing the

narrowed.

facing her again. "My father's brought in three of

help sell it h-how?" Sofia stammers, as I clear my throat and shuffle in my

a way to say it