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 of their expressions cold and

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

I

father chuckled, stepping out of the room behind me to eye each of his selected cronies, "They're part of the show," he stated, as

than bruises and a good sob story. Fear sells, Vincent. And these men should help ruffle her feathers just

"You didn't say anything about roughing her up using other men yesterday?! I don't want to tip her over the edge!" I snap, as he groans loudly at my

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 up and blow this for us all!" He growls, as I sigh heavily, knowing in the pit of my stomach that he was

understanding that we had asked my father for his help on this for a reason

for a moment, and his tone turned icy. "Besides, I wanted some extra men present incase this does actually go tits up for us... call them our undercover backup if it makes you feel better? Sofia needs to sell the act today, and they need to believe it and I don't enjoy putting all of my eggs in one basket - this is non-negotiable. She agreed to do whatever it takes, didn't she?" He rants, as each of the men remain stoic and unfazed by our rambling. "She doesn't know about this yet," I said through clenched teeth, not liking my father's new agenda for the day - giving us both little time

performance of her life if she wants to win this. If she's as strong as you say

he turned and walked towards the staircase, motioning for the three of

after that, knocking on the door and knowing that

little outfit that my father

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

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

whispers, her fingers trembling as she doesn't take her eyes off of the mirror but knows that I was in

the suffocating guilt I felt for watching her go through this just

she eventually turned to look at me, her face 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 me aback each and

what else my father has added to the

narrowed.

distraction, before facing her again. "My father's brought in three of his men to help sell this and to also act as undercover backup incase things go

Sofia stammers, as I clear my throat and

trying to find a way to say it that didn't make me sound like the