Shadows In Durango

Chapter 142

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

I pulled away from Sofia reluctantly, letting her go even as my arms wanted to keep holding on.

It tore me up to see her like this, but I couldn't show a lot of weakness now. Not in front of her. Not when everything hinged on us keeping it together and for me to portray that I was nothing more than a bad bastard with no feelings... "Come on, we better go downstairs to prepare..." I said softly, motioning for her to follow me. "We'll hide you in one of the rooms until the time is right. My father's men will stay near - probably just outside of the room to give you some space Just remember that when you see your family, if you lose total control of your emotions then it's ok, it will play in to our whole plan so just let yourself go - this won't be easy." I ramble, as she hums absentmindedly at my advice.

"I texted Reid too," I explained, keeping my tone even. "Told him to park up near the house with a couple of my own guys who I trust. They'll keep their distance unless something goes wrong. Just as an extra precaution. If all else fails, I won't let them leave this house with you, ok?"

Sofia didn't reply, but the subtle dip of her head told me that she understood every word.

We descended down the steps, before reaching the small room by the kitchen that my father and I had agreed upon - finding two of the men that I had met previously upstairs, now posted by the door.

I pressed my hand on Sofia's back to push her inside, offering each of them a short nod to which they returned, understanding their orders for the day - despite how uncomfortable it made me.

The room wasn't much—just a plain, storage room for our alcohol and spirits with nothing more than a couple of stools inside for seating.

The only benefit was that it was windowless, meaning that Sofia would be secure in here for the time being. It would keep her completely out of sight, and that's all that mattered.

She paused in the middle of the space, her hands brushing over the display of wine bottles, "This feels... suffocating," she admitted, glancing over her shoulder back at me as I sighed.

"It's temporary," I reassured her, stepping in behind her. "You'll only be here until the meeting starts. Then... well, you know the plan after that, just play along with whatever happens and act scared." Sofia nodded, swallowing hard as she moved to sit on one of the available stools.

"Here, give me a kiss before I leave..." I demand gently, leaning down towards her and grabbing her chin with my hand, tilting it upwards.

Thankfully, she doesn't deny me that, as she closes over her eyes and allows for me to lean in - touching my lips against her own soft ones.

The moment was tender and necessary to give me the courage needed for what was about to play out.

Pulling back, her eyes fluttered open, as I studied her sitting there - looking small, hurt and fragile. The fake bruises and cuts painted on her skin made the sight almost unbearable as I continued to remind myself that none of it was real... Before I could say anything else, the door creaked open behind me as I turned sharply to see one of my father's men - the shorter, more stocky guy with a scar running across his cheek — now standing in the doorway.

"Boss says that time's ticking, that you should go through and wait in the office with him now." he grunted, his voice rough.

rushing me, before turning back to Sofia. "Just stay here, and go with the flow, I believe in you - this is it!"

tightening around the edge of the stool as I eventually turned

colder as I left the storage room, a suffocating air filling my lungs. Every step away from

larger office at the far end

already tense when I stepped inside. My father stood at the head of the table, radiating his usual calm authority. His gold rings caught the light as he gestured toward a

away, crossing the room to take a seat at the

they aren't even here?!" I start, my tone clipped; "She's ready," I said flatly, keeping my tone cold and detached. "Your men

in my façade. "You seem... distracted. Emotional,

my jaw, forcing myself to meet his gaze. "I'm not distracted. I'm focused.

and stretching out his fingers. "Because once they step through that door,

respond, the sound of car engines rumbled from outside, faint but growing louder as they approached from down

heart kicking up

his expression unreadable. "Remember, everything rides on this performance -

This was finally it...

to greet them by the front door before doing the job

throughout the house - a sound I knew would have sent Sofia in

calculated — a reminder that Sofia's father and brothers were here to do business. My father and I, eyed the closed door in anticipation, longing for it to open in order to

door next, before it swung open moments later, revealing

appearance - hair thinning but blonde like Sofia's. His eyes swept the room

younger than the father and seeming more fit and burley, their postures tense and

refrained from laughing at the trio - far less intimidating than

greeted mine, his voice deep and laced with familiarity towards my

outstretched in mock welcome. "Frazier," he replied smoothly, his voice rich with calculated charm. "It's been

away as I decided to cock my head to the side - a silent mockery to them

me although they would have loved to

days!" I turn towards my father at that, hearing my name, as I

feelings aside, knowing that I had to, I take his hand firmly, accepting the shake before he releases me and

I offer each of

both carried themselves with a cocky confidence, though it was clear from the stiffness in

between us, as we eye one another in thought of who would be the first to speak again next... with Sofia's