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.

before turning back to Sofia. "Just stay here, and go with the

of the stool as I eventually turned and followed

storage room, a suffocating air filling my lungs. Every step away from Sofia felt like a betrayal, even though I knew it was the

me toward the larger office at the far end of

room was 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 folder laid out in front of him.

didn't bother answering right away, crossing the room to take a seat at the opposite

"She's ready," I said flatly, keeping my tone

studied me, as if searching for any cracks in my façade. "You seem... distracted. Emotional, even. We can't afford that today."

myself to meet his gaze. "I'm not distracted. I'm focused. More

again with a low hum, leaning back in his chair and stretching out his fingers. "Because once they step through that door, there's no room

rumbled from outside, faint but growing louder

kicking up a notch as I knew

cufflinks, his expression unreadable. "Remember, everything rides on this performance - so fucking do it

This was finally it...

to greet them by the

doors from outside, followed by the doorbell chiming throughout the house - a sound I knew would have sent Sofia

do business. My father and I, eyed the closed door in anticipation, longing for it to open in order to get

came down on the office door next, before it swung open moments later, revealing the three of them that I had only painted

tall, broad-shouldered man with a rougher more scruffy appearance - hair thinning but blonde like Sofia's. His eyes swept the room with what he thought was a dangerous intensity,

him next were her two brothers — tweedle Dee and tweedle Dumb, both younger than the father and seeming more fit and burley, their postures tense and seeming

refrained from laughing at the trio - far less intimidating than what

voice deep and laced with familiarity towards my father - even using his nickname as if

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

they would have loved

we didn't arrange to meet up sooner, my son, Vincent, has been quite busy - he's a hard one to tie down these days!" I turn towards my father at that, hearing my name, as I find Frazier's eyes settled heavily on me now. "So you're the notorious Vincent Walker?" He suddenly moves towards

my feelings aside, knowing that I had to, I take his hand firmly, accepting the shake before

sons." He announces proudly, as I offer each of them a meek

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

eye one another in thought of who would be the first to speak again next... with Sofia's father beating the rest of us