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.

shot him a glare for rushing me, before turning back to Sofia. "Just stay here, and go with

the edge of the stool as I eventually turned

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

larger office at the far end of the house, where the meeting table had already been set

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. "Vincent," my father greeted, not looking up as he

answering right away, crossing the room to take a seat at the opposite end

even here?!" I start, my tone clipped; "She's ready,"

for any cracks in my façade. "You seem... distracted. Emotional, even. We can't afford that today." He adds

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

low hum, leaning back in his chair and stretching out his fingers. "Because once they step through that

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

heart kicking up a notch as I knew already

expression unreadable. "Remember, everything rides on this performance - so fucking do it well - no second chances." He darts, as I nodded

This was finally it...

them by the front door before

by the doorbell chiming throughout the house - a sound I knew

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 get this over and done

office door next, before it swung open moments later, revealing the three of them that I

father, a 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

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

from

friend Jay," her father greeted mine, his voice deep and laced with familiarity towards my father - even using his nickname as if they were best buddies from damn high

replied smoothly, his voice rich with calculated charm. "It's been too long... and look at you — bringing the whole family along. How thoughtful." He hums, as

polite exchange, I eyed the two brothers as they did me, their features giving nothing away

although they would have loved to

turn towards my father at that, hearing my name, as I find Frazier's eyes

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

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

it was clear from the stiffness in their shoulders that they

another in thought of who would be the first to