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.

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

nodded, her fingers tightening around the edge of the stool as I

Every step away from Sofia felt like a betrayal, even though I knew it was the

led me toward the larger office at the far end of the house, where the meeting table

the light as he gestured toward a folder laid out in front of him. "Vincent," my father

crossing the room to take a seat at the opposite end of

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

he said, finally looking up. His sharp eyes studied me, as if searching for any cracks in my façade.

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

low hum, leaning back in his chair and stretching out his fingers. "Because once they step through that door, there's no room for hesitation. You know your role. Act the part, Vincent. Show them the monster they need

engines rumbled from outside,

heart kicking up a notch as

unreadable. "Remember, everything rides on this performance - so fucking do it well - no second

This was finally it...

shorter guy had already gone off downstairs, waiting to greet them by the

of car doors from outside, followed by the doorbell chiming throughout the house - a sound I knew would

long before heavy footsteps echoed throughout the house. The sound was deliberate, 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 with... before our silent

later, revealing the three of them that I

eyes swept the room with

and tweedle Dumb, both younger than the father and seeming more fit and burley, their

and the other more strawberry toned, as I refrained from laughing

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

widened as he stepped forward, arms outstretched in mock welcome. "Frazier," he 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 Frazier chuckles deeply at

polite exchange, I eyed the two brothers as they did me, their features giving nothing away as I decided to cock my head

they would have loved to be

these days!" I turn towards my father at that, hearing my name, as I find Frazier's eyes settled

hand firmly, accepting the

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

and Freddie both carried themselves with a cocky confidence, though it was clear from the stiffness in their shoulders that they were wound tight,

as we eye one another in thought of who would be