Shadows In Durango

*****Sofia's POV*****

My cheeks remained flushed after the kiss as we drove back through the familiar gates towards Vincent's house.

"Ok listen to me... do you want to talk to Daryl when we go in?" Vincent questions, parking up the car as I instantly shake my head in defiance.

Of course I don't! Why would I want to speak to him right now? Not in this frame of mind anyway! I had already embarrassed myself enough...

"Well then just pretend to be asleep and I'll carry you in, I'll take you to the spare room and Emma can come too." Vincent offers, as I inhale a slow breath and nod in agreement with the plan.

"Vincent?" I find his name rolling off of my tongue as he eyes me, waiting for me to continue.

"What?" He presses, clicking off his belt and cutting the engine.

"Thank you... for saving me tonight." I swallow the lump in my throat, as he nods and offers me a half smile at my words.

"I told you, I don't let bad shit happen to my staff which by the way... you better not be too hungover for your shift tomorrow, I'm paying you well for two days so I expect perfection!" He winks, as I chuckle and nod at the statement. He really didn't seem that bad when he was like this...

I watch him climb out of the car on his side, before walking around to my side - opening the door.

"Sleep darling." He smirks, as I nod and close over my eyes with a giggle - feeling his arms hook under my legs and around my back to carry me.

He seems to lift me up with ease as I hope that he doesn't find me to be heavy. I nestle my head into the crook of his neck, more so to hide my face from the others staring, but I was also guiltily enjoying the scent of Vincent's aftershave coming from his tattooed neck.

He smelled expensive and spicy... a true masculine scent if I had ever smelled one before.

"Oh my god is she ok?!" I hear Emma's panic first, as my heart cracks a little after having left her behind during my meltdown.

"She's fine, she just started dozing off in the car. I said you two could spend the night here so I'll show you to the spare room - follow me." I hear Vincent talking with her, as I grow curious as to whether or not Daryl was there too. Maybe he was off in his room having fun with the red head without a car in the world... why would he care? He owes me nothing...

"Was she... upset?" My thoughts are suddenly answered when I hear his voice next causing me to tense, as Vincent's grip on me tightens ever so slightly.

"Obviously she was. You fucking ditched her tonight Daryl! Just let her sleep it off, the alcohol clearly isn't helping either! You can talk to her tomorrow." Vincent is heard scolding him in an unforgiving tone, before we begin to walk up the steps. towards whatever room Vincent was taking us to - as Daryl seemed to remain quiet.

I allow myself to be carried, actually growing somewhat tired in his arms with the gentle rocking of each stride as we walked...

A door is heard opening, before a light is switched on.

"He's gone you can open your eyes now." Vincent whispers in my ear as I peak up at him and smile.

He stares down at me in his arms seeming amused; before eventually releasing me down on to my feet where I turn to find Emma stood by the door with wide eyes.

"Sofia! I'm so glad he found you! I felt so bad not knowing where you went!" Emma rushes to hug me instantly as I hug her back.

"I'm so sorry for running off like that! I shouldn't have left you alone! I just wasn't thinking straight, I needed space and to get some air. I don't know what happened, I'm blaming the alcohol!" I rant, apologising for my dramatic behaviour as she somewhat smiles and laughs.

"It's ok don't apologise!" Emma concludes with a final nod, as I turn to Vincent who clears his throat.

If you're loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!

He moves around the room as I take in the large space for the first time. It was a cosy room painted pale blue with white furnishings, showcasing a large king size bed in the centre - made up and untouched.

"This is the bathroom, use whatever you need it's stocked up. There's also some spare clothes that I keep in here if you both want to borrow something to sleep in? Anything else you need, my room is across the hall, just ask." Vincent motions to each door and closet as he speaks as we both nod along with his instructions.

He was being overly generous with us, especially with me who until now, I thought he hated.

"Thank you again." I whisper my gratitude, as he sighs and heads for the door.

"Sleep it off, you'll feel better tomorrow." He calls over his shoulder, before opening the door to leave - swinging it shut behind himself.

Turning to Emma, she mouths the words 'what the hell' to me, in fear of Vincent overhearing her reaction as she points in the direction of where he had just left.

"What?" I giggle, as she shakes her head and playfully grins.

"You have him wrapped around your finger! I can see it now! Vincent Walker likes you - it's crazy!" Emma whispers now, as I gasp and step back in horror at her statement.

I certainly do not have him wrapped around my finger.

"You are crazy! He just feels sorry for me... probably just because I'm drunk and upset in his house!" I defend, knowing that it can't possibly be true.

"Come on Sofia! You should have seen his reaction when you ran out, he almost started fighting with Daryl until a couple of their friends pulled them apart. He went after you and then came back carrying you inside! Vincent doesn't treat any other females like that, not from what I've ever saw - he's usually just mean to them!" Emma moves forward to take my hands, believing in her own rambles as I grow shocked at hearing how Vincent had reacted after I left. She doesn't even know the half of it yet either...

If you're loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!

"That's not all..." I admit, my cheeks suddenly growing flushed at what I was about to say out loud.

Eyeing me curiously, Emma remains quiet and waits for me to speak as I inhale a slow and steady breath.

"He kissed me... in the car... just a peck though, but it was still a kiss." I rush out, chewing my lip in anticipation for her reaction, feeling as though it was all just a dream as my head spins at the memory. Emma seems to glitch, not speaking at first as she all but opens and closes her mouth to process what I had just said.

It was true...

He kissed me, and I couldn't quite wrap my head around why. I thought all of his flirty comments were only jokes - to make me more embarrassed and uncomfortable around him. But again, maybe he just felt sorry for me tonight?

"Sofia do you hear what you just said? Vincent kissed you?! He likes you - clearly!" Emma eventually speaks in an obvious tone as though I were blind to not have seen it sooner.

I mean I've only been here a week and I've cried over one guy and been kissed by his best friend all in the one night... who was I becoming?!

Since leaving home I had stayed hidden and out of trouble but this time around I was forgetting about my past - becoming wholly wrapped up with my teenage dramas at school. Although it all seemed normal, I couldn't be too careless, knowing that if I put myself out there too much, there will be more of a chance that I'll be found again. Which would mean I would have to leave...

And I like it here, this place just felt different compared to the rest... more intoxicating.