Shadows In Durango

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

Groaning loudly, I twist in the sheets before stretching my arms out - only to wince and snap my eyes open when feeling a horrifying jolt of pain shooting up through my rib cage. Sitting up, I look around the room in a panic before my eyes stop when meeting Daryl, who was seated in a chair by my bed as he rubs his swollen eyes and straightens himself up. "Morning." He yawns out, as I groan and reach up to the back of my hand, suddenly remembering how last nights argument had ended between the pair.

Foolishly, I had forced myself between them during their fight which I certainly wouldn't be doing again any time soon!

I knew that they hadn't intended to hurt me, but I was still annoyed that they had even resorted to fighting in the first place they were supposed to be best friends! "Morning." I whisper, my voice croaky and softer than what I had liked for it to be.

Daryl brings his wrist up to check his watch, before standing to open up some painkillers for me to take, handing me a fresh bottle of water which I drink back greedily. Each swallow sent a tension down to my abdomen, a tender pain that seemed consistent to remind me of my war wounds.

"Thanks." I reply, handing him back the bottle once the pills were fully down.

"It's ten." He comments, sinking back down into the chair as I all but nod, feeling awkward and uncertain around him after his blow up last night.

He had blown things way out of proportion yesterday, all because I willingly agreed to go on the trip with Vincent.

I was horrified to see Daryl in that light, and I hated to admit it but this time around he had been the one to cross the line. He threw the first punch and from there, Vincent had every right to defend himself.

It was a strange dynamic, usually having Daryl be the one to make me feel better after Vincent's aggressive moments, but I hated to admit that this time - Vincent hadn't actually done anything wrong.

Sure, I wish he hadn't sent a hard knee into my stomach, but it was intended for Daryl and I stepped in the way - just like the heavy duty punch that came to the back of my skull from Daryl.

Neither was intended to hurt me, but I guess one could argue that they still did it.

"I'm really sorry, for hurting you." Daryl starts, clearing his throat as I instantly hold a hand up to shush him.

"No need, I got in the way." I assure, as he shakes his head before leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees - face hidden in his hands.

"I just got so angry that he would even think to take you with him. It's not just a happy little vacation Sofia, the people we do business with aren't nice people." Daryl explains, finally looking back at me as I swallow the lump in my throat. I already knew that, after Vincent had filled me in on his father and his life, but I guess Daryl was just trying to look out for me.

"I understand why you're concerned but I wanted to go. He already told me about his life and his Dad, and I still agreed to go with him. It wasn't right for you to blame it all on him like you did - you didn't even give me a proper chance to explain myself either, you just went straight for Vincent." I breathe through my words, trying to remain calm and collected but ensuring that I share my disagreement with how he had handled the whole thing nonetheless.

It was uncalled for to say the very least... it wasn't who I thought he was.

"Sofia I know what you're saying, but these men, they are the types who would use you against Vincent - to fuck him over. They might hurt you if they learn that you two are... close." Daryl defends, seeming to struggle for choice with the last word as I eye him curiously.

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!

I think there was more to this than just concern...

"Thanks for caring, but I'll be fine." I nod firmly, knowing that at some point I would have to put my foot down with him.

I was in charge of my own decisions and after his violent outburst, I wanted to go even more so now.

"So you're still going with him? Today? But you're injured!" Daryl's brows furrow, his hands locking together in discomfort as I nod once.

Before I can even respond verbally, the door opens, and in walks the man of the hour himself - hair dishevelled and standing shirtless.

I blush and glance over at Daryl who obviously rolls his eyes before he pushes himself to stand up - making his way out of the room without another word. Vincent smirks knowingly, before moving towards me as I assume that he was going to take his place in the chair, but instead he jumps onto the bed beside me. I bite back a wince as he wobbles me slightly and just shake my head at him, as he places his hands behind his head - tattooed abs fully on show.

"You're pretty banged up." I comment on his bruised face, as he chuckles and watches me - his tired eyes looking me over.

"You should see the other guy!" He jokes, as I roll my eyes playfully at the comment.

He was clearly more unbothered by it all in comparison to Daryl who I feared still had some ruffled feathers over the whole thing.

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!

"On a serious note though Sofia, I am sorry that you got caught up between us... I would have never, you know, kneed you, if I would have had a second to react. You just came out of nowhere. I was so pissed off when he punched me, I just saw red after that." Vincent's words shock me, the same as they did whenever he would apologise for anything.

It was out of character for him which somehow made his apologies seem all the more genuine.

"It's ok, it was my own fault for stepping in between you both. I just didn't know what else to do... you've messed up my stomach pretty bad though!" I raise my brows at him accusingly, as he offers me a lazy smile.

"Well then I'll just have to make up for that then won't I?" He teases back, funnily enough being the one to bring a lighter tone to the room for a change after the tension.

Usually it was Daryl doing this...

"Are you still coming with me today or how do you feel about it?" He tests, suddenly pushing himself to sit back up as I think on it for a second.

Did I still want to go? Sure I was sore, but my painkillers would handle that... what was the worse that would happen now?

Plus, I didn't want to let Daryl win, not after how he had acted last night. Vincent isn't the one who deserves to be ditched, not this time around!

"Sure as hell I am!" I beam, ignoring the slight pain at the back of my head as I smile wide.

"Let's both shower and change then we can head for the airport... give Daryl a few days to fully cool off!" He retorts in an airy tone as I giggle and nod, watching him stand back off from the bed before heading towards the door with a newly found pep in his step.

It was actually cute to see his excitement grow knowing that I still wanted to travel with him and I couldn't help but agree:

Daryl needs some time alone to reflect....