Shadows In Durango

*****Vincent's POV*****

"You like it?" I ask knowingly, glad to be showing off one of my father's best kept suites in Illinois.

It was a surprise for me too since I hadn't ever stayed in this location before with this being my first time ever sent here in replacement of my father. At least the place was decent...

"It's beautiful! Top floor too?!" Sofia murmurs, moving towards the full length windows overlooking the city.

At least my father was good for something and that this place had decent security...

As Sofia explores the space, my phone starts to ring from my back pocket as I immediately pull it out - glaring down at it being my father himself. Can he at least let me step foot into the fucking state for an hour?!

"What?!" I answer and snap, gaining Sofia's attention as she watches me with concern - probably thinking that it was Daryl on the receiving end. "Don't you think you can just take up a pissy tone with me! The meet up is at eight, you better not fuck this up. Did all of the trucks make it without fault?" My father gets straight to the point, his voice causing every muscle in my body to tighten.

I hate him.

"I'm not stupid, I'll handle it! The trucks are all here." I mutter, as Sofia seems to quickly gather that I was talking business and excuses herself to go to the bathroom.

I could get used to having her around if she's this good at staying out of my business... I'm used to girls begging me to tell them all about my crime driven family and lifestyle - thinking it was 'cool' but it seems that Sofia doesn't care.

"His names Chester, he's not one for mocking or pulling any stunts with, do you understand?" My father's tone shifts ever so slightly, more serious and almost nervous which was unusual for him.

Has he sent me here in replacement of him because he's intimidated? It wouldn't surprise me... sending his son who was still In school to handle the big dogs!

He would rather I took a bullet over him any day and that was the cold hard truth of it.

"Tell me again why you couldn't do this?" I hum, pacing back and forth across the apartment as shuffling is heard down the line.

"Busy with... some other stuff! If you do this right, you'll get your rewards as usual. Phone me when it's done!" He states firmly, before the line ends and I pull it away from my ear.

You would think I was just one of his runaround employees and not his blood related son!

"Is everything alright?" I turn to find Sofia entering the room as I nod stiffly and attempt to push a smile.

It was already six, leaving me with two hours to get to the location with my men.

"Just my father being an ass again. I'll have to leave in the next hour, do you want to chill in here or visit the spa? It's all on tab so you won't need any money. You can order room service too." I explain, moving to collect the brochure with the variety of things the facility offers as Sofia follows me with curious eyes.

She takes it from me, turning to the spa page which screamed elegance and luxury.

"Oh no, this is too much! I can't just spend what I want!" She shakes her head after a moment of thought, attempting to push the book back into my hands as I step away in surrender.

"Go wild! Better somebody spends it because I won't." I insist, as she chews her lip and her eyes guiltily trail back down the booklet.

Watching her, I feel my dick twitch in my pants, the way her plump lip pulls in between her teeth as she hums over what to do...

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I walk towards her, my thumb instinctively reaching up to free her lip from its assault as her large eyes stare up at me...

Fuck, now I'm thinking about what she could do whilst looking up at me like that, I need to cool down!

"What have I told you about chewing that lip!" I mumble, as her cheeks darken - something I loved seeing every time I made her flustered.

"Sorry." She responds gently, almost as if she knew she was teasing me.

"Such a pretty girl, why don't you go to the spa and relax... think of it as an apology for last night - on me!" I suggest, knowing I had promised to make it up to her anyway before continuing:

"Take a seat, let me shower and change and I'll take you to the spa before I go. just pick out the treatments you want and I'll speak to them for you, deal?" I make an offer to help make things easier as she sways from foot to foot before doing as I suggested and heading for the sofa by the window.

She stares out of the window longingly for a moment, before her eyes drift back down to the booklet which I take as my time to leave.

I use the master bathroom, stepping in under the water - thankful to get out of my travel clothes as I wash myself down quickly with soap, rinse and then step out.

I brush my teeth and dress in the black shirt and slacks I had brought with me, before wearing all black smart sneakers.

I spray some cologne, fluff up my disheveled hair with my hand to look as though I had actually put in some effort before I brush myself off.

This was good enough for a first meet...

I head back out to find Sofia in the same place I had left her, as I move towards her and sit down.

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! "You smell great!" She comments, as I grin at her compliment.

"Thanks, now let's talk about rules." I get straight to the point, conscious of time as I glance at my watch briefly.

"Rules? What do you mean?" Sofia shifts in the chair to cross her legs and face me, as I reach out to move a strand of hair back from her face - enjoying the softness of her skin.

"To keep you safe when I'm gone." I state as though it was obvious as she listens intently, waiting for me to continue.

I loved how easy she was to deal with, how trusting she was of me to keep her safe... it gave me purpose.

"First, don't leave the building without me. Second, If anybody talks to you and you think it's weird, call me and I'll sort it out. Third, if I call - answer, or I'll panic and think that somethings up. Easy enough to follow princess?" I push, as she giggles and nods along.

"I'm serious though, these are important. I don't want anything to happen to you." I state firmly, as her smile falters with my tone when realising I was being fully serious.

I didn't take her safety lightly, not now after knowing that her father and brothers were out looking for her across the damn country!

When I get a chance, I'll have her family looked into to help give us the upper hand when dealing with them. If we can get eyes on them then we can keep Sofia away from them...

"I understand Vinny, you don't have to worry!" Sofia mumbles back playfully, as I suddenly laugh at her new nickname.

"Vinny?! Where did you get that?" I continue to laugh as she chuckles and shrugs nonchalantly.

"Only you can call me that, ok?" I smirk, before standing and pulling her up with me to which she continues to giggle and follow along.

The quicker I can get this meet done, the quicker I can get back to her...