Shadows In Durango

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

I've been up since dawn, my mind spinning as I mentally check off everything that needs to be put in place before tonight.

My father isn't the kind of man you want to disappoint, and my mother... well, let's just say that keeping her entertained is a full-time job in itself, one that I don't even have the time for today.

I just wish they would divorce already...

I walk down the hall, entering to find that the kitchen is already buzzing with activity as the hired chef goes over the dinner menu for later. I glance over the detailed list, making sure that everything is as flawless as possible knowing that it would be better for everyone just to keep him happy.

The last thing I need is for tonight to spiral into some chaotic disaster... as it has done before in the past.

As I walk through the house, my eyes skim over every little detail - no cushion out of place, no speck of dust on any surface. Everything needs to be perfect for this dinner to avoid any slight complaint from leaving his lips.

I hated that he owned this house, despite never living in it, and I couldn't wait to own a place of my own were he couldn't complain about shit since it would be fully mine...

I run a hand through my hair, my thoughts racing. I hate how much effort I'm putting into this, but I don't have a choice. This is what it takes to stay on my father's good side, especially around Sofia if they are meeting her for the first time. The sound of footsteps on the stairs pulls my attention, and I look through the door just as Sofia and Emma approach to enter the room. Sofia still looks a little unsure, a shadow of anxiety still lingering from yesterday, but she tries to give me a small smile nonetheless.

I knew that whatever had happened with her at school wasn't anything little, but until she would be willing to tell me herself, I would let it rest.

"Good morning," I greet them, pushing aside the stress for a moment to focus on Sofia.

"Morning," Sofia replies quietly, glancing around at the frantic pace in the kitchen.

Emma grins, clearly more at ease. "What's going on in here? It smells amazing already." She compliments, gaining a nod of approval from Andrew the chef.

"There's going to be a formal dinner here tonight. My parents are coming, and I just want everything to go smoothly. The least I can do is organise a decent meal to at least feed him!" I explain with a dry laugh, breathing out heavily and placing my hands on my hips to steady myself.

Sofia's eyes widen in surprise, and I can practically see the panic rising in her. "Formal? What do you mean by that, dress and heels?!" she echoes, her voice wavering slightly. "Vincent, I don't think I have anything like that! I don't know what—"

"Relax," I cut in, my tone softer as I try to ease her nerves. "I've already thought of that. Reid's going to take you and Emma to the mall to pick out something nice. Just dress like it's a fancy restaurant, nothing too over the top. I just want you to feel comfortable."

She blinks, looking between me and Emma, who's already buzzing with excitement at the idea of a shopping trip.

"We can visit my Mom and have our hair done again?! Just don't tell her that we skipped school today... let's say that we had free time off to study!" Emma adds guiltily, as I almost forgot that it was a Friday.

"Grab your stuff, Reid is waiting in the living area whenever yous are ready to go." I state, as they both nod along and turn to head back upstairs to change.

I take the moment alone, leaning against one of the counters to check my phone for any updates, finding a text from my father as I swipe to open it:

'Vincent, we arrive in the airport this afternoon around 5pm. Pick us up?'

My eyes narrow at the bluntness of the message, and although it was posed as a question, I knew that it was more of a demand.

But perhaps it would be best for me to pick them up, meaning I can gage what sort of mood they are both in beforehand.

With that, I quickly reply:

'Cool, I'll be there.'

Hitting send, I stuff the phone back in to my pocket and grab a coffee amongst the bustle of the kitchen area.

Over these past few weeks I felt like I had aged ten years, no longer feeling like a normal teenager and more like a full time adult for the first time in my life.

Sure, I didn't exactly live a normal life to begin with, since what teenager deals with drugs and gun shipments? But this new shit with Sofia added an extra layer on top of all that...

Since meeting her, I had killed one of her neighbours and still kept the other one at the cabin under watch, forcing him to go cold turkey as punishment, before I fully forced her to move in with me as a result of that! Now, I was facing an arranged marriage to settle her nightmare father...

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!

Groaning loudly to myself as I stir my coffee, knowing that my future currently remained heavily uncertain, the proposition of marrying Sofia still lay on the table - and she didn't even know it yet.

"Vincent? Did you hear me?" I glance up, seeing Reid by the door as he gives me a pointed look.

"Sorry, what did you say?" I ask, knowing that I must have been too deep in thought to have noticed him talking to me.

"We are leaving now, when will I have them back for?" He asks again, as I check my watch briefly before responding.

"Uh, aim for three latest? They get in to the airport at five so we will probably get back here around half past. That will give everyone time to get ready." I explain as he nods briefly and throws up a hand to silently say goodbye before turning for the door.

With that, Reid leads them out of the house, and I let out a breath that I didn't realise I was holding in. As soon as they're gone, the tension creeps back in, winding itself around my chest like a vice.

I head into the living room, mentally organising the rest of the day, but before I can get too far into my thoughts, Daryl walks in, his face set with a hard look.

"Vincent, I think we need to talk," he says, his voice low but serious.

Of course he wants to talk now...

I knew this was coming and I can already tell from his facial expression that it's about Sofia.

I straighten up, mentally preparing myself for the conversation. "Alright then, let's talk." I state, as he moves to sink down in to the armchair opposite me.

Daryl crosses his arms, looking more serious than usual.

He is currently unaware that Sofia practically admitted to liking me last night, which makes things easier on my end.

"What are you going to do? When are you going to tell her about the whole arranged marriage thing? I've thought about it, and I don't think she will be happy. The girl has struggled to decide who to date between you and I let alone just agreeing to marry you..." He rants, the vein beginning to pop in his neck as his face grows more and more concerned by the second.

"Will you chill the fuck out for a minute? You look like you're about to burst." I reply, as he all but leans back and pulls both hands down his face, evidently stressed.

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!

"Answer me! What are you going to do about this? I don't agree with it at all, there must be another option!" He states firmly, looking me straight in the eye next as I tense.

The truth was I didn't know. I couldn't bring myself to tell her yet and I knew that time was quickly running out...

"I don't know..." I breathe, as he all but clicks his tongue and rolls his eyes, unamused with my response.

"Fucking grow up Vincent! This shit is serious, why haven't you told her yet?!" He pushes, which starts to piss me off.

I can't help myself at this point, knowing that he had finally managed to get under my skin...

"Well I do know one thing..." I cross my arms and state, knowing that I was being immature and not giving a shit.

"What is that exactly?!" He fumes back, as I can't help the growing smirk that finds its way on to my face.

"Sofia likes me, and not you. She told me so herself. So I guess that resolves one of our problems now doesn't it?" I felt triumphant, having battled Daryl for weeks now over the girl.

His face gives nothing away, remaining straight as he all but stares through me in a deafening silence.

"Fuck you. That's bullshit." He eventually responds, as I chuckle next, of course he doesn't believe me.

"You can ask her for yourself for all I care, but it's true." I shrug, as he shakes his head.

He is the next one to laugh, which confuses me, not being the reaction I had expected from him. I had almost expected for him to trash the place, maybe even attempt to attack me again? But not laughter... "What's so funny?!" I demand to know, as his head lolls forward in amusement, sniggering to himself.

"We will see how long that lasts when she finds out about this damn forced marriage..." Daryl's words are cold as he stands up, and turns to exit the room without another word, leaving a thick weight of dread to sink in. He's right...

The worst was still yet to come...