Shadows In Durango

*****Vincents POV*****

I make a quick move towards the VIP lounge staircase, moving my grip to Sofias wrist this time to give her bicep a break since it looked to be turning purplish.

She was coming with me, to confront this fucker and to confirm what really happened tonight.

Climbing up the steps quickly, I turn when Sofia almost trips up due to the pace I was going.

I pause and glance her over once to see if she was hurt before proceeding up the steps satisfied that she was fine.

I'm going to fucking kill him.

"EVERYBODY LEAVE - GO SIT DOWNSTAIRS TONIGHT!" I demand loudly, gaining the attention on the four seated tables along with Reid who looks stunned from behind the bar.

Waiting a moment as they quickly gather their drinks and know not to question my orders further, I move aside to allow each of them to pass me, leaving us alone.

Having the floor cleared, I turn my attention back to the problem facing us: Reid.

Dragging Sofia along with me, Reid runs a hand down his face to suggest that he was either now worried or stressed.

He was the one who wanted to play with fire tonight... like a fool!

"YOU PUT HER UP THERE TO DANCE?!" I deadpan, as Reid looks to Sofia before returning his stare to me seeming to decide on what to do next.

"She wanted to and offered to help..." Reid shrugs, as I turn to Sofia furiously, knowing that somebody here was fucking lying to me.

"I didn't offer! I came up here to start my shift and he was already behind the bar before he said that you wanted me down there to dance tonight!" Sofia defends herself although her words are quiet and nervous.

She was telling the truth, from what I could tell anyway. Reid was known to cause trouble, I was just surprised that he would do it with me, in my own fucking bar too when he was supposed to be one of my close friends. "Reid don't fucking play with me!" I warn, my eyes narrowing as he visibly rolls his in response, acting as though it was just some light hearted fun. He's an idiot.

"Look, I thought it would be funny putting her up there. I didn't think she could dance. I figured she would just get upset and would go home - maybe even quit!" Reid eventually admits his fault, as I release Sofias wrist and move behind the bar.

Without further thought, I throw a punch that knocks him backwards onto the counter before landing another two into his face - giving him no time to react.

"Oh God, Vincent stop it!" I hear a cry, as I grab Reid by the shoulders and throw his bloodied face down onto the floor roughly.

"Vincent come on!" I turn when I feel a hand on my arm, breathing heavily and still ready for more.

I wasn't done with him, but here she was, getting in my fucking way!

"Sofia, fuck off!" I retort loudly shrugging her off, before watching her eyes widen followed by a slight shake of her head.

"N-No stop it! P-Please!" She cries, giving my arm a shake this time as Reid pulls himself up onto the bar - using it to keep himself stable. Spitting at him, I huff out stubbornly and turn to face Sofia who looks somewhat scared now.

"You're going home!" I state, as she all but nods seeming to want that too before I move to take her wrist again and lead us both back downstairs.

I was furious, and thanks to Sofia, Reid got off easy tonight... he was a bastard for acting like that with me. I would deal with him properly tomorrow! "M-My clothes." I feel Sofia pull me back as I storm us through the dancers corridor towards the exit, as I stop to release her wrist momentarily. "Hurry it up!" I demand, still angry and impatient.

She moves into one of the dancers rooms, before quickly returning holding her clothes in her arms, hugging them to her chest for comfort. "I'm taking you home let's go!" I state firmly, as she freezes and shakes her head.

Is she seriously saying no to me right now?!

"Sofia don't test me tonight I'm not joking around!" I warn, as she chews her lip and shuffles slightly.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

"M-My brother... you can't take me there..." She pushes, as I walk towards her.

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!

Leaning down closer to her face, I shake my head firmly and offer her a deadly look.

"I am taking you fucking home, if your brother has a problem with that then I'll be happy to deal with him too - move!" I state, as she looks scared for a second with her eyes growing wide.

If I wasn't so furious I would have felt bad just by the look of her, but I didn't care, not right now.

She follows me outside with her head hung low, as I unlock the car and watch her climb into the passenger side.

Taking a second to breathe out heavily, I walk around the car and get in, starting the engine and turning to look at her.

"Oh and you're fired." I confirm, not comfortable with her working there anymore after finding her half naked on a pole tonight.

"W-What? Vincent please..." She looks back at me defeated, blinking through her long wet lashes as I turn away from her and put the car into drive.

"Tell me the way." I state ignoring her, as she opens and closes her mouth growing flustered.

Sure I felt bad for firing her but it was for the best. She shouldn't be working in a bar at this age and I was an idiot to let it happen, even if it had only been for three shifts.

"Left..." She whispers and points, and continues to do so until we reach the park.

"This isn't your house unless you live inside the damn park! Don't fucking try me Sofia!" I grip the steering wheel, not wanting to deal with this shit on top of everything else that had happened tonight. What is the big deal? Her brother can't be that bad! Especially if he lets her stay out to all hours in the morning working at a damn bar! He can't care for her that much!

"I c-can walk from here." She try's again, as I turn in my chair harshly.

If she thinks for a second she's walking anywhere in that outfit she's wrong.

"I won't ask you again, WHERE IS YOUR HOUSE?!" I yell loudly, causing for her to jump in fright.

"Down there..." she points towards the street, as I squint and nod slowly - pulling the car towards it.

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! "Where from here?" I push on, as she remains silent and lowers her gaze, fiddling with her fingers on her lap.

I look around, finding the addicts and drunks of the town lining the street, some gathering and slurring around a bin that was on fire.

"Where next Sofia?!" I demand, realising that she hadn't yet answered me, before her small finger comes up to point.

"Just here." The words come out, as I look at her to see if she was lying.

This is where she lives?!

Pulling up on the side walk, she keeps her head low, not moving as I look around at the state of the apartment building before us.

It was three flats in the building, a bottom, middle and top floor with rickety windows that were practically falling off.

"Sofia, this isn't your house. I'm seriously going to lose my fucking shit here!" I shake my head, but notice as she squeezes her eyes tightly shut.

"Yes It is." She whispers quietly, as my brows pull together.

Feeling a rush of guilt flood through me, something that I felt very rarely, I sigh heavily and attempt to compose myself.

"Come on then, let me walk you to the door." I breathe out, trying to force my tone to be softer to show that I wasn't judging. Although I was...

I needed to see more for myself...

How could somebody like her live in a place like this? There had to be better places in town... especially with her brother living here with her too? I'm guessing he works, no?

I get out of the car and she doesn't move, as I walk around to her side and open it - reaching a hand out to her.

She sniffles, before moving in slow motion to take my hand, as I pull her out onto the sidewalk with me.

Maybe the inside is nicer...

I shouldn't be so quick to judge...