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Chapter 108: Epilogue-Nikki
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2022-06-23 14:02:32Related chapters
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 1: Nikki
My feet hit the pavement with fury as I clutched the large white bag with all my might. I can feel him catching up to me, but I don't give in. I know he won't catch me. I'm fast, faster than him, and have no intention of slowing down. Spotting a parking garage ten yards in front of me, I head right for the darkened area and duck inside, hiding behind a pillar. "Where did, she go?" I turn my head and look around the large cemented pillar. Security guard number one looks around where the pay station is."I don't know. Did you see what she grabbed?" States security guard number two. He was the one that initially saw me looting, something I normally pride myself on being more discreet about. I've been doing this for over five years, and I could honestly say that I have made it my mission to remain the person no one notices; however, I wasn't counting on The Grove Mall having two security guards in one store. Mick, my boss, has made it his mission to hit this location often and it looks
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 2: Nikki
"Hmm, I think I've got some candy bars in here, which one do you want?"Sarcasm happens to be one of my best traits."Can you ever just hand me the goods and move about your business like everyone else?""Nope." I say, and then look behind him at the closed door, hoping he will get the hint that I am not interested in speaking with him. Charles has always asked me to hand my work over to him, but, unlike everyone else, I stick to the number rule of our world: Trust no one."Well, too bad, girly. Mick's busy and can't be disturbed. Guess you're going to have to trust me this one time." He smiles at me, which only grows when I try to go around him, and he cuts me off with his giant form."Look, big man, you know I don't trust you, so you don't get my work. As far as Mick being busy, I'm sure you can tell him I'm simply dropping off. My feet are killing me, and I am thirsty and ready for a nap. Not always the best combination when dealing with a woman, by the way.""You ever get tir
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 3: Nikki
Mick' s face turned serious. It wasn't often I brought him bad news, and he knew that."Oh?""I had two security officers on me. They knew what I was doing, tried to trap me in one of the stores, but I was able to get away without a trace.""Then I don't really see the problem," Kenneth states still looking over the jewelry. I move my gaze back over to Mick who is looking at his partner with his eyes narrowed."If you don't know the problem, Mr. Alfonso, then maybe I have invested in the wrong man." Kenneth Alfonso looks up and over at Mick with tension weighing heavy on his features. A few blinks later his gaze transfers over to me, I stare him down and answer his question."The problem, Mr. Alfonso, is that, if simple security guards hired only to watch over a local shopping center can figure out who and what we are, then we now have to change up our game plan. That is not a location we can enter for a while, and I am not the one that should be out and in the open right now.""
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 4: Bronson
My fingers tap anxiously against the table with frustration and annoyance. We have been here in this meeting room for over an hour and yet, it feels like we have not made a dent in our work."Sir, I suggest we speak with Mr. Jorimo once more. He was hesitant about allowing our company to buy it out, but I believe pride played a major role in that decision." Rubbing my temples, I shut my eyes and push down the urge to scream out in anger at this fool. Does he honestly believe I don't know that?"And if he tells us no again?" Jonathan, my newest hire and so far, biggest asset to me states with arrogance."Look kid, I know you're new and want to get all fired up for these kinds of meetings, but the truth is, we do our best merging by settling. If we sit down and speak with David Jorimo– ""Then it still won't be enough. We need to go over his head. I know you think I'm young Mr. Edwards, but I know enough about Mr. Fortworth and this business to do my homework. Mr. Jorimo was recently
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 5: Bronson
Some would call me unfair; I have made it my life's goal to surround myself with only people that have the same desire as myself. Asking to leave early, requesting time off for her godforsaken wedding, it's all pushed me in the direction of replacing Bethany. I won't, not if I don't have to, but this is exactly the push she needs to remind herself of what is profoundly important in the walls of this building.My grandfather handed Forthworth Inc. over to me four years ago, and, in that time span I have made it into the enterprise it is today. At just thirty years old, I am the most successful billionaire in the city and have no means of slowing down at any time.I spend the remainder of my time at my desk and answering calls. When I look up at the clock on the wall across the room, I notice the time and see its nearing nine pm. Shutting down my computer and grabbing my phone, and wallet, I leave my office and head for the elevator. I spot Bethany still at her desk, looking down at th
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 6: Nikki
I'm trapped, trapped in the realm locked between sleep and wakefulness. I can feel the nightmare surrounding me as I attempt to push myself awake but it's no use. I'm stuck in the nightmare for now.Looking around, I spot the same images as always as my nightmare plays out like a picture show in front of me."Nicole?" I can hear my mother call out my name, but this time is different. This time sounds quieter, her voice is pained, as if something were on top of her, holding her down. I run, calling out her name, but get no response back."Mom, are you there? Mom, where are you?" I shout but instead of hearing her, a small light opens not fifty feet from me. I see shadows dancing around as a fire engulfs a car flipped over on its side. I rush over to the scene of the accident, the scene that has plagued my mind for years after finding out exactly how my parents were killed."Nicole!" Someone shouts my name, but I pay them no attention, simply continue to run over to the car. "Nicol
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 7: Nikki
Stepping into the steaming hot shower, the only way I can stand it after a nightmare clings to my sweat ridden clothing, I shut my eyes and go over the last few days. It's been almost a week since I was chased by those goons in badges and since then, I have listened to Mick and kept my head low. I've always hated sitting still, but I know it was for the best.After cleaning my body and washing my hair, I step out and get dressed in tight black jeans and a white tank. I throw on my hoodie and grab my sneakers from the corner of the room. Brody has already gone ahead of me, so I lock up and head out, immediately heading for the stairs.Several seconds later, I tap soundly at Mick's door, rolling my eyes when Charles opens the door with a snarl."Morning Chuck, fish biting today?" I greet him with a smirk and walk inside Mick's suite, watching as everyone nods their head in my direction.Over the last year, I have learned that although we practically live in the same building, all of
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 8: Nikki
"That's pretty steep Mick. You know how much security alone go along with these kinds of places? Plus, the security detail on each person will be intense. It would be a miracle if we even get in." Miles states next."Which is why you all will be on the list.""You got us on the list?" I ask, not able to take the questions floating around in my head any longer."My partner did.""And who the hell is your partner? I've never known you to have a partner Mick." Amy speaks up once again, but Mick simply ignores the question. His smile grows as he stands and walks around the chair until the back is to his front, then cradles it with his hands. "Who my partner is does not matter, what matters is what he can do for us. Everyone here is going to be a part of that night and it will all start with a distraction.""Distraction?" Brody asks and my heart plummets. "Yes. Firstly, we need the groundwork done for the event itself. Kevin, Amy, Marla, you two oversee that. I'll have Nikki, Miles
Last Updated : 2022-06-23
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Withstanding the Odds Chapter 108: Epilogue-Nikki
My feet pound the pavement as I look back and notice him catching up to me. A small giggle leaves my breath as I force through my weariness and begin to run faster."Damn it Nicole." He shouts but I cough out a laugh and continue running.After another ten minutes of running, my feet finally give my legs the message and I'm forced to pull off to the side and lay onto the grass, begging for breath as I shield my eyes from the golden sun.Eight months.It's been eight months since everything went down in Bronson's office, and when I look back, it feels like a different life altogether. Bronson and I have been going strong. There are times we have moments of relapse, mainly me when I assume he doesn't trust me, but he assures me, that after I practically threw myself into his penthouse knowing there was danger, there is no mistrust in our relationship."Did you really think you could outrun me?" I look up and smile when I see the glorious face of Bronson Fortworth. He's just as hands
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 107: Bronson
I feel heavy, my eyes lids try and open but it's no use. I can hear someone beside me, shifting uncontrollably in their seat, only to curse when something drops on the ground beside them. I moan, trying like hell to get rid of my unconscious stupor, only to stop when I feel her come closer, whispering things in my ear to calm me."I'm here Bronson. I'm safe." My body softens, hearing the horrors my mind has been churning around as unanswered questions was killing me. I needed her safe, I needed to know she was okay. I fall asleep, relishing in the fact that she is beside me.The next time my brain connects the dots of conscious living, my eyes finally get the memo and blink open a few times. I'm in pain, a good amount, but I force myself to look around the room and watch as Nikki's body, thrown haphazardly over a couple of chairs thrown together to make a bed, rises up and lower back down. I watcher breath for what feels like hours, then finally shift enough to make a groan erupt fro
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 106: Nikki
Everything happens quickly, too quickly for me to connect each fragmented dot. A large body lands atop of mine, making the both of us grunt out in pain. I look up and hear another gun go off, this one much closer than the last and my eyes widen when I realize not only is Bronson on top of me, but he's been shot."Bronson!" I panic, pushing him off me, and placing him onto the ground. Rand runs over as well as I check over Bronson's body, trying to figure out where the pool of blood under us is coming from."Nikki." He grunts out, but I place my fingers down on his lips, stopping him from whatever pathetic last-minute speech he wants to give me. I will not let him die. I can't lose anyone else."Stop, just save it, you're getting out of here, do you hear me? Rand I are going to take you to a hospital and get you help." Bronson's hand reaches out and gently rests on my cheek. A single tear falls from my eye, something I don't even realize as time stands still.We're given our own mom
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 105: Bronson
Brody goes down, and I barely hear anything outside the scream Nikki unleashes. My head swivels over to Mick whose face is sporting a bored expression.Sick bastard. I may not have liked the asshole that had no problem watching his sister get pummeled, but to kill him so easily?"Brody! No." Nikki's tears flow as she stares at the vacant spot beside me that makes up where her brother once was. Her struggle becomes a problem when she attempts to get out of Mick's hold, calling him every name in the book. "You son of a b*tch. I'm going to make sure you suffer for that.""Stupid girl. It's your fault he's in this situation to begin with." Mick angrily shouts. I look over from them back to Charles, who is starring at them with shock. Brody was expendable and I think he is beginning to realize that he is as well."Do you see it now Charles? He has no plans of continuing on with you. He's already gotten rid of one expendable person, who do you think is next?" Rand speaks up once again, h
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 104: Nikki
How do I get myself into these situations. Granted, I should have known better than barging in here when Mick practically left Alfonso on the ground of the Serendin as a dare to me, but my heart strings were completely pulled for Bronson. I frankly, blame the love-stricken tool I've come to be, but this? This situation is just plain comical.Mick's arms tighten around my chest and neck as he halls me up and cuts the ties off my waist and arms. I'm no longer in the chair but with the large knife in his right hand and a gun in his left, I'm still very much at his mercy.The moment we heard Rand coming inside the penthouse, seconds before the yelling began, we knew the tables had turned. I just never thought it would end in a shootout."Think about this Mr. Reynolds. This will not end the way you expect it to." Rand states as he enters even further into the room. He came inside, Brody tugged discretely in front of him as if using him as a human shield. I wanted to scream at him, but he
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 103: Bronson
I can't watch this. My body is rigid as I hear the noises of Charles's grunts. It's lasted for what feels like hours, but I know it's only begun because Nikki can still keep in the yelps and screams, I know she wants to unleash.I was a fool. A pathetic fool to think Nikki wouldn't bother showing up. When Charles and Mick, along with her deplorable brother ambushed me, attempting to get me hand over all of my money from the new companies I had acquired, I had an ace up my sleeve. I wasn't going to give them anything, they would have to kill me first, something they wouldn't do if they wanted to get paid.But then Mick had a plan. Get Nikki here. He knew, deep down he knew I would have fought him tooth and nail, which is why when they told me about leaving their informant Alfonso down at the Serendin for all to see, I hoped Nikki was still angry enough with me that she wouldn't bother showing.I was a fool.I cringe when I finally hear her weakened murmur, the humming vibration each
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 102: Nikki
Fuzzy. Everything is fuzzy, clearing only when I give a few dry blinks. The first thing that comes into my vision is Bronson. Relief flows through me as I see him staring blankly at me. His head is titled, as If tired from holding it up at an awkward angle and the blood that was coming from his face has now dried all over his shirt. His eyes glance me over, and once he sees that I am awake, he sits up startled and looks around the room, then back to me."Nikki?"I nod my head, not knowing what else to do, and that's when all the blanks fill in. I'm sitting in a chair, same as Bronson. My hands are tied to the arms of the chair with zip ties and around my waist and legs are a tight rope cutting into the skin. I shake my head and close my eyes, making a mental note of how I feel.My head is hurting, but not a skull splitting kind of pain. My hands and legs hurt, most likely from how tight my ties are, and my lips feel swollen, in desperate need of water."Bronson?" I answer his worri
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 101
After what feels like years later, I finally arrive at Bronson's penthouse. I throw some loose bills that were waddled up in my bra at the cab driver, not entirely sure it's even enough, and run up the few steps and inside the building. I notice the doorman looking at me strangely, but I'm thankful when he doesn't stop me. He must have seen me enter enough times with Bronson to recognize me.By the time the elevator dings and my sore muscles enter the penthouse, I'm shocked by what I see. It's quiet, eerily so, and as I look around, I don't see anything out of place, aside from the way it looked yesterday after Bronson destroyed it. Rand told me that Bronson hung up quickly, and that he thought he heard some kind of scuffle, but I'm not sure if Rand is here. I don't call out either of their names, just in case I'm not the only one here, instead, I move into the living area, making my way closer and closer towards the study area.Entering the kitchen, I look around more, noting the em
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 100: Nikki
The cab driver was humming a familiar song as I hopped in and gave him the address. I knew I couldn't run all the way back to the penthouse and with Brody, Mick and Charles already ahead of me, I knew I needed a quick ride there."So, you new to New York?" He asks and I fight the urge to tell him off and roll my eyes."No, I live here. Now please, step on it, it's an emergency." I state then sit back and pull my phone from my back pocket. I need to call Rand and tell him what I know. He answers immediately, sounding out of breath and worry struck me hard. "Rand?""It's Bronson, I was on the phone with him and then suddenly it turned off. I heard what sounded like a scuffle, I'm on my way to him now but I'm in traffic, where are you?"I couldn't answer him fast enough, my mind was reeling on all the information he just threw at me. Bronson was hurt. Does he know that for sure? Was he watching the footage? I shook my head and tried to keep my thoughts about me. I couldn't jeopardize
