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Chapter 12: Nikki
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2022-06-23 14:02:31Related chapters
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 13: Bronson
Nicole Myers.Her name rings an alarm in my mind, but I ignore the trepidation I feel. Rand did another sweep of the place she calls home and as much as I hated to admit it, I had to listen to him when it came to make it the last visit.Dangerous criminal organization. That was what he called her band of misfits. Criminals. Although I understand that Nicole was not at the charity function to serve cocktails and shrimp, I find it hard to believe that she could be dangerous."Sir, I have Mr. Kroffer on the line." Looking up, I gaze over at Bethany entering my office. "Thank you." Nodding her head, Bethany leaves the office and I grab the call. "Carl, how are you?""I'm doing great sir, but something tells me you wouldn't like to hear all about my exciting day.""Not in the slightest. What have you got for me?"I had called Carl Kroffer after Rand told me where he was able to find Nicole. She had no known address, no career or work history, not even a damn high school diploma
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 14: Nikki
What was I thinking?That is the question that continues to plague my mind as I walk around the small park. I'm supposed to appear homeless, suffering from my everyday life, struggling to simply eat and enjoy a moment long enough to sleep for a short time. Mick's plan is a scary one, one that is not planned out or precautioned enough to work, but I don't hold the cards, I'm barely seated at the damn table.Bronson Fortworth.That is the new plan, that is Mick's newest grand scheme.And I'm supposed to play the ticket that leads the bandits right to his front door. I hate this absent anger I suddenly have for the man that realistically saved mine and Brody's life, but I can't help but wonder if Mick simply sees us all as expendable.Sitting down on the cold cemented concrete that wraps around the park itself, I look around and wrap my arms around my body as best I can. It's March in New York, but a cloudy and rainy one, one that somehow wouldn't want to be barely dressed in, but I
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 15: Bronson
"Mr. Bronson will be down shortly." I hear Rand speaking downstairs to whom I'm assuming is Nicole. I don't hear a reply but step forward from my home office and step into the hallway upstairs. Rand takes a few steps and greets me in the middle. I'm far enough away that Nicole cannot see me, but close enough that I can see the back of her hair as she looks around my living quarters."Sir?" Looking over at Rand and his confused glare I stand straighter, unaware that he was speaking to me."What was that?""I said she's here sir.""Yes, I see that. How did she take it." I state, my eyes going back down to where she is continuing to look though my books along my bookcase on the wall beside the fireplace."She's a firecracker, didn't trust me one bit, even came up with some plan and made herself look like a true homeless person in order to win me over. She's been conning people a while, that much I can tell."I say nothing, just stare down the stairs that lead me to Miss Myers."S
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 16: Nikki
How do I get myself into these types of situations?My eyes pierce that of Bronson's and when his apparent smirk appears, I want to march over and stomp on his pride with my chucks.He wants me to move in with him. As in move inside this huge penthouse that looks as though it could go on forever. He wants me to wake up on a thousand thread count sheets and live comfortably in downtown Manhattan on the top floor of the most expensive, luxurious penthouse?I don't think so."You have got to be kidding me." I state flatly wondering if this man has hit his head in the last twenty-four hours."I'm not.""I'm not moving in with you. I don't even know you.""And what are your other options?""Excuse me?" I stand and walk over to the fireplace, placing my drink down on the mantel. Facing him I cross my arms at my chest and give him my best death glare. It's a beautiful place, this room in particular, but this isn't an option for me. I can't leave my brother, can't leave the bandits and
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 17: Nikki
"What is it you really want Bronson? You want me to be your charity? You want them to name a damn soup after you because you helped the poor homeless foster girl who can't even get a high school diploma?""Nicole, there is nothing I want with you other than to help you. We do not have to tell anyone. It could be our secret.""Oh, so what you're really after is sex." I state but he doesn't flinch. He must have guessed I would make my own assumptions."I don't want sex Nicole. Trust me when I say, I wouldn't need to bribe a woman in order to get that."I believe him. But that doesn't mean I fully trust him. No one, especially someone as put together and wealthy as Bronson Fortworth, gives up his piece of mind and sanity by allowing a thief to live with him and better herself in the meantime.""I really just want to help you." His words are soft, not hard and professional, but humane and kind. It's a nice change to his constant need to always have it together."Why?""You saved my
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 18: Bronson
I f*cked this up.Hurting Nicole was the last thing I wanted to do, and yet, as I stare at the closed door leading to my elevator, I know I did exactly that. She ran out of here before I could give her a proper apology and I cannot blame her one bit.Pulling out my phone, I send a message to Rand knowing he already headed out for the night. He responds right away; a fact tat I am grateful for.Me: She's heading back to the hotel. Follow her.Rand: Sir, do you really believe that's for the best?Me: Do it.Rand: I'll find her sir, but it is late, and it seems like she left angry. I don't know if she will come back with me.Me: Understood Rand.Blowing out a deep breath, I contemplate on why this girl is able to drill such a hole in my head. I've never been intrigued by someone, had someone get under my fingers the way Nicole does. I despise the fact that she ran from help, help that could potentially save her life, but at the same time, I loved that she fought me every step of th
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 19: Bronson
"What happened Nicole.""I said, nothing." She holds her stance, matching my angered glare. Damn this woman brings out such a fight within me. Something I'm growing to both crave and be annoyed with. I've only just met her, and yet I could see myself easily having arguments with her all day and night. "Now, are you going to calm down so that I can speak with you?"I hold her stare a few seconds later, then finally blow out a deep breath and take the towel being handed to me from Rand. He nods his head, gives Nicole one last look I cannot decipher, then leaves us. Wrapping the towel around my body I look back over at Nicole whose eyes are glued to my abs.F*ck this girl is doing this to me."So, you're not going to tell me who did that to your face?""Would you believe me if I did?" I deserved that, I know I did, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to kill someone."Nicole.""Bronson.""Fine." I huff out a breath of irritation then indicate with my chin for her to follow me to
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 20: Nikki
What a clusterf*ck.Although things are now going to plan, my face being a little on the swollen side wasn't exactly the part I was looking forward to sporting.I had run out on Bronson, there was no way I could take his deal and stay here rent-free while 'working on myself'. But that wasn't good enough for Mick. He was angry, angrier than I have ever known him to be. He hated the fact that I made a decision that affected the bandits without running it by him first.Which all in all, brings me to where I am now.Mick wanted me here, he didn't care what I had to do, but if Bronson Fortworth was offering me a roof over my head, access to everything surrounding his life, his business, his wealth, then Mick wanted me here. I couldn't exactly say no, Brody was my brother and Mick had something that I didn't.Mick had power.With the help of Mr. Kenneth Alfonso, he could easily get my brother out on bail. But I had to do something first. I had to agree to this strange plan. Mick knew I
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
