It's quiet in the car, an eerie silence waving its way through the SUV. I attempt to once again concentrate on my phone and the hundreds of emails that require my attention, instead my eyes can't seem to stop glancing over at Nicole.She's smiling, something I'm certain one would need a camera to photo in order to show proof of, but with her headphones in one ear and her head bobbing back an forth to some god awful music, I can tell she is at some kind of peace."Sir?" I turn and watch Rand speaking to me from the driver seat. His posture is hard, tightened with anxiety, much like it always is whenever I have to leave the state.Today is the beginning of our trip to the prospective businesses my company and I are attempting to pursue and with Nicole going alongside me, I know he isn't the most comfortable right now."We are here." I look up to see we are indeed arriving at the hangar, where my private plan is stored and kept.I turn, preparing myself to awaken Nikki from her musical di
Opening my eyes fully, I let my vision settle and my stomach calm as I sit up all the way, noticing Bronson is no longer holding me, but I am laying on some kind of bed, alone in a cabin-type bedroom. It's small, holding only a bed, and small closet. I stand rubbing my temples, realizing I must have fallen asleep at some point.He was holding me. Bronson Fortworth, the man I am attempting to play in order to get nice and close to him, only to rob him with my team of experts from the inside, was holding me.A large part of me felt like an idiot, like a damsel in distress that can't even tie her own shoes. The other part of me never wanted him to let go.I never knew I had this fear of flying, hell I live in New York where I spot planes coming and going like people mulling around in the faceless void of the streets. But this was different. A panic like I've never felt before paralyzed me. It was like I could feel my body shutting down but couldn't do a thing about it.How the hell was I
"So, this is San Francisco?" My gaze leaves the screen of my phone and latches onto Nicole. Her eyes are locked on the iconic scenery as we pass the Golden Gate Bridge. I've been here often, but somehow, looking at the city through her eyes, her excitement, is making the drive much more exciting."This is it. It's one of the most successful cities in our country." She looks over towards me and I take her in fully. She's wearing one of the outfits we went out and shopped for. Her dark jeans and white silk blouse make her look years older, and the black blazer she is wearing compliments them both well."And where exactly is the business you hope to grasp in your hands?""A few miles back from where we picked up the car. We are headed to the hotel first." Shortly after Nicole had fallen asleep on my lap, I had moved her towards the small cabin located in the back of the plane. I had never cared for someone in that way, to feel needed was a foreign feeling but one I very much liked. I knew
The bellman takes the luggage up to the top floor, giving us the grand tour of the suite. I tip him a twenty and watch as he leaves then look over Nicole who is still marveling at the couch."Can't believe how big this place is. I thought I lived in a decently sized hotel." She mumbles but I catch each word. It's her first time referencing the place she calls home."It's just a hotel, not a true place to call home Nicole." She gives me a knowing look, then smirks and comes closer to me while crossing her arms at her chest."You know you could call me Nikki, right? You already have." She shrugs and I'm reminded of not just hours ago as I held her body tightly within my grasp as she steadied her breathing. I did call her Nikki, knew it was something she went by, but it felt like more than that. I wanted to speak to her on a more intimate level."I know that. I like your full name Nicole.""Yes, but my friends call me Nikki.""Is that what I am to you now? A friend?" Another shrug is all
San Francisco is beautiful.My feet lead me as I look around the small streets of the busy city. New York is the city that never sleeps but I would say this city could easily rival it. I've been around the area known as China town and into the small shops meant specifically for tourist looking for a good deal on cotton tee's and postcards that they can send to their loved ones.I stop at one when I find something worth buying, something my mother would always bring Brody and I when her and dad returned form their week long trips out of the country, a snow globe.I'm currently shaking my snow globe when my phone buzzes in my pants pocket. Grabbing it and seeing Mick's name on the collar ID, I find a small alley way and duck inside answering quickly, hating that I sound out of breath."Mick.""Nikki, I thought I would call and see how things are going.""Good, we're in San Francisco.""And our plan?" He asks dragging out the bored effect of him not caring about my location."Going good.
Walking a few more blocks I stop when my stomach growls loudly. I look up to spot a small hole in the wall place and stop in. The server greets me immediately then takes me to a table meant for two, an intimate two. I snuff out the mocking candle and order the most delicious lasagna I have ever seen. Moments after it's placed at my table, I take my first bite marveling in how amazing it is. I'm just about to take my second when I spot someone across the room then narrow my eyes on them."Unbelievable." I mutter then take my plate and glass of champagne and walk right over to Rand sitting at the same type of two-person table as I was. "Don't you have more important things to do than follow me?" I ask as I sit opposite him marveling on how he didn't even flinch, He must have wanted me to know I was being followed. Does that mean he heard my phone conversation with mick?"Didn't Mr. Fortworth tell you that you would have security around you?"Rolling my eyes, I cross my arms and watch as
"Sir, she cannot be trusted." Rand states as I push the laptop away from me. I huff out a frustrated breath while Rand moves closer, standing right before me."And what exactly would you have me do Rand?" I ask and watch his eyes narrow then turn, his hands on hips in clear irritancy. "Would you have me lock her up and throw away the key?""You want me to answer that honestly?" He pouts then turns and gives me a shrug."Rand, your trailing her is what is pushing her away. She's right, she chose to stay with us, with me, and I cannot have her feel unwanted within the agreement we have.""And what agreement is that Bronson? I mean did you ever think about what this girl could really do to you?"I sit there starring as he begins pacing. Rand is the only human being in the world, that could speak to me this way. That is until I met Miss Myers. Not even Cassandra speaks to me on the level Rand is at the moment, but I know more than anything, it's him attempting to do his job in protecting m
My eyes almost burst out of my face as they widen with shock."Pick anything you want Nicole." My eyes peer past the menu, lowering it enough for Bronson to see my widened look."Yeah, see I would, however that would require you to put out a personal loan." I put the menu down on the table littered with more glassware than we will ever need and stare in awe as Bronson chuckles once again.It's the second time I have been able to make him laugh and I swear it's starting to become my mission. Brody is used to my sarcasm; Charles absolutely loathes it and Mick, and the other Bandits normally ignore it. I've never made someone laugh from my strange and quick-witted sense of humor and knowing I can bring a man like Bronson Fortworth down a notch with it, is surprisingly heartwarming."Nicole, please don't look at the prices. It's the same thing as the clothing. I make good money and I am not ashamed to go to expensive places and get what I want.""I understand you not caring for prices Bron