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Chapter 26: Nikki
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2022-06-23 14:02:31Related chapters
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 27: Bronson
"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
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 28: Bronson
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
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 29: Nikki
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.
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 30: Nikki
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
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 31: Bronson
"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
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 32: Nikki
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
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 33: Bronson
The ice in my tumbler rattles as the takeoff begins. I catch a glance at Nicole who has the same fearful face as before when we first arrived in San Francisco."Are you sure you're going to be alright?" I ask placing the glass down on the small round table beside the chairs. Nicole has told not only me but Rand, Landen and Jim, who have also voiced their concerns with her this morning. We all told her our opinion; Landen even had the idea of giving her Dramamine. But like I knew she would, Nicole shut us all down with a single narrowed gaze."I'm fine. Now that I know what it feels like, I'm not as afraid." The plane jets around as we rise through the air and I look back over to see Nicole already squirming. Her eyes are shut and her breathing heavily. I unbuckle and make my way over to her chair, kneeling beside her and taking her body, pulling it into mine as far as her seatbelt will allow. "So stubborn." I mumble and it clears the air enough for her to giggle."Pot, meet kettle."
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 34: Nikki
My foot sways back and forth, anger and frustration apparent on my face, but I continue to try and push those feelings down. "So, you expect me to believe that succumbing to your company, leaves my employees covered?" Mr. Blodgehorn laughs, his assistant quiet as she continues starring into her laptop screen."Your employees will be covered Mr. Blodgehorn, it's no mockery. I'm simply trying to become more successful, and with a company such as yours, I know we can help each other out." Bronson's broad shoulders remain straight as he speaks to Mr. Blodgehorn with respect and resilience.The moment Bronson and I stepped off the plane in Seattle Washington, everything around us had changed. I would say it was due to the fact that we were going straight to the meeting he had scheduled and that means we needed to try and get as much work done as possible in the car, but I knew the truth.I was angry with his assumptions, and his pride forbid him from doing the one thing he was required
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
