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Chapter 66: Bronson
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2022-06-23 14:02:31Related chapters
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 67: Bronson
I can still remember the first day I ever met my grandfather. I had graduated college and had come home to my family home, to find my father and he in a heated discussion.My father was a lot like me, never one to share his past, to share his secrets. He kept that side of his life hidden from his wife and three children. To anyone looking in, my family had it all, wealth, success, and fame. My father was the top lawyer in his firm that he helped build from the ground up and my mother was by his side all our lives."What's going on?" I ask as I enter the home of my parents. I may have never met the man, but I had seen pictures. He was the man we didn't speak of. The man that boycotted my parents wedding because my mother didn't come from money. The man that never wanted to witness the birth of his grandchildren, because they could never live up to the expectations he had installed in my father. The man my father, never spoke of."Ah, you must be Bronson." My grandfather greeted me, a
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 68: Bronson
To say my father was disappointed would be an understatement.My older brother and sister, Anderson and Clara, had found their passion. Neither was what my father wanted, but in his mind, neither had stabbed him in the back either. Anderson was a police officer, and Clara was doing well as an artist. My father hated that they didn't follow in his footsteps, but he still had one more child, one more person to get his claws into and to bring him aboard.He still had me."So, when I broke his heart and told him I wanted to not only get to know my grandfather, but to one day take over his business, he refused to speak to me. That was over four years ago."Nikki's eyes water as I finish my story. The bottle of bourbon half empty in front of the two of us on the coffee table. I had never told anyone my story before, and when my grandfather retired a few years ago, passing the torch down to me, I was well and truly alone."And none of your family has spoken to you either?""Not exactly.
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 69: Nikki
Well sh*t.Listening as Bronson speaks of his past is daunting. His past is haunted, the ghosts are present, and he has no idea what to do with himself."I'm surprised you're still here." He states as I stare blankly into the fireplace. Bronson brought me in here to speak about his past and knowing that it is my favorite room in the house, besides the pool, I wonder if his goal was to make me not flinch at his story. It didn't work, I flinched, but it wasn't because of him. It was because of mine.We are a lot alike, in more ways than he knows."Where else would I be."He shrugs, then walks over and sits beside me. The kiss form earlier comes to the forefront of my mind, and I wonder as I watch him lick his own and stare into my eyes, if he is thinking the same thing as I am. "I told you how terrible I was in my past, how I had no problem destroying people's lives so that I could get ahead.""Bronson, you may have been a jerk, but I have no room to judge. I'm a criminal, and there is n
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 70: Nikki
It's been a few days since the Clara surprise. Bronson has been working nonstop, leaving us no time to speak about how things stand between us. It's been a strained presence here in the penthouse, and to make matters worse, Bronson is still sleeping each night, wrapped in a cocoon of warmth, with his fiancé.I know we didn't end things well between us that day Clara stopped by, but to announce his feelings, only to have him recede them, is exactly why I couldn't give myself to him. But that doesn't exactly stop me from thinking about that kiss, about the way he spoke to me, about his feelings for me.To top things off even further, Mick has been trying to get a hold of me, making me feel nauseous each time I ignore his calls. I finally gave in last night and messaged him, telling him I've been attempting to get closer to Bronson, which is why I haven't been answering his calls.Rand has been all but obsolete here. Each time I see him, I give him a pleading look, but he merely nods his
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 71: Nikki
My anger rises once again around this woman, but I shake my head freeing myself from it when I notice Nadia stalking over and placing down my plate and Cassandra's tea. Of course, the model does not eat breakfast."Thank you, Nadia.""My pleasure Miss Myers.""Nadia, I've told you, please call me Nikki." I smile and knowing Cassandra is narrowing her eyes in the corner of my own is making my smile even brighter. Nadia plays along and smiles back."Of course, Nikki. By the way, I took your advice and used hat special seasoning in last night's dinner.""I thought it tasted a little different. It was amazing.""Well I thank you for that advice." She states as she begins wiping down the counters from the breakfast. Cassandra stands and walks over towards the kitchen leaning her hips on the counter beside the stove. I don't move, already knowing she is up to something that she can just claim as an accident later. She seems to be running this house since Bronson is constantly evading it."It
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 72: Nikki
I don't know how long I walk for. My feet continue to march but as the yards take me further and further away from home, I feel no better than I did when I was fighting.Fighting.I let Cassandra work me up, and in doing so, gave her full power over me. I hate this, hate this side of me, hate that I have to remain in the penthouse with the man I care too much for, and the disgusting woman he has no problem marrying. I no longer know what to do, and Rand, given all the information I have given him, has no news for me still.I stop when I reach a small cafe, one I have noticed before from their delicious aroma of baked goods. Before I can venture inside, I stop when someone's arm pulls me back. Looking up, I spot Rand and snarl, pulling my arm free and crossing them at my chest."Nikki, I know you're upset.""Upset? You know I'm upset? Rand, I don't know what to do anymore. I attacked the poor creature of the darkness, and here I am wondering how I'm going to face Bronson while fighting
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 73: Nikki
A few blocks later, and I stop once again, feeling my phone vibrate in my pocket this time. I pull it out and nearly jump out of my skin when I see Brody calling. It feels like it's been ages since I've spoken with my brother and knowing how we left things between us the last time, I didn't think he would want to speak to me again anytime soon.I find a private spot just behind a pet shop and answer it. "Brody?""Nikki, hey." He sounds like his normal self, a self I have not seen or heard from in some time."Hey.... listen Brody I'm glad you called. I think we need to talk, maybe we can meet up somewhere?""That's not the best idea." I'm taken back by his words but don't let myself falter as I listen to him continue speaking. "It's bad here right now Nikki. Mick and the others, we've been getting a lot of raids and cops pulling us over for various reasons. Charles even got taken in the other day. He was released a few hours later, but it's clear we are on some kind of radar.""What?""
Last Updated : 2022-06-23Withstanding the Odds Chapter 74: Bronson
My fingers find my temple and I rub for the millionth time today. I've been at work all day, and much like the last couple of weeks, I have thought only of what lies at home.Nikki.She is the only constant thought on my mind, and knowing today is her first day of work, its an even stronger thought. I didn't see her leave, but by the time I woke this morning and went to her room, she was gone.Would I have said something to her? Would I have wished her luck, or offered her a ride on her first day? I don't know the answer to those questions. I have spent this past week ignoring her, ignoring this tension between us, because I couldn't face her after throwing my heart into hands, only to pull it back immediately.Why didn't I end things with Cassandra? Clara's visit has my mind constantly off, and even now, as I sit and listen on the third conference call of the day, all I can think about are my mistakes. Nikki didn't steer away at my past, but I couldn't continue to taint her with t
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
