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Chapter 72: Nikki
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Withstanding 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?""
Withstanding 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
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 75: Bronson
I gaze over everyone's confused faces as I pace back and forth. Never have I called a meeting so abruptly, never have I called a meeting with the entire staff at my whim, but I wanted to show them a different side of myself, the side of myself Bethany sees, no matter my constant negative tone towards her."I'm sure you are all wondering why I have summoned you so, but I needed each and everyone of you to hear what I have to say, and a simple email sent out wasn't going to cut it." I state then walk over towards the far window, the one Bethany's desk faces. Everyone's body turns towards where I am going and the few people in front of the window move quickly out of my way, most likely afraid I am going to throw one of them out of the damn thing."I look outside, and I only see a city worth taking, an area that is begging for our business, but I never stopped and thought about what I should be looking at." I spot Bethany and Jonathan moving a little further towards the center of the roo
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 76: Bronson
I've never noticed Christmas before, not since leaving my parents and teaming up with my grandfather, but suddenly, the streets of New York aren't just busy with mashes of people, it's littered with color and wonder, small snow specks fall onto the hood as people make their way around the SUV while holding onto gift bag after gift bag.We make it home in record time and I take the elevator up to the penthouse, the small Tiffany's box inside my suit jacket. Rand stands beside me whistling some Christmas tune at which I shake my head and chuckle. "Your timing is impeccable." I state and watch as he turns his head and looks at me."Sir?""I wouldn't normally allow you to whistle some ungodly Christmas tune around me.""Then I should be grateful you changed your mind this year.""How did you know Rand?" I ask and although he turns around with an inquisitive face, I know he understands what I am asking."Simple sir. You're a good man, and although it often takes some time to show it,
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 77: Nikki
What the hell did I just witness?My hand covers my mouth as I watch Cassandra storm out of the penthouse, Rand trailing close behind her, my guess is to make sure she doesn't cause a scene in her dramatic exit.I knew Cassandra was being unfaithful and I hated that Bronson found out this way, not that it seems like he wasn't aware. I can remember the conversation we had about her being good for his image and I would often wonder if he sees himself the way she does.Expendable."Wow." I say in a released breath. Bronson turns towards me and give me a small smile before walking straight into the kitchen and pouring himself a drink. I follow behind him and stay silent as he hands me one as well.To say today has been a long and interesting day doesn't give it quite enough justice, and as dramatic and insane as the last five minutes have been, they have nothing on my whole day.Today was my first day working in corporate America, and as much as I was doubting my skill and hesitant a
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 78: Nikki
My hand reaches out and knocks gently on the door that is partially ajar. I hear movement on the other side of the door and brace myself when I hear his deep voice call out."Nikki, perhaps this isn't the right time." I shut my eyes, knowing he is right, but I also know I cannot hold in this secret anymore. I have ruined this man's life and he doesn't even know the true reason of my being here. I know Rand didn't mean for me to come clean, but his words resonated with me. I did love Bronson, and that meant, I had to protect him, even if it is from myself.Opening the door, I walk inside stopping when I spot Bronson on the bed of his bedroom. His shirt is off, and he is starring down at what looks like a small photo. I step closer and watch his body tense, his tone muscles grow stronger as I near him."Bronson, we need to talk. It's important.""I don't want you to blame yourself." He states then places the photo back into the drawer of the nightstand beside his bed. I couldn't make it
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 79: Bronson
I look around aimlessly as my feet stomp out tracks across the pathetic attempt at the winter wonderland. Fake snow blows around from a large machine making enough noise to carry its own steering wheel, and the workers are walking around in small elf suits with matching red jingle belled shoes.What in the living hell did I just step into?"Hey, did you find one yet?" Nikki clings to my arm, and I suddenly feel loads better. I don't understand how she has the power to bring me down from anger and annoyance, to gratitude, but I'm grateful each and every time her skin touches mine.It's been two days since we made love. Cassandra leaving, Clara coming by surprise, my new attitude at work, it all came through extremely fast, but nothing makes me happier than Nikki. I feel whole around her, complete, and I never want that feeling to go away.We had spent the last two days in bed, and although I wanted today to be the same, the moment Nikki woke in my arms this morning, she had an epiphany.
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 80: Bronson
I watch as Nikki runs back over to where Jim and Landen are helping, the f*cker load the tree onto the roof of our SUV. I'm just hanging up with Rand when I hear my name being called from across the lot. I turn and spot George McCall coming over, his small granddaughter clinging his hand tightly."George, good morning." I state extending my hand out. He shakes it immediately then looks down at his granddaughter."We're getting in some last-minute shopping and Elizabeth here wanted to come and see the trees. She always enjoys picking one out for us to put right outside the home. What about you?""My girlfriend. She wanted a tree and I suppose we just waited last minute.""Girlfriend?" He asks, surprising even me. It's the first time I've referred to Nikki in that way, and the first time I have admitting to even myself that it is truly over between Cassandra and myself. Although I should have been more convinced when Rand found out not twenty-four hours after our split that she was tryin
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