All Chapters of Withstanding the Odds: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Her eyes water but I ignore her outburst. I didn't become the most powerful businessman by giving out empathy left and right. A sudden heaviness lands hard on my chest as the images of Nicole beaten and bruised enters my mind. She didn't ask for any hand outs and yet I'm giving her more kindness than I've ever shown any else.Shaking my head, ridding my thoughts to leave me, I nod my head at Bethany and wait as she does the same before retreated from my office. Once she's gone, I take out my phone and send Rand a message. I didn't want Nicole alone today, not after what that piece of sh*t did to her last night, so I had Rand keep an eye on her today. My fingers type quickly as I send Rand my first slew of messages about Nicole Myers.Me: How is she?Rand: Swimming sir. She seems to love the pool as much as you do.I smile, thinking of the graceful yet hard ass swimming around in my pool. A frown is replaced quickly when I think of her in a bathing suit, gliding across the water. Shakin

We spend the next two hours shopping. I've always been the kind of girl that hates shopping. The pointless dressing rooms, looking from rack to rack, but after the fifth store and the constant scowls I gave Bronson when he finally gave up and began picking out clothing for me, I sort of got into it.I bought slacks, and blouses, two things I've never owned. I got shirts, shorts, jeans and about ten jackets that I wouldn't know what to do with in ten lifetimes. The more he spent, the angrier I got and when we finally got to the last store and walked in to see nothing but undergarments, I was ready to pounce back."Why the hell did you bring me in here? I thought we already discussed my not sleeping with you?" I smirk at the cashier that looks over at us with an appalled expression. Bronson grabs my arm and drags me over towards the dressing rooms, clearly not used to being around someone that speaks their mind so easily."I came in here so that you could get yourself everything you need

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

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

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