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 handsome as ever, and when he’s all sweaty, and wearing track pants and a tight white tank, I want to lick him. Everywhere.

He must see my lust hidden within my eyes because he smirks then points his finger in my direction. “Do not get any ideas Nikki. We’re already going to be late if we don’t head home to change now.”

I shrug then stand up when he extends his forearm for me to grab onto. We are heading to his sister’s house for a lunch. She told everyone she had news to share and although we all know that she is officially cancer free, we also know she wants to be the one to tell us. Bronson has gotten close with his family again, even his hard as all hell to read father, has come around one hundred percent. We found out it was Bronson’s grandfather that sabotaged his father’s firm, but with the help of Bronson and one of his charities, Steven was able to rebuild his empire. He’s even enlisted me to help bring in clients, although after getting my GED, I’m still considering going to college.

Rand catches up to us, his face red and flush from running behind us. He hasn’t left us out of his sight, and I love teasing him about it. He acts hard and scary, but I know he loves Bronson like a son and that day he almost lost him was a bad day for him.

“Forty-six minutes sir. We should head home now.” Bronson chuckles while I roll my eyes and the three of us walk towards the SUV Jim is driving.

Once inside, Bronson turns to me and blows out a deep breath. I knew this was coming but I wish he would wait until we’re alone. “Nikki, I got another call from Pierce. We need to give him an answer.”

I look down and play with my fingers. I still don’t know what I want to tell Bronson’s lawyer Whelan Pierce. He was able to make it to where I didn’t get a single charge for my affiliation with the Bandits, but Brody wasn’t as lucky. He must serve two years, but Pierce thinks he can get him out earlier with good behavior and a little help from me.

They want intel on the Bandits. No names, just how it all worked. If I did that, Brody could get some time taken off his sheet. They also want me to testify against Mick in his trial that is coming up in a few months, something I was more than glad to do seeing how he will most likely be in prison for the rest of his life.

“I’ve decided to see Brody.” Bronson smiles then takes my hand and squeezes it. He knows that I love my brother and as angry with him as I am, I know Brody wasn’t thinking straight. When he does finally get out, I would love to see him, but that will be where my loyalty ends. I can’t be the person that watches over him any longer. I’ve come to realize that.

“I’m proud of you Nicole.” I smirk when he does and elbow him in his ribs. I hate it when he calls me Nicole, but I won’t lie, it’s kind of a turn on. Something Bronson knows all too well. “Now, are you going to keep forgetting your ring at home, or am I going to have to glue it to your damn hand?”

I laugh, giggling more when I hear Jim and Rand doing the same. Bronson proposed two weeks ago, and although I said yes, it drives him crazy whenever I don’t wear my ring everywhere.

“I was running. I didn’t want to lose it.” At his pout, I lean up and kiss him until Rand clears his throat.

It’s taken me a long time to get here. I’m no longer the foster girl that couldn’t get a job, I’m happy, I‘m at peace, and I never thought we would withstand the odds.