Chapter 25 Bronson

It’s quiet in the car, an eerie silence waving its way through the SUV. I attempt to once again concentrate on my phone and the hundreds of emails that require my attention, instead my eyes can’t seem to stop glancing over at Nicole.
She’s smiling, something I’m certain one would need a camera to photo in order to show proof of, but with her headphones in one ear and her head bobbing back an forth to some god awful music, I can tell she is at some kind of peace.
“Sir?” I turn and watch Rand speaking to me from the driver seat. His posture is hard, tightened with anxiety, much like it always is whenever I have to leave the state.
Today is the beginning of our trip to the prospective businesses my company and I are attempting to pursue and with Nicole going alongside me, I know he isn’t the most comfortable right now.
“We are here.” I look up to see we are indeed arriving at the hangar, where my private plan is stored and kept.
I turn, preparing myself to awaken Nikki from her musical distraction when I notice she has already sat up, the air buds out of her ears, and is currently starring out the window of the SUV with dread.
“Nicole?” I call out her name but her shaking body and the way her eyes are widening as we curve around and finally stop the car beside the plan, I would say she just realized she has a fear of flying.
“Sir?” I turn and watch as Rand pulls open my door while Landen pulls open Nicole’s door. I had brought Laden and Jim, my security guards and drivers beside Rand, with us on this trip so that way I have a way to get around each city and to give Nicole the same ability.
Stepping out of the car, I straighten my tie and walk around the front stopping just before Nicole’s small feet. For such a strong willed, smart aleck, it’s strange to see her in such a way that is indicating her age group. The girl is barely twenty and yet, in this instance, it’s the first time she has looked her own age.
“Are you alright?” I whisper not wanting her to get angry or defensive. Fear could do things to a person’s persona and Nicole’s hasn’t exactly been tested recently.
“Y-Yeah, I just…. I guess I didn’t realize how big these things were. They look so small from the ground when they’re up in the air.” Nodding my head, I look back at the plane with hesitation. As much as I’ve talked her into coming with me on this trip, I would feel awful if I made her do something she didn’t want. Before I could speak up, she walks past me, heading right for the stairs that leads into the body of the plane.
I run, slowing when I keep pace with her and lean in whispering once again. “Are you sure you want to do this Nicole? If you’re afraid–“
“I’m not afraid Bronson. I never said I was.” Her attitude is back but it’s filled with weariness and fright.
“Nicole, I’ll understand if…” She begins shaking her head before I get the chance to finish. Nicole is a proud woman, that much I know from the short time we have spent together but this is cracking at the stubborn wall.
I nod my head, then turn and walk up the steps, sitting down once I’m inside on the cream-colored leather chairs. I watch as Nikki does the same, her movement slow and measured as if she were lightheaded. I instinctively reach out to help steady her but am beaten by Landon who has his hands around her waist. Anger and rage soar through my veins watching his hands around her.
I sit back against my seat, my hands clutching he fabric with a tight grip. What the hell is wrong with me?
“Sir?” Looking up, I spot Landen in front of me, handing me my phone and laptop. I take them both with a growl escaping my body causing both Landen and Nicole to look my way.
Landen leaves, heading for his usual spot on the other side of the room alongside Rand and Jim. He’s younger than I am, closer to Nicole’s age and isn’t the worst looking guy. Anger continues to course through me as I imagine what this trip could mean for him. I’ve never had to tell my staff or crew that they aren’t to enjoy themselves, but this trip may just have to be fun free.
I won’t tolerate either of them touching what’s mine.
Rubbing my temples, I blow out a deep breath at my pathetic caveman tendencies and look over at Nicole who seems to be having a panic attack while clutching her side bag to her chest. Her eyes are widened and starring over at the cockpit with terror.
I stand, ignoring everyone’s, including Nicole’s, shocked expression. I march over to her seat, located not far form mine, and sit beside her in the empty vacant seat. She looks over at me, sweat sliding down her face as her eyes mist over.
She’s terrified.
I grab her hand, pulling it to mine and turn towards her. I can feel the moment she lets go of her pride, let’s go of her bravery and just allows herself to be vulnerable. I can tell it isn’t often, so I take great satisfaction in knowing she’s allowing me this honor.
I lean in, whispering into her ear while her body continues to shake.
“I’m here Nikki. Let go baby, I’m here.” Finally, her hand leaves mine and joins the other as she throws them around my neck and holds me tightly in her clutch. I whisper exactly what she needs to hear as she startles when we begin taking off, I hold her and whisper more, explaining every detail as we ascend in her air, and for once in my life, I’m needed.