Chapter 56 Nikki

“It’s just hard you know? Being away from home. I really wanted to come home and knowing you were here, I had to see you. To make sure you’re okay.”
“Thanks Nik, but I’m fine. I really am. Jail was hard but, Mick and Alfonso were able to get me out. I only wish I weren’t walking around on eggshells around everyone here.”
I nod my head in understanding. Mick and Alfonso may have gotten him out, but the Bandits don’t trust anyone that could easily come back to our home after speaking with the authorities. It’s never happened before, and given the fact that Brody is the one that fcked up the grand scheme in the first place, it’s a true wonder why Mick hasn’t gotten rid of him.
“I’m sorry Brody.”
“You shouldn’t be. It was me that messed everything up. I was so out of my mind that night, and when I saw that ahole’s hand on you, I didn’t know what came over me.” His face turns dark and angered, as if something has set him off inside his mind. He recovers quickly, as if the thought alone could do him harm, then shifts in his spot. “He’s good to you yeah?”
A moment of hesitation covers over the atmosphere and I shift uncomfortably when Brody nudges my shoulder and turns his head towards me. “Not in the sense that would have you running over there to bash his head in the sink.”
“I’d do that in any sense.” My lips quirk at his words. Brody may be immature and an addict, but he will always be the younger brother that is both taller and stronger than me. He’s always been controlling over both my safety and my sanity. “So, you want to tell me why you’re crying on my shoulder like a lovesick puppy? How did he hurt you?”
“He didn’t. Not really. I just had my pride wounded. Embarrassment will do that to you.”
Brody stays silent, staring at me but I don’t give him anymore. I’m not ready to share my intimate details and especially the rejection that follows directly behind it. Brody takes my hint at not speaking about it anymore and changes the subject.
“I know you worry about me Nik.” This time it’s me that turns towards him.
“You’re my brother Brody.”
“Exactly why we need this scheme to win us over more than ever.” He looks down at his hands, as if they are pulling him in a certain direction but his body won’t move. “I want to do better, be better. If we could come up on enough money to start over somewhere, to where we could leave this country, get a job somewhere, meet people, get married, have kids, the whole shebang? I think it’s worth it.”
“But at what cost?” I whisper but he hears me all the same.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, Bronson isn’t exactly the devil Brody.”
“No, but he’s got millions backing his millions.”
“Yes, but stealing is still stealing. If we do this, it doesn’t just affect him. Mick’s plan seems to be going off the business attachments he has. If we do this, if we pull off this plan, we hurt everyone attached to his companies. Some of them need that money.”
“And if we don’t?” His voice become louder as he stands and bends his head down at me. Brody has always had a temper, but today feels more personal than that. He’s angry with me for protecting Bronson.
“Listen, Brody, I don’t want to argue, but we need to go to Mick and tell him this plan isn’t right. Nickle and dimming a few companies are one thing, but to steal millions is going to be trickier than he thinks.”
“That’s why we have you in the crosshairs Nik. Don’t you see? Mick is going to make sure we are safe this time. He protected me when I was jail. You know how many people wanted to kick my ass because of my size, only to stop when they realized I was with the Bandits? Mick saved me, I owe him my life and so do you. This plan is going to work because it has to. I’m not turning my back on him.”
I stand as well; my eyes penetrated his that are bloodshot and angry. His breathing is haggard and his hair a mess from running his hands through it. I have always been able to handle my brother’s temperament, but this time is different. This time we are on opposite sides of a very thin line.
“Mick is using you Brody. Once he gets what he wants, he’s going to throw the both of us away.” Brody rolls his eyes then takes a step back, eyeing me up and down. A sinister smile tethers on his lips like insanity on the borderline of his thoughts. And finally, the words weighing heavily on his mind come through loud and clear.
“I’m doing this with or without you Nik. And if you’re in the way when I get there, I’ll run through you.” He walks away, leaving me standing with my head low and my heat broken.
Twice in one night. Go figure.***