Chapter 64 Nikki

The kiss is everything I’ve wanted, everything I have desire, and everything that is absolutely wrong. And when the kiss ends, and Bronson proclaims his undeniable love for me, I freeze.
“I made a mistake Nikki. It’s you I love, you’re the one I want to be with. I made a mistake with Cassandra. I’m in love with you.”
Cassandra. his fiancé. The woman he one day plans to marry.
What the hell are we doing?
Stepping back, I stare into Bronson’s eyes, watching as his face forms from lust and care, to confusion and dejection.
“Bronson, this isn’t right. You’re getting married. You can’t say that you’ve made a mistake.”
“I don’t love her Nikki.” He states bringing my hands back towards him. “And she doesn’t love me. We have an agreement. Our marriage is for our image. She’s always cheated on me; it’s never bothered me because I know where we stand.”
“But you were against us before. What changed?”
“I never wanted to not be honest with you. I was going to tell you about Cassandra but the deeper I fell, the harder it was to admit my trust. It was wrong and I shouldn’t have put you through that, but I don’t regret what I just did Nicole. I could never regret you.”
God, his words are ones I have been wanting, ones I have been dreaming of, but I still don’t fully trust him. His fiancé still lives here, she is still apart of him, and I don’t want to be hurt again. I take another step back, forcing my hands to slip from his grip. His face looks shocked, but I remain quiet, hoping he understands my apprehension.
“Bronson I–"
“No, Nikki. I want you and I know right now I am throwing a lot at you, but I cannot be the only on that feels this connection between the two of us. I care for you, more than I’ve ever cared for anyone else, please tell me you feel that too?
“Sir.” I’m interrupted by Rand who comes in with as light blush across his cheeks. He’s witnessed something, but doesn’t want to say, saving us all from a very humiliating conversation.
“Rand, this better be good.”
“You have a visit sir. Gilsh has told the woman you are not available but she refuses to leave, says you will want to see her.”
Bronson looks spooked for a moment, before his mask is placed back on. He looks back at the items at the bar before turning back to Rand and speaking. “Let her in.” My gaze leads to the miscellaneous items thrown awkwardly around the bar wondering why they hold such meaning to Bronson. I didn’t want to pry, it should be something he shows me himself, but I have to admit, I am curious.
Rand goes and fetches the woman as Bronson licks his lips and turns back to me. His gaze is penetrating, his eyes swallowing mine.
“We’re not finished here.” Hs voice is hard and demanding, making me clinch my legs together. Damn him, how does he have such an effect on me?
Before I could reply, Rand comes back up, seconds later and places his arms behind his back. His face is tight and his body rigid. He’s angry? Why?
“Sir, Miss Clara Fortworth.”
My heart sinks and plummets to the floor as Clara walks inside the door, her arm stills trapped with the shopping bag from the library the two of us have just left.
There goes my friend theory.
“Clara?” Bronson’s voice is shaky, and when I look over at him his face is pale, and his eyes are watering.
“Hello Bronson.” She looks the same as she did not moments before when I left her in the middle of the outside area of the local café. I can see now why she looked familiar to me. She has Bronson’s eyes, and much like his eyes, I find myself starring into them, wondering f I was simply a pawn in her game.
Sister. Clara is Bronson’s sister.
“What are you doing here?” I find myself asking aloud. Bronson turns to me with shock written across his face.
“You two know each other?”
“Not really. We met today, at the library, but now I see that was clearly the plan.”
“Actually, it wasn’t.” Bronson and I both turn towards Clara. “I went in there to grab the book I was waiting to be released. We met, but yes, I knew who you were.”
“How?” Bronson demands, and I am a little shocked by his anger. He’s never mentioned a sister, but it’s not exactly surprising. He didn’t mention his family at all, only hinted that he had one and that they are not close.
“Your pictures have been all over the internet. I’m assuming your recent trip’s paparazzi photo’s have not been shared with you?”
Bronson takes a step forwards, then stops and looks back to me. His face changes form angry to gentle as he stares into my eyes. I give him a small smile then reach out and place my hand gently on his shoulder for encouragement. I know he wants time alone with his long-lost sister, and I’ll gladly step away so that they can rehash whatever it is Clara is here for.
“I’ll be in my room if you need me.” I wait for Bronson to nod his head, then I head upstairs, watching as he watches over me every step I take.
We have a lot to speak about, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be here for him when this is all over. I don’t know their history, but I won’t let her hurt him.