19 Bronson

“What happened Nicole.”

“I said, nothing.” She holds her stance, matching my angered glare. Damn this woman brings out such a fight within me. Something I’m growing to both crave and be annoyed with. I‘ve only just met her, and yet I could see myself easily having arguments with her all day and night. “Now, are you going to calm down so that I can speak with you?”

I hold her stare a few seconds later, then finally blow out a deep breath and take the towel being handed to me from Rand. He nods his head, gives Nicole one last look I cannot decipher, then leaves us. Wrapping the towel around my body I look back over at Nicole whose eyes are glued to my abs.

F*ck this girl is doing this to me.

“So, you’re not going to tell me who did that to your face?”

“Would you believe me if I did?” I deserved that, I know I did, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting to kill someone.

“Nicole.”

“Bronson.”

“Fine.” I huff out a breath of irritation then indicate with my chin for her to follow me to the few chairs over in a small crooner We sit at the same time, both staring over at each other with unconvinced glances. “So, you came back.”

“Yes.” She states and for the first time I see the look of defeat on her face. She shrugs it off fast, but damn if she didn’t look more beautiful at a vulnerable moment. “I’ve thought long and hard about your proposal and even though your approach was sh*t, I do want to take advantage of it.”

I stare at her, not quite believing her story. She leaves for just a few hours and comes back with her face scratched and bruised? “What changed?” I have to know. I wanted her to here, and am pleased that she chose the right direction for her new life, but why so soon, and why does she look like she was attacked?

She looks away, her vision blurs with the start of tears but she blinks them away and smiles softly. When she turns back to me her blue irises are brighter than before. “I’m out.”

‘What?”

“I’m out of the crew. I went back home, and my leader had asked me where I was. I told him, he kicked my ass, then threw me out.”

“He did this to your face?” I shout, standing up. The chair goes flying behind me and every part of my body is aching to go and find that piece of sh*t that would dare put his hands on her.

Nikki remains stoic, her gaze not leaving mine and I know this matter is closed on her behalf. She won’t say anymore, won’t give me his name or this deal is off and as much as I want to hunt him down and kill him with my bare hands, I know I have to reel in my anger and let it go. Never have I felt such anger towards a human being, and I don’t even know what he looks like. Yet another emotion Miss Myers seems to be bringing out of me.

This time it’s her that blows out a deep breath and stands then walks over to me and clasps her hands within mine. She blesses me with a warm smile, something that hits my chest like a bullet.

“Bronson, I appreciate your being worried for me. It’s honorable, but really, I’m alright. I’ve been through worse.” A growl leaves my chest, but she just smirks and continues. “The important thing is that I’m here now and I’m taking your deal.”

Like bells to my ears, I look down and nod my head. I’m proud that she has chosen a brighter future, a safer future. I want to ask her many more questions, I want to know every detail of what must have led her back here to this very spot tonight, but I told her I would let it go. For now. “Good. Come with me and I’ll show you where you will be staying.”

And just like that. Nicole Myers is now a guest in my home.