The Crimson Rose || Nicolae Bartholy X OC || [COMPLETE]

Chapter III.

Hi guys! So, this chapter is quite longer than the previous two, but I really wanted to lay out the feelings that came up between those two, right away. If something is not clear or you have questions, please let me know!

The virgin.

The drive to get to the Mansion was quiet. Nicolae didn't want to wake her up, she looked so exhausted.

It had been a rough couple of days for Claire.

He really admired her bravery though.

It must've been hard and scary to find the courage to get out of the situation she was tricked in.

He glanced at the girl next to him, she was curled up on the passenger sit, her head resting against the window.

A small smile curved his lips, for he had alredy made a decision. If she wanted his protection, she already had it.

As he opened the gate that granted access to the Bartholy's property he touched her shoulder gently. He would've carried her out in his arms, but didn't want to scare her.

Therefore he thought it would be better if she looked at her surrounding and make her own decision.

"Claire?" He called her with a kind tone of voice.

She opened her eyes right away, feeling panic rushing to her heart not recognizing the place right away.

Then she remembered being in a car, with the man that helped her at the station.

"I'm awake."

She whispered as they entered the incredible yard and parked in front of this majestic victorian mansion.

"Where are we?"

She asked politely, turning to look at him.

"Home." Nicolae replied with a smile. "Wait here, I'll come open your door."

Claire nodded and did as told, resting her gaze upon the magnificent house. Nicolae came to open her door and offered the girl his hand.

"This is the Bartholy's residence. You are welcome to make yourself at home for how long as you need. If you decide to do so, you will have a room to yourself, no questions asked, and you will be under our protection. Nothing will ever happen to you again."

Claire listened to his words attentively. "Our, protection?" She repeated, she figured he didn't live alone.

Nicolae nodded at her thoughts.
"I live here with my two brothers and our little sister. Our father is usually away for work."

Claire nodded and followed him up the stairs. "Why are you helping me, Sir?" She asked right before he opened the door.

Nicolae turned to look into her beautiful eyes.

"Because you are a human being, Claire. You don't deserve what happened to you and if I can help make the difference in your life, if I can offer you a better solution, I will. That's just how the Bartholys are. We believe in second chances."

He explained kindly, thinking that his words were almost funny if he related them to his own life and his brothers'.

The second chances we never had...

Claire blushed slightly, lowering her gaze and once he opened the door, she followed him inside.
Better than being on the streets, was all she could came up with.

Once inside, she was amazed. The architecture of the mansion was incredible. The atrium was very big and the ceiling really high. Claire admired the exquisite furniture and decor.