The Faded Rose

Chapter 7

I struggle to rise on my unsteady feet, trembling with fear. Nicholas unleashes a powerful punch, striking the man square in the face. The force of the blow sends the man staggering backward, blood trickling down his nose. Undeterred, Nicholas continues to rain down blows upon him, relentless and fierce. Desperate, the man tries to retaliate with a swing, but he misses his mark. In an instant, Nicholas seizes him by the neck, forcefully slamming him against the wall, his hands constricting around his throat, choking him into submission.

"How dare you touch her?" Nicholas growls, his voice laced with fury. I have never witnessed such raw anger before. Indignation blazes in his eyes, a tempestuous storm raging within them. The man gasps for breath, his strength waning with each passing second.

"Don't! Let him go... He will die," I plead, my voice trembling but resolute. Finally finding my voice, I implore Nicholas to release his grip. Yet, he remains unfazed, his focus unwavering, disregarding my plea as he continues to assert his dominance over the man.

"Nicholas, please," I plead, desperation lacing my voice. Something in my tone catches his attention, and he slowly releases his grip on the man, his intense gaze fixed upon me.

He walks towards me, his eyes filled with a tumultuous mix of emotions. Fear, panic, and dread intertwine within them, reflecting the intensity of the situation we have just endured. In that moment, Nicholas Lorde, the seemingly invincible man, appears vulnerable. It is a realization that strikes me deep within my being. Then and there I knew that this man was going to be my downfall. 

He drapes his coat around me, a protective gesture as he notices my trembling form. The warmth of the fabric envelops me, offering solace in the aftermath of the harrowing ordeal.

"Are you okay?" he asks, concern evident in his voice. I simply nod, unable to find the words

"Are you okay?" I emphasize, searching his eyes for any trace of lingering distress. He gives me a reassuring nod.

"Please, take me home," I whisper, my voice barely audible amidst the chaotic surroundings. The weight of the night hangs heavily upon me, and all I desire is the safety and familiarity of my own sanctuary. 

"There will be paparazzi at the front entrance. Let's make our way out through the back exit," he remarks. I nod, grateful for his thoughtfulness.

He swiftly takes out his phone and calls his driver, instructing him to have the car ready at the back exit. With a protective arm around my shoulders, he guides me through the maze of corridors, heading towards our escape route. Finally, we reach the back exit, where a sleek black Maserati awaits us.

Opening the car door, he gestures for me to get in. "Please, get in," he says, his voice filled with a mix of concern and urgency.

As I'm about to step inside the car, a sudden realization hits me. "Wait, what about my car?" I inquire, remembering the vehicle I arrived in earlier.

I will have someone drop it at your place," he assures me, his voice calm and reassuring. I nod, understanding that he has taken care of the situation. With a sense of relief, I slide into the plush interior of the car.

The driver, awaiting instructions, asks, "Where to, sir?"

Nicholas glances at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and determination. "59 West, 46th Street," I provide my address, feeling a sense of trust in his presence.

As the car glides smoothly through the streets, a comfortable silence settles between us. It's a silence that speaks volumes, a newfound sense of safety and ease that I never expected to feel in Nicholas's presence. If someone had told me, when I first met him, that I would find solace next to him, I would have laughed at them. But in this moment, the truth of it is undeniable.