Since the morning Evangelina had arranged for her cousin to be so formally introduced to Nikos, he’d found himself a bit distracted. There were several thoughts going through his mind, namely why would Evie introduce him to Imma like that – and with such a warning as ‘if you break this Leventi, you buy her.’ Telling Nikos that he couldn’t have something only proved to make him crave it; Imma had indeed looked the part of a sweet dish that he’d like to taste, wearing such a revealing peplos as she had that day. He chewed on his lower lips as he remembered how the young Leventi had looked in the morning light, sun glinting off her golden hair. Then for her to ask him for private, and secret, chariot driving lessons.

Yes, Nikos was indeed distracted. Especially today, as he was to meet with Imma that night at the arena. Perhaps he shouldn’t go? The temptation to ‘taint’ Imma, as Evie had put it, would be great as he would actually be alone with her tonight. But no… if the girl went running to her cousin and ratted him out for standing her up. Well, Evie would never let him hear the end of it, he knew. Best that he held the date. It was with this thought in mind, that Nikos rode out for the arena. He’d instructed his servants to get his racing team and his chariot to the arena earlier that day, but for the attendants to leave before dark.

Now, Nik trotted his black stallion, Frixos, through the streets of Vasilidon towards the arena. As he neared, he saw that the gate was already open. A confident smirk lifted one corner of his lips. Imma was already here. Excellent. He urged his steed through the gate, but quickly pulled up short as he heard male voices carrying through the darkness.

’…If we have to search for you, you will not fare well.’

The Condos lord’s brows pinched together as he mentally sorted out what was happening here. Given the late hour, and the fact that the arena was still closed to the general public, there shouldn’t have been anyone here except himself and … Imma. They must have seen the young Leventi enter the arena, possibly even followed her here! A surge of anger course through him at the continuing lewd and threatening calls of the men. No. Not men. Lowlifes, peasants that get a kick from terrorizing those they think can’t defend themselves. Nikos narrowed his eyes as a familiar feeling of possessiveness joined the rising anger; Nik had always had a hard time sharing anything he set his mind to having. He hadn’t even realized the notion of Imma Leventi being among such things had really even crossed his mind.

”Yah!” Nik’s voice boomed, even as he kicked his heels Frixos’ flanks and took the slack out of the reins. He raced his black steed towards the sound of the thugs’ voices, galloping at full speed and leaning forward, low in the saddle. He meant to run them straight down, to allow his mount’s hooves to stomp the petulant pair into the ground like the dung that they obviously were. As soon as he was close enough to make out the two of them, Nik steered Frixos directly towards the closest one. The angered baron could see the man on the ground scrambling to get out of the way. ”Do you find pleasure in terrorizing women? Stand still, man, so that I can return the favor!” Nik’s growling threat was met with a panicked, ’We meant nothing by it!’ An obvious lie. Nik didn’t let up the chase until the first man was running flat out for the gate, verily tripping over his own feet as he scrambled across the packed sands.

Nikos wheeled Frixos about and scanned the moonlit arena for the other man. He spotted the thug climbing in the stands, obviously more angered by the interruption, rather than frightened as his spineless partner had been. Too, the lowlife seemed to still be searching for something – someone. Imma must have hidden from her pursuers. Perhaps he was hoping to find the girl and slip out before Nikos could stop them.

Nik kicked his mount into a full racing gallop across the wide expanse. But could he get to the stands before the thug found the Leventi lady?

’Come and get me!’

Nikos heard Imma’s voice cry out, beckoning to her pursuer to… pursue her. He clenched his jaw, and kicked his mount’s flanks to spur the horse on faster. What was she doing? She should have stayed hidden. Or ran. Not called the damn thug to her! Just as Nikos was nearing the stands, he saw by the light of the full moon, a feminine form that could only be Imma rise up and kick out at the man after her. The thug went tumbling backwards, clutching a delicate part of his anatomy. Nikos winced in brief sympathy for the pain the other man was feeling… but only briefly. He jerked on Frixos’ reins, making the stallion rear back and come down again hard, dangerously close to the man now rolling in the dirt. Panicked and obviously deciding the hunt was too much trouble, the guy managed to scramble to his feet and took off in the same direction his companion had moments before.

’Lord Nikos! I’m over here!’

The baron dismounted his steed and quickly tied off the reins on the rail. The horse was restless from all the excitement, and Nikos wasn’t confident the animal wouldn’t bolt just then. Having done that, the Condos lord bounded up the few steps to reach the Leventi Lady. ”Lady Imma…. Are you alright?” he asked with some concern in his tone. Nik gripped her by the upper arms, though his grip was light, and let his gaze roam her over, looking for injuries, before lifting to meet her wide eyes. ”I apologize for my tardiness. Had I known…” he sighed heavily, lifting one hand to cup her face – a gesture that was much more intimate than what their acquaintanceship would have normally called for. But Nik was ever a charmer, ever an opportunist when it came to dealing with woman… flattery, flirting, and undivided attention. He’d come to her rescue just now, and Nik knew that many a young woman would swoon as such chivalry. Would Imma of Leventi be one of those young women? ”You’re safe now. That’s what matters,” he said softly, letting a sound of relief into his tone. He was relieved she appeared unharmed, but it didn’t hurt to lay it on thick for her sake.

His tongue ran along his lower lip, and a smirk – charming yet confident – grazed the lord’s features when Imma leaned into his touch and closed her eyes. He let his thumb caress lightly along her cheekbone. She was beautiful. Young, petite. Golden locks framing her round fair face reflected the moonlight in a way that made her hair appear to be glowing. If she were anyone besides a Leventi, anyone besides the very cousin that Evie had warned him not to touch, he would be making a move on her right about now. She was vulnerable, looking for comfort. Nikos’ specialty when seducing a new lover, offering them the one thing they craved… attention.

Imma opened her eyes and looked up at him with those brown orbs that were not very unlike that of her willful older cousin. Her words pleased him, no doubt, because that meant she was enchanted by him. And that smile she offered him. Nik certainly enjoyed seeing that look on her face. ”My lady… you owe me nothing. I couldn’t very well let those men mar your beauty. That would make me no better than them. I am only grateful that I arrived in time…” He licked his lips and glanced towards his horse. ”I would hate to cut our night short… but would you like me to escort you back home?” He searched her eyes in the dim light of the full moon. He mentally willed her to insist they continue with their plans. He’d been looking forward to spending a few hours alone with her. After the way she’d dressed at their last meeting, and the obvious flirting that had ensued… Nikos was more than a little intrigued, despite Evie’s warnings against such things. ”Whatever you wish, Imma,” he whispered, a hint of seduction in his smooth tone.