than five years his senior. Whatever his age, he’d handed Karil his ass like an experienced warrior.
Vax bowed with respect, as did Bacoj. The Imdiko managed a smile despite his shaky state. “Thank you, Nobek. You have no idea how grateful I am to you. He would have killed us both.”
“We owe you everything.” Bacoj glanced at Vax, and fresh agony pinched his features. “I owe you everything.”
“I’m glad I was in the area to help. I saw him following you, and he looked like bad business, so I—I’m relieved you’re okay.” He stumbled over his words, as if he wasn’t used to talking to people.
“What can I offer you in gratitude, Nobek—Nobek—?”
“Japohn.” He appeared surprised, as if the offer of compensation for saving them was unheard of. Then he eased into a smile, and the handsome visage Vax had glimpsed before shone bright. He even appeared wistful. It was an odd expression on such a fierce man. Vax caught himself admiring the strong jawline, the way the Nobek’s dark goatee and mustache contrasted against his white teeth. He had a gorgeous smile.
“You don’t owe me anything. You being safe and healthy is good enough.” He peered around, checking their environment. Protective Nobek. Vax couldn’t imagine anyone being stupid enough to cross such a muscled beast.
Mother of All, Japohn was impressive. And stunning when he smiled. Vax wondered if tall, dark, and delicious was available to be rewarded in a private manner.
Hello, libido. Obviously, you’re still intact. Never mind the near-death encounter with Karil, huh?
The terror of a few minutes ago still held sway, however. Lust was a background response, a distant knee-jerk reaction to realizing he was still alive, thanks to the Nobek stranger. In any event, Vax couldn’t help but appreciate the sheer physicality of the man who’d come rushing to their rescue.
Meanwhile, Bacoj was insisting on showing his own version of appreciation. “I have to thank you somehow. We won a little money playing Grav Grab last night. Maybe I can spot you a night’s lodging? Let me at least buy you lunch.”
“I wouldn’t mind lunch with you.” Japohn’s face colored the moment the words left his mouth. He twitched, as if nervous. “First, we should report this attack to the authorities.”
“Absolutely. Oh, I’m Dramok Bacoj. This is Vax, my intended Imdiko.”
Japohn bowed, his long, loose hair swinging forward in a black tide as he did so. He shook it back as he stood up straight, that somehow winsome smile softening those strong features yet again. “Despite the nearly tragic circumstances, I’m glad to meet you. This is a bad area, so if you’d allow me to escort you to the nearest law enforcement precinct? I know the safest route.”
Vax wondered about this Nobek who had such in-depth information on the local enforcement. The guy had saved his and Bacoj’s ass, but that was all they knew about him. “You keep saying things that make me think you’re well acquainted with the ins and outs of Dantovonian law administration.”
Japohn blinked at him, then he chuckled, perhaps sensing Vax’s delayed concern. “I am, but don’t worry. Officially, I’m one of the good guys.” His eyes twinkled, further contradicting his imposing appearance.
“What about unofficially?”
The Nobek’s grin spread wider. “My mother would give you a glowing recommendation.”
Vax laughed, his concerns easing. In his book, a Nobek who referenced his mother in such a manner had to be a decent sort.
* * * *
Bacoj insisted Japohn pick where they would have lunch. The Nobek could have chosen any of the pricier venues Bacoj mentioned, but he’d escorted them to a casual outdoor dining establishment instead. “I can’t relax at those snooty places. The environment here is laid back, but the food is amazing.”
Bacoj had had doubts despite the obvious popularity of the eatery. The furnishings of the place showed they’d known years of hard use, and the atmosphere was short on ambience. However, Japohn was right about the delicious cuisine. Vax was impressed and had gone as far as to visit the open-air kitchen halfway through the meal, so he could trade pleasantries with the head cook. Japohn had winced when he’d found out Vax was a chef himself.
“If I’d known, I’d have kept my mouth shut and gone with one of your recommendations.” He gulped his mug of kloq, though the low alcohol content couldn’t have done a lot to calm him. He cast a nervous glance at Vax as the Imdiko and the Plasian cook talked with great animation