As the figure came into the light and effectively closer to where Nikki was on the floor of the alley, her weight only being supported by her arms, she finally got a good look at her rescuer. She released a soft gasp. It couldn't be! And yet it appeared to be so.
"Mandarin."
His name came out as a whisper and yet he heard it all the same. The orange simian smirked down at her.
"Yes, Dearest."
"You are the same one, aren't you? The one from my dreams."
"What would make you think otherwise, My Pet?" He nearly purred out the petname which made Nikki cringe. Oh, it was the same one alright. The way he said the petname was very possessive and slightly creepy.
But maybe it was the fact that they were in daylight or maybe it was the fact that he saved her. Either way, now it seemed as if he was genuinely concerned for her well-being. He wasn't being creepy at all. He was just being nice to her, even a bit charming. And if she was going to be truly honest with herself, he was good looking. In a sort of exotic way, that is.