I walked toward the line, fully prepared to stand and wait like everyone else, just as usual. But just as I came to a stop, I felt Daniel’s hand land on the small of my back, his grip firm yet casual as he guided me further along, bypassing the waiting crowd.
People protested immediately, chastising us for cutting ahead. I could hear the annoyed murmurs, the indignant scoffs, but Daniel didn’t so much as glance in their direction. His stride was steady, unbothered, as if he was used to walking past people like they were nothing more than background noise.
And then I saw why.
Two men stood at the entrance, broad and intimidating, dressed in fitted, long-sleeved shirts that did little to hide the sheer bulk of muscle underneath. Their presence alone commanded attention, but what really ca
