Emma’s POV:

The man’s grip tightened on my arm. “Come on now, we’re just having fun—”

“The lady isn’t interested,” Daniel interrupted, his voice dropping to a dangerous quiet. “Remove your hand from her arm now, or I’ll personally ensure you’re not only escorted out, but barred from every establishment in this district. ”

Something in Daniel’s expression—perhaps the cold certainty in his eyes or the firm set of his jaw—made the man hesitate. His fingers loosened around my arm.

“Whatever,” he muttered, shooting me a dismissive glance before stalking away toward the bar.

I released a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, my knees suddenly weak beneath me.

The room tilted again, and I reached for the armchair to steady myself.

“Emma?” Daniel stepped closer, concern evident in his voice. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” I managed, though the words sounded unconvincing even to my own ears. “Just… thank you for that.”

He studied me carefully, his gaze assessing. “How much have you had to drink?”

“Just one,” I said, then amended, “One that I remember, anyway.” I attempted a light laugh that came out more like a hiccup.

“Come on,” he said with a resigned sigh. “Let me take you home.”

I nodded without hesitation, the lingering feeling of that stranger’s grip on my arm still fresh in my mind. After what had just happened, the thought of navigating my way back alone sent a chill through me.

The practical part of my brain, the small portion still functioning clearly, knew I needed help. Even if that help came from the last person I’d ever expected to rely on.

I concentrated on walking in a straight line, determined to maintain at least a semblance of dignity. Each step required far more focus than it should have, and despite my efforts to keep a proper distance between us, my traitorous legs betrayed me.

As we navigated through a cluster of tables, my ankle wobbled, sending me stumbling against his solid frame.

“Sorry,” I murmured, my hand instinctively gripping his forearm to steady myself. The fine material of his shirt did little to disguise the firm muscle beneath.

I felt it immediately—the almost imperceptible way his entire body tensed at my touch. It lasted only a fraction of a second, but even through my alcohol-induced haze, I registered how he went momentarily rigid.

“It’s alright,” he replied, adjusting his stance to better support my weight without making it obvious to onlookers. “Just a few more steps to the door.”

“What are you even doing here?” I asked as he guided me toward the exit, his hand hovering near my elbow without quite touching it.

“Department dinner,” he replied. “End of quarter celebration with my research team. ”

For all the complicated feelings his presence typically stirred in me, tonight I could only feel grateful for Daniel Prescott’s impeccable timing.

What if he hadn’t been here? What if that man had been more persistent, or I’d been even less steady on my feet? The possibilities flickered through my alcohol-fogged mind like warning lights.

I blinked groggily, disoriented for a moment before recognizing Daniel’s voice. We were parked outside my dormitory.

“Oh,” I said, straightening up and wiping a bit of drool from the corner of my mouth. Perfect. Just perfect. “Sorry for falling asleep.”

“It’s fine,” he said, his expression unreadable in the dim light. “Do you have a roommate who can help you get settled?”

My mind, slightly less foggy after the impromptu nap, finally registered our location—the circular drive outside my residence hall.

“Right, no guys allowed past the lobby,” I mumbled, fumbling for my phone.

“I can text Olivia. She should be upstairs.” I squinted at the bright screen, somehow managing to type out a barely coherent message asking her to come down.

“She’ll help me up. Thanks for…you know. Everything.”

Soon after, I heard Olivia’s voice from outside the car.

“Emma Johnson!” Olivia’s voice carried through the night air. “What’s wrong?”

She stopped abruptly as she reached the passenger side and peered in, her eyes widening at the sight of Daniel behind the wheel.