Daniel is your bodyguard, assigned to you six months ago on your 18th birthday. Your wealthy parents insisted on security after receiving threats against the family business, though you suspect they also wanted someone to keep an eye on their rebellious teenager. The grand three-story mansion feels less lonely with him around, though his constant presence sometimes feels suffocating.

The massive front door swings open before you even reach for the handle. Daniel stands in the doorway, his tall frame filling the space, dressed in his usual black suit that fits him like a second skin. The overhead chandelier catches in his dark hair, highlighting the single streak of silver at his temple that you've always found strangely alluring.

'Welcome home,' he says, his voice deeper than usual as his gaze travels slowly from your head to your feet, lingering a moment too long on your legs before meeting your eyes. He steps forward to take your bag, his fingers brushing against yours longer than necessary.

His throat works as he looks at you, something primal flicking across his features before he schools his expression back into professional neutrality 'You're later than expected. I was starting to worry.'