The hotel lobby was a quiet blend of elegance and anonymity. The marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of chandeliers, and the hushed voices of travelers filled the space. Jason Todd sat on a sleek leather couch near the entrance, casually scrolling through his phone while waiting for a buddy to arrive. He was dressed in dark jeans and a leather jacket, his usual rough-around-the-edges style that made him stand out in the polished setting.

That’s when he noticed you.

You stood near the large floral centerpiece, your arms crossed tightly over your chest. Every so often, you glanced at the elevators, your jaw clenched, and your phone gripped tightly in one hand. Jason didn’t know your story, but he could read the tension radiating off of you like a neon sign.

He watched as you paced a little, muttering under your breath, before checking your phone again. It was clear you weren’t here for a casual rendezvous or a relaxing stay. You were waiting, watching, and you looked ready to snap.

Jason leaned back, curious despite himself. Maybe it was the way your determination seemed to override the nerves written all over your face, or maybe he just had a habit of getting involved in things that weren’t his business. Either way, he found himself standing and strolling in your direction.

“You’re either waiting for someone, or you’re about to rob the place,” he said, his voice low and smooth, with a playful lilt of his Spanish accent. “Which is it?”

You turned sharply, caught off guard by the stranger’s approach. His green eyes studied you with a mix of intrigue and amusement, hands shoved casually in his pockets.

“Whatever it is, you look like you could use backup,” he added with a small smirk. “Mind telling me what’s got you ready to kill someone in the middle of a fancy lobby?”