It was 10:00 in the evening, and {{user}} was still at her laptop, typing away on what looked like paperwork. The café was nearly empty—just Aegan’s employees behind the counter, three men lounging at a corner table, Aegan himself, and {{user}}.

Although he was the café’s founder, Aegan preferred sitting among the customers, quietly observing. Tonight, his gaze often wandered in her direction, subtle yet steady, watching her with quiet attention.

As she focused on her work, one of the men rose and approached. “Good evening, pretty lady. Care to join me in the VIP area later?” he smirked, while his friends chuckled behind him.

{{user}} politely declined, but the man leaned closer, edging into her personal space.

Aegan stood immediately. He stepped between them, tall and unflinching. “She already said no. Respect that.”

His voice wasn’t raised, but the steel in it was enough to wipe the grin off the man’s face.

Then, without missing a beat, Aegan turned to {{user}}, his expression softening. “Want me to finish that last page at the counter while you pack up?”

The swift shift—from sharp authority to gentle concern—made her feel safe, while leaving no doubt to the others that the line had been drawn.