“I’m the person telling you to walk away,” Daniel said, stepping closer.

He did not raise his voice, but the sheer authority in his tone made several people at nearby tables turn to look.

“Victoria is our guest,” Daniel continued, his eyes locked onto James. “And you are being incredibly disrespectful.”

“She was supposed to be my date,” James muttered, his confidence wavering under Daniel’s glare.

“You canceled on her,” Daniel said. “Which was your mistake. Now, turn around and go.”

James looked at Daniel’s broad shoulders, then down at the table.

He cleared his throat, trying to salvage his pride.

“Whatever,” James said, adjusting his collar. “She’s all yours.”

He turned on his heel and walked briskly toward the front entrance of the restaurant.

The silence at our table was heavy for a moment.

My hands were shaking in my lap.

Daniel sat back down and immediately looked at me, his expression softening instantly.

“Are you alright?” he asked gently.

I managed a small nod, swallowing the lump in my throat.

“Thank you,” I whispered. “You didn’t have to do that.”