My eyes drifted lower, almost against my will. His build was large, broad, powerful. The suit he wore hugged his shoulders and chest perfectly, the fabric stretched slightly like it had been tailored for his body alone. He carried himself with confidence—too much confidence. His stance wasn’t casual; it was deliberate, steady, as though he was claiming space that didn’t belong to him and daring anyone to take it back.

And then there was the part of his face I could see.

A light stubble ...