I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 10

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn**
**Chapter 10**

Liam leaned casually against the counter, a playful smirk dancing across his lips as he surveyed the room.

“I thought you left,” Sophie exclaimed, her hand instinctively clutching her chest as if to steady herself from the surprise of his presence.

His eyebrows shot up in mock surprise. “Trying to get rid of me, huh?” he teased, his voice laced with amusement.

“Oh, no, of course not,” Sophie stammered, her words tumbling out in a flurry as she attempted to smooth over the awkwardness of the moment.

Liam chuckled, the sound rich and warm. “Sure, you weren’t,” he replied, his tone light and teasing. “So, Sophie,” he continued, still comfortably propped against the counter. “Why don’t you tell me a little about yourself?”

Sophie felt a wave of nervousness wash over her. “Oh, um,” she began, her mind racing for something interesting to say. Thankfully, just then, Helen breezed in, a welcome interruption.

“If you want to get to know Sophie, take her on a date,” she declared with a knowing smile. “Now, leave her alone and let her get back to work, Liam.” Sophie felt her cheeks flush with warmth, a mix of embarrassment and delight. She glanced down, avoiding his gaze.

Liam laughed lightly. “Okay,” he said, straightening up. “Can I get your number, Sophie?” He fished his phone out of his back pocket, the screen lighting up in the dim light of the café.

“No,” Sophie replied instantly, her voice firm despite the fluttering in her stomach.

Liam stared at her, his expression a mix of confusion and disbelief. “How do you not have a phone?” he asked, genuinely puzzled.

Sophie shrugged, trying to downplay the situation. “I manage just fine,” she said, her tone casual, but Liam wasn’t ready to let this go.

“What do you do in case of emergency?” he pressed, his concern evident.

She smiled softly, tilting her head. “People survived before there were cell phones, Liam,” she said, her voice light. He looked at her as if she had just suggested something outrageous. Unable to contain herself, Sophie laughed, and finally, he returned her smile, the tension easing between them.

“Well, tell me you at least live in a safe place,” he said, his voice turning serious.

Sophie stiffened at his question. The last thing she wanted was for him—or even Helen—to know where she lived. “It’s perfectly safe,” she replied, attempting to project an air of confidence. In truth, she hoped it was safe enough.

“Go ahead and clock out, Sophie,” Helen called from the back, breaking the moment. “I’ll just wait while you clock out. Then I can walk you to your car, since you don’t have a phone and all,” she added with a grin.

Sophie stared at Liam, bewildered. “What is with you and phones? I am perfectly fine. You don’t need to walk me to my car,” she stumbled over the last word, her heart racing.

Sophie hurried in the direction of the library, relieved to find she could still access it from this street. A broad smile spread across her face as she entered, feeling a sense of triumph at escaping the awkward encounter.

She made her way to her favorite reading nook, settling in with a book before it was time to return to Hope House.

Later that evening, Sophie attended her second sign language lesson with Olivia. After dinner, she ventured into the free room, hoping to find more clothes to borrow. Disappointed by the lack of options, she made her way back to her room.

Just as she entered, her roommate barged in, brushing past her without a word. “Hi, I’m Sophie,” she introduced herself, extending her hand.

“Don’t care,” the girl replied brusquely, flopping onto her bed and immediately putting on her headphones.

Sophie exhaled, frustration bubbling inside her.

Just let it go, Sophie. It doesn’t matter, she reminded herself, trying to shake off the annoyance. She sat on her own bed, unsure of how to fill the silence that enveloped the room. Looking out the window, she wondered about her mother.

Does she miss me? Does she even know I’m gone? The thoughts crept in again, uninvited, as she pondered what it would be like to belong to a loving family, one that was whole and warm.

Shaking her head, Sophie pushed those thoughts away. Nothing good ever came from longing for something unattainable. Instead, she decided to focus on preparing for tomorrow. She walked over to her dresser, carefully laying out her clothes for the next day, determined to make the most of it.