I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 100

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

“You can’t sit there!” The words escaped her lips before she could even think them through. Talya’s heart raced at the thought of Brandon’s reaction if he found her watching his game next to another guy. He would absolutely freak out. She watched him tilt his head, a curious expression crossing his face as he assessed her.

“My friend Sage is going to sit there,” she added hurriedly, hoping to defuse the situation before it escalated.

“Okay,” he replied nonchalantly, but then, to her utter dismay, he stepped in front of her and slid into the seat beside her. Talya turned to him, her eyes widening in disbelief.

“You can’t sit there either!” she exclaimed, her voice tinged with urgency.

“Is somebody sitting here?” he asked, raising an eyebrow as if challenging her.

“Well, no, but…” Talya faltered, her mind racing to concoct a valid reason.

“Then I think I can,” he said with a playful wink that made her stomach churn.

Talya stared at him, panic rising within her. How was she going to get rid of him? If Brandon caught sight of this guy, it would spell disaster for her. She could only imagine the chaos that would ensue—Brandon was unpredictable, and she feared for both herself and Liam. She needed a plan, and fast.

“Talya,” came Liam’s warm voice, wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. “I can feel your fear. What’s wrong?” She didn’t dare look at him; she was too busy trying to rein in the mini panic attack brewing inside her.

“Talya, look at me,” Liam commanded, his tone shifting to one of authority that she couldn’t ignore.

Reluctantly, she turned her head to face him. He was so close—too close for comfort. In an instinctive reaction, she tried to lean back in her chair, craving some distance.

“Hey, Talya.” The familiar sound of Sage’s voice was like a lifeline thrown to her in turbulent waters.

“Sage!” she exclaimed, her relief palpable as she turned to her friend. “I’m so glad you’re here! I was wondering when you’d arrive.”

Sage narrowed her eyes, clearly skeptical of Talya’s overly enthusiastic greeting, but Talya brushed it off. She quickly stood up, her thoughts racing. “You can sit here,” she insisted, eager to create some space. “That way I won’t have to crawl over you when I go to the bathroom or grab a drink or snack,” she rambled, almost incoherently.

Not in front of all these people, she thought defiantly. But then he bit her lip, and she gasped in shock. He seized the opportunity, forcing his way into her mouth. Talya was so taken aback that she didn’t even attempt to fight back.

A heartbeat later, he pulled back, grinning down at her for the sake of the crowd. Yet, she could see the smoldering fire in his eyes, a warning that sent a shiver down her spine.

He leaned closer, his breath hot against her ear. “I’m watching you,” he murmured, and the ominous tone of his words sent a chill racing through her. She watched as he flashed a grin and waved at the crowd before vaulting back over the railing and sprinting across the field.

Talya sank back into her seat, feeling a numbness wash over her. She fought back the tears that threatened to spill, her fingers brushing against her bruised lip, where she could still feel the sting. She wiped away the blood, determined not to let her emotions break free.

Sage leaned in closer, concern etched on her face. “Are you okay?” she asked softly.

Talya nodded, unable to find her voice, fearing that if she spoke, she would dissolve into tears. As the game commenced, she sat up, only then realizing that Liam was gone. “He left after Brandon’s kiss,” Sage explained, her tone matter-of-fact. Talya leaned back, lost in her tumultuous thoughts.

At halftime, she turned to Sage, and her heart skipped a beat when she noticed Liam sitting next to her friend. He had obviously returned at some point during the first half. “I’m going to brave the line for the bathroom. Want to come?” she asked, a hint of determination in her voice.