I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 102

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn**
**Chapter 102**

Liam navigated the bustling crowd with an ease that belied the chaos surrounding them. Talya pointed the way, her heart racing as they approached the locker room. “Thanks for getting me here,” she said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, a nervous habit she had developed over the years.

“You’re welcome,” he replied, his tone casual, yet there was an underlying tension in the air.

“You really don’t have to stick around,” she added, her voice a little softer. “Brandon will be out in just a minute.” The unspoken truth hung between them; Talya was keenly aware that Liam’s presence would complicate things when Brandon emerged. She didn’t want to deal with the awkwardness, for either of them.

Liam paused for a moment, his gaze lingering on her. There was a flicker of understanding in his eyes. “Have a good night, Talya,” he said, his voice steady but somehow heavier.

“Thank you; you too,” she replied, watching him turn away. As he walked off, a sense of relief washed over her. Talya turned her attention back to the locker room, fatigue settling in her bones. She leaned against the cool wall, closing her eyes, wishing for the sound of Brandon’s team to filter through the door soon. The footsteps echoing in the hallway didn’t warrant her attention; they could easily belong to some of the other players’ girlfriends.

Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice broke through her thoughts. “Hey beautiful, were you waiting for me?” It was laced with a teasing tone, accompanied by laughter that made her skin crawl.

Talya chose to ignore them, convinced they weren’t addressing her. That was until she felt a light touch on her shoulder, sending a jolt of alarm through her. Her eyes flew open, and she was met with the sight of three guys, their expressions a mix of amusement and something darker. Panic surged within her as she realized the hallway was deserted.

The first guy stepped closer, brushing her hair aside with a predatory grin. “You look lonely. We can take care of that,” he said, his voice dripping with a sinister charm.

Talya’s heart raced, pounding against her ribcage like a caged bird. “I have a boyfriend,” she asserted, trying to sound more confident than she felt. “You really don’t want to be here when he comes out,” she added, hoping to deter them.

Their laughter echoed mockingly in her ears. The guy leaned in even closer, his finger tracing down her cheek in a way that made her skin crawl. “I think we’ll take our chances,” he murmured, his breath warm against her face.

A rush of fear coursed through her veins. There was no way she could fend off all three of them; they were clearly football players, their physiques intimidating. Just as despair began to settle in, she heard her name being called.

“Liam!” Her heart leapt at the sound of his voice. She looked up just in time to see the three guys turn toward him. “Is that your boyfriend, baby?” the front guy taunted, stepping closer to Talya, as if to assert his dominance.

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