I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 122

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

**Chapter 122**

Talya nodded in agreement, her heart fluttering slightly as they approached his car. “You really don’t have to drive me, you know. I can always catch a bus,” she offered, trying to sound casual but feeling a twinge of gratitude for his kindness.

“I know,” he replied, his voice steady and reassuring. He opened the door for her with a gentle gesture, waiting patiently as she settled into the seat before closing it softly behind her.

As he slid into the driver’s seat, Talya turned to face him, her brow furrowed with concern. “Do you think my scar is going to be a problem?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, anxiety creeping into her tone.

He studied her face intently, his expression thoughtful. “I don’t think so at all. You did a fantastic job covering it up,” he reassured her, a warm smile breaking through his earlier seriousness. His fingers brushed her ear, and he added playfully, “You’ve got a little paint there.”

Talya chuckled nervously, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. “Thanks for pointing that out,” she replied, her cheeks warming.

The drive to work seemed to fly by, the familiar streets blurring past as they chatted lightly. Soon enough, Talya found herself climbing out of the car. “Thanks for the ride,” she said, feeling a mix of relief and regret as she closed the door behind her.

“Just text me when your break is,” he called out, watching her with a hint of concern in his eyes.

Talya nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. “I will,” she promised before stepping into the bustling diner. Inside, the familiar aroma of coffee and breakfast foods enveloped her. She spotted Sandy, Joe’s wife, busy in the kitchen. “Hey, Sandy!” she greeted, her voice brightening.

“Hey, honey! How are you holding up? Joe mentioned you had an accident. Are you feeling alright?” Sandy’s face was etched with concern, her eyes searching Talya’s for signs of distress.

Talya returned the smile, grateful for Sandy’s warmth. “I’m much better now, thanks! Actually, I was wondering—would it be alright if I start taking breaks during my shifts?”

Sandy’s expression softened. “Of course! We’ve been wanting you to do that since day one. You really need to eat more,” she said, pointing a finger playfully at Talya.

Talya grimaced, the thought of her figure creeping into her mind. “So I’ve been told,” she said, trying to keep her tone light.

“How about taking a break at seven-thirty? Does that work for you?” Sandy suggested, her tone matter-of-fact.

Talya felt a wave of dread wash over her but nodded in agreement. Eating at seven-thirty would wreak havoc on her carefully managed routine, but she pushed the thought aside. Quickly, she sent a text to Liam: *7:30.*

With a determined sigh, she grabbed an apron and dove into her tasks. The diner was relatively quiet for a while, allowing her to assist Sandy with some extra cleaning and prepping for the impending dinner rush. However, it wasn’t long before the diner was buzzing with activity.

While refilling drinks for a nearby table, Talya noticed three men seated in her section. Her heart raced as she approached, recognizing two of them from a previous encounter that had left her feeling uneasy. The third man, however, was new and appeared younger. She inhaled deeply, forcing a smile onto her face. “Hi there, welcome back! Can I get you started with a drink?”

All three men looked up, but it was the newcomer who spoke first, a charming smile lighting up his face. “Hey! We’ll all take a coffee, and what’s the special today, beautiful?” he asked, his tone flirtatious.

“Shepherd’s pie,” Talya replied, maintaining her smile despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach.

“Perfect! We’ll take that too,” the man said with an easy confidence.

Once she turned away from their table, Talya felt a rush of relief wash over her. Shaking her head slightly, she tried to shake off the odd feelings that had settled in her gut. Why did those men make her feel so uneasy? She quickly filled three mugs with steaming coffee, steeling herself for the return trip to their table. Her plan was to avoid eye contact at all costs.

When she reached them, she placed the coffees down with a steady hand. Just as she was about to retreat, a voice called out to her. “Do you live around here?” the new guy asked, his tone casual.

“Not too far,” Talya replied, keeping her answer vague, hoping to steer the conversation away.

“I’m new to the area,” he continued, his interest piqued. “Are there any good spots to eat or visit that you’d recommend?”

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