I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 133

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

**Chapter 133**

“Yes,” Talya replied, her voice tinged with a wistful note as she gazed longingly at the frothy water swirling in the bathtub. The warmth beckoned to her, promising relief. Liam, ever considerate, carefully lowered her onto her feet, ensuring that her good foot found solid ground. He kept his arms encircling her waist until she felt steady enough to stand on her own. “Thanks,” she added, a hint of breathlessness escaping her lips.

“Just call me when you’re ready to get in, and I’ll help lower you into the water,” Liam suggested, his tone casual yet supportive.

Talya’s eyes widened, and she shot him a look of disbelief. “You’re not coming back in here once I take my clothes off,” she declared, indignation flaring in her chest.

“Talya, you won’t be able to get into the bathtub without my help,” he countered gently, concern etched across his features.

“I’ll manage just fine. Just promise me you won’t come back in here?” she pleaded, her voice firm yet a touch vulnerable.

“Just wrap a towel around yourself or something,” he replied, his patience beginning to wear thin.

“No. You’re not coming in. I’ll be fine,” she insisted stubbornly, her resolve hardening.

With a frustrated sigh, Liam ran a hand through his tousled hair. He turned on his heel, striding out of the bathroom, and closed the door with a firmness that echoed his irritation.

As soon as the door clicked shut, Talya exhaled a sigh of relief. Freedom! She wasted no time and began the awkward task of removing the hospital gown that clung to her like a second skin. After a few fumbles, she finally managed to peel it off, followed by her underwear. Now, she was free—well, mostly. The next challenge loomed before her: getting into the tub.

She approached the bathtub cautiously, sitting on the edge first. With her good foot planted firmly inside the tub and her cast dangling outside, she positioned herself carefully. She placed her good arm on the opposite side of the tub and attempted to lower herself in. The moment she did, she landed with a splash, sending water cascading onto the floor.

“Are you okay?” Liam’s voice called from beyond the door, concern lacing his tone.

“Yeah, but I got water all over the floor,” she replied, grimacing at the mess she had made.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll clean it up once you’re done,” he said, his voice relaxed, almost amused.

Talya leaned her head back against the tub, allowing herself to sink into the soothing warmth of the water. It enveloped her aching body like a comforting embrace. After a few blissful moments, she realized she needed to get moving. If she didn’t start washing her hair and body soon, she might just doze off in the tub. Her eyes snapped open, and a wave of panic washed over her—she had completely forgotten to ask about soap and shampoo!

Glancing around the tub, she spotted the essentials: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, a razor, and a fresh buff puff. With a sense of determination, she awkwardly wet her hair and got to work. It took longer than she anticipated, but eventually, she felt clean and freshly shaven—well, at least on her good leg. Now came the daunting task of standing up.

She tried various methods, each one more frustrating than the last. Just as despair began to creep in, she heard a knock on the door.

“Talya, how are you doing in there?” Liam inquired, his voice gentle yet probing.

Leaning her forehead against the cool tub wall, she admitted, “I can’t get out.”

“I’ll come get you,” he replied without hesitation. “Just grab the towel I left next to you and wrap it around yourself. I’ll take care of the rest.”

Talya leaned forward, letting the water drain from the tub, and took the fluffy white towel, wrapping it around herself as best as she could. She also grabbed another towel to wrap around her damp hair. “Okay,” she said weakly, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude.

The door swung open almost immediately, and Liam stepped in with a purposeful stride. Without a moment’s hesitation, he bent down and lifted her effortlessly, his strength reassuring. He didn’t glance down at her as he carried her out of the bathroom and gently set her on the bed.

Without missing a beat, he returned to the bathroom and emerged moments later with a pile of clothes, handing them to her. “Are you okay to dress yourself?” he asked, his concern evident.

“How would you like to get out of here?” Paul asked, his eyes twinkling with hope.

Talya looked up at him, disbelief flickering across her face. “Really?”

“Really,” he confirmed, his smile widening. “I just need to check a few more things, but I think you’re good to go.”

Paul proceeded to check her head, her ribs, and asked a series of questions, guiding her through the painkillers she would need for the next few days. After a thorough examination, he nodded, giving her the green light to leave. “I’ll go grab some medicine to send home with you,” he said before stepping out of the room.

Talya watched him leave, then turned her gaze back to Liam. “What is it, Talya?” he asked gently, noticing the look of uncertainty on her face.

“Where am I going to go?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Home,” he replied without missing a beat. “You get to have me as your own personal nurse,” he added with a cheeky grin, waggling his eyebrows in a way that made her chuckle.

“For how long?” she asked, uncertainty creeping into her voice.

“I don’t know,” Liam admitted honestly, his expression softening.

Talya sighed, a mix of appreciation and concern swirling within her. “I don’t want to put you out,” she said, her voice tinged with worry.

“You’re not,” he assured her simply. He began to move around the room, packing up items in a bag she hadn’t noticed before. Liam went into the bathroom, gathering the bath supplies while she watched him, her heart swelling with gratitude for his kindness. Paul returned shortly after with the medicine, ready to help her take the next steps into her recovery.