I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 22

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

**Chapter 22**

“You can hold off on getting out until she arrives,” Liam murmured, his eyes gently closed, head resting against the seat in a way that suggested he was savoring the moment of peace.

Sophie couldn’t help but smile at the sight of him. A mischievous thought crossed her mind—if only she had a phone, she could capture this moment and save it for a rainy day, perhaps as leverage for future playful blackmail. Just a few moments later, the familiar sound of Helen’s arrival broke the stillness as she turned on the lights. “She’s here. I’m going to head inside,” Sophie announced softly, her voice barely above a whisper. She opened the car door and began to slide out, a sense of gratitude washing over her. “Thanks again for the ride. I really appreciate it, but you don’t have to do this again. I can manage just fine.”

Liam responded with a nonchalant grunt, and Sophie stepped out of the car, feeling the cool air wrap around her as she entered Helen’s shop, which had been unlocked just for her.

“Good morning!” Helen called out cheerfully, her voice bright and welcoming. “You ready for this?”

Despite the ache that throbbed in her body, Sophie couldn’t suppress her excitement. She felt a rush of anticipation for the new opportunities that lay ahead. Slowly, she made her way behind the counter, where Helen had laid out all her supplies in a neat array. “This is all perfect, Helen. Thank you for gathering everything and for giving me this chance,” she said, her heart swelling with gratitude.

“Well, giving you a chance has certainly paid off in hiring you, so let’s see how this goes,” Helen replied with a warm smile. “Unless you need me, I’m going to start prepping for the opening.”

“I’ve got this,” Sophie replied, nodding confidently. She turned and walked towards the backroom to grab an apron. As she entered, her eyes landed on the coat hanging there—the one Torin had given her. A wave of guilt washed over her as she recalled how she had forgotten it in the morning rush while trying to prepare for work. How was she going to approach him about it and, more importantly, how could she repay him? A heavy sigh escaped her lips; the weight of it all felt overwhelming. She shook her head, determined to push those thoughts aside and focus on the task at hand.

Before long, she had the first pans warming near the oven, allowing the dough to rise in a cozy, warm environment. The coffee shop opened its doors, but Helen encouraged Sophie to keep at it with the cinnamon rolls. By six o’clock, the first pans emerged from the oven, and the air was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of cinnamon and vanilla. Customers who walked in were pleasantly surprised by the new offering, and nearly every one of them left with at least one roll. Sophie felt a swell of satisfaction as she received rave reviews from the early patrons.

As she finished the last of the rolls, she turned her attention back to ringing up orders and filling requests. They kept the pans of cinnamon rolls in the oven on low heat, ensuring they remained warm and inviting. Sophie was relishing every moment, but she could feel the toll of the previous night creeping up on her. The mixing, the pulling from the oven, and the constant movement were starting to weigh heavily on her. A part of her craved a pain reliever, but the thought of asking Helen for some made her hesitate. She didn’t want to explain why she needed it or what had happened. She couldn’t risk jeopardizing this job.

Just then, the familiar sound of the bell jingled as the door swung open, and Sophie turned, forcing a bright smile onto her face. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw Torin, Liam, and their usual companion step into the shop. “Cat girl,” Liam called out, his voice teasing yet warm.

Sophie couldn’t help but notice that Liam seemed to be in a much better mood than he had been earlier that morning. “What is that divine smell?” he asked, his expression shifting to one of genuine curiosity.