I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 25

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn**
**Chapter 25**

“Mr. Mercer,” she practically sang, her voice dripping with sweetness. “It’s such a pleasure to see you again! What can I get for you today?” Her long, glossy hair cascaded over her shoulder as she leaned closer, her gaze unwaveringly fixed on Torin, a glimmer of mischief dancing in her cold blue eyes.

Sophie turned her head away, exasperation bubbling up inside her. Rolling her eyes, she felt the tension in the air. “She’ll go first,” Torin said, nodding his head towards Sophie, as if handing her the baton in this awkward relay.

The waitress’s icy blue eyes locked onto Sophie’s, sending a shiver down her spine. There was a palpable animosity there, a silent declaration that Miss Beauty Queen was not pleased with her presence among these men today. Sophie quickly glanced down at her menu, even though she had already made her choice. “I’ll take the French onion soup in a cup, please,” she stated, her voice steady despite the scrutiny.

To her surprise, three heads turned in her direction. “What?” Sophie asked, bewildered by their reaction. “That’s not enough food for a bird,” Liam scoffed, his tone dripping with mockery.

Torin brushed off Liam’s comment, redirecting his attention to the waitress. “I’ll have the smothered chicken with mashed potatoes, and the largest steak you have, with broccoli and a baked potato,” he ordered, his voice firm and commanding. Sophie’s eyes widened in astonishment at the sheer volume of his order. Max and Liam followed suit, both opting for hefty steaks as well, their appetites seemingly insatiable.

Sophie leaned back in her chair, bemused. It had to be a guy thing, or perhaps a money thing, she mused silently, shaking her head at the display of machismo.

As the waitress departed with their orders, Liam launched into a steady stream of conversation, filling the air with his banter. The atmosphere lightened momentarily, but after a lull, Torin turned his piercing gaze towards Sophie. “So, what part of town do you live in?” he inquired, his tone casual, yet Sophie felt the weight of his scrutiny.

Her eyes widened in surprise. She shot a quick glance across the table at Liam, who sat back with his arms crossed, a smirk plastered on his face. He simply nodded, as if encouraging her to speak. If looks could kill, she would have shot daggers at him for leaving her to fend for herself in this moment.

Torin’s gaze remained fixed on her, and she could feel the intensity of his stare. “Anything you want to tell me?” he asked, his voice low and probing.

Liam shook his head, feigning innocence. “Nope, boss,” he replied, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Torin’s attention snapped back to Sophie, and she felt a wave of discomfort wash over her. “What about you, Sophie? Anything you want to share?” he pressed, his voice firm.

“No, not particularly,” she replied, trying to maintain her composure.

“Just tell him,” Liam interjected from across the table, his tone urging. “He’s going to find out anyway, and it would be better coming from you.”

Sophie shot another glare at Liam, who merely shrugged in response, his expression unreadable.

“Will one of you please explain what’s happening before I completely lose it?” Torin’s voice rose with frustration, his annoyance palpable.

Sophie glanced at him, noting the tension in his posture—arms crossed over his broad chest, leaning forward in his chair, pinning Liam with a fierce glare.

“Fine,” Liam conceded, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “I’ll spill, but only after we eat. We don’t need you blowing your top in here and ruining lunch. Let’s just enjoy our meal, and then we can talk about it.”

Torin’s expression darkened, but he relented, agreeing to wait until they were alone. Thankfully, the waitress returned shortly with their food, and Sophie wasted no time diving into her soup. She closed her eyes, savoring the first bite.

Liam chuckled, “That good, huh?”

When she looked up, she found all three men staring at her, their expressions a mix of surprise and amusement. “What? They’re really good!” she defended, feeling slightly embarrassed.

Liam opened his mouth to say something, but a sharp look from Torin silenced him, and he merely smirked instead.

Determined to savor her meal without further distractions, Sophie concentrated on her food. She wasn’t sure when she would have the chance to enjoy such a feast again.

Eventually, when she felt she could eat no more, she leaned back in her chair, satisfied. When the waitress returned to ask if they wanted dessert, Torin turned his attention to her. Sophie shook her head, feeling full to the brim. Torin, however, didn’t hesitate. “Whatever you have that’s chocolate, and a coffee for me,” he ordered confidently.

“Coffee for me,” Liam chimed in, and Max followed suit, placing his own order.

Torin turned back to Sophie, one eyebrow raised. “Coffee?” he asked, as if expecting her to change her mind.

She shook her head again, a smile creeping onto her lips.

Within minutes, the waitress returned, balancing three steaming cups of coffee and a plate that held the largest piece of chocolate cake Sophie had ever seen. The waitress slid the decadent cake in front of Torin, who, with a casual flick of his wrist, pushed it toward her.

“It’s for you,” he said, his tone softening slightly.

Sophie’s heart swelled at the gesture, and she couldn’t help but smile. “You really didn’t have to,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, overwhelmed by his kindness.