I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 27

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

Sophie let out a heavy sigh, her breath escaping like a whisper of defeat. She took a step back, creating a small distance between herself and Torin. With deliberate movements, she untied the belt of her coat, allowing it to fall open, revealing the fabric of her shirt beneath. The chill in the air sent a shiver down her spine as she hesitated, her fingers trembling slightly as she lifted her shirt, inching it up toward her bra.

Torin, kneeling before her, was suddenly struck by what he saw. A curse erupted from his lips, raw and unfiltered, as he took in the sight of her stomach.

Sophie flinched, a wave of shame washing over her. She had avoided looking at it, knowing that facing the reality of her injuries would only amplify the pain she felt. But when Torin’s fingers brushed against her skin, instinct kicked in. Her muscles tensed, and a small sound of discomfort escaped her throat, startling her.

Torin’s gaze met hers, and in that moment, she could see a storm of emotions swirling in his eyes—anger, concern, and something else she couldn’t quite place. Gently, he pulled her shirt back down, standing to face her fully. He stepped closer, closing the gap between them, his voice low and filled with remorse. “I’m so sorry that I inevitably caused that.”

Sophie shook her head, her heart aching at his words. “It’s not your fault,” she insisted, though deep down, she felt the weight of their shared history pressing down on her.

“No, you’re not going back there tonight,” he stated firmly, his tone leaving little room for argument.

Surprise flickered across Sophie’s face as she looked up at him. “I have to,” she replied, her voice tinged with desperation.

He shook his head, his resolve unyielding. “No, Sophie.”

“No, you don’t understand. I have to go back. I’m watching a little girl tonight so her mom can work. She’s deaf, and I need to be there to help her. I can’t just bail on her,” Sophie explained, her heart racing as she fought to make him see reason.

Torin’s expression hardened, his head shaking in vehement denial. “You can’t tell me what to do. I have to go back there. Besides, I don’t have anywhere else to go. If I don’t go there, I’ll be out on the street.”

A harsh sound erupted from his throat, filled with frustration, and Sophie met his gaze, her heart sinking. The turmoil in his eyes momentarily softened, revealing a vulnerability that took her by surprise. “Promise me you won’t do that,” he pleaded, his voice cracking with desperation.

Sophie couldn’t help but let out a small laugh, though it was laced with sadness. “I’m not trying to sleep on the street, Torin. That’s why I keep insisting I have to stay where I am. You’re the one who keeps trying to convince me not to go back.”

Torin closed his eyes for a brief moment, as if gathering his thoughts. Sophie had noticed he often did that when he was troubled or anxious. When he opened them again, they had returned to their usual dark hue. “You have to get back to work. We’ll discuss this after your shift ends,” he said, the finality in his tone making it clear that the conversation was over—for now.

“Okay,” Sophie replied, nodding in agreement. She knew she needed to keep the peace if she wanted to return to her responsibilities. “But I have to be back at Hope House by two fifteen to watch Olivia.”

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