I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 33

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

“I’ll come order something in a little bit,” he said, a playful smile dancing on his lips.

“Okay,” Sophie replied, her voice light as she stepped back toward the counter. The familiar jingle of the door announced the arrival of a few more customers, and Sophie slipped back into her routine, her energy revitalized by the bustling atmosphere. She chatted with the patrons, skillfully persuading a couple of them to try the special of the week. The delighted squeals of a group of teenage girls as they tasted the drink filled her with warmth; it seemed like a promising sign of success.

Just as she was pouring someone’s drink, the shop door swung open with a soft creak. “Welcome to Sip and Drip!” he called out, his voice a comforting presence in the busy café. Sophie finished the drink, her movements fluid and practiced, and made her way back to the counter. With a cheerful smile, she turned to greet the next customer. “What can I get—” But the words caught in her throat as she met the fiery gaze of her next customer.

“Torin, what can I get for you?” she managed to ask, her heart racing.

“Why are you here?” he nearly growled, his tone sharp enough to cut through the café’s cozy ambiance.

“I work here,” she replied, her voice steady despite the tension in the air.

Torin closed his eyes, a visible effort to rein in his frustration. Sophie sensed the storm brewing beneath his composed exterior. “You are supposed to be resting,” he insisted, his voice low and intense. “You’re recovering from a concussion.” The last word was practically spat at her, loaded with concern and anger.

Sophie widened her eyes, her surprise morphing into defiance. She crossed her arms, a protective barrier. “Well, the doctor gave me the all-clear, so I came to work,” she shot back, determination lacing her words.

“The doctor’s an idiot,” he retorted, his voice rising slightly. “Anyone with a brain knows you shouldn’t be working after just having a concussion.”

Sophie leaned forward, gripping the counter as if it were her lifeline. “You’re trying to tell me what I should or shouldn’t be doing again. I would have thought yesterday’s drama would have taught you that approach won’t work with me,” she challenged, her heart pounding.

“Sophie.” His deep voice held a warning, a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine.

“Torin,” she fired back, her resolve hardening. She was done being controlled by domineering men; she had fought too hard to escape that life.

They stood locked in a silent battle of wills until Levi strolled in and took his place beside Garret. “Hey, Sophie, I think I might get that coffee now. Boss, you want anything?” He glanced at Torin, who remained silent, stepping back slightly and folding his arms in a defensive posture.

Sophie turned her attention away from the man in his expensive suit—who looked far too good for his own good—and focused on preparing Levi’s drink. After handing it over, she turned back to Torin, her expression pointed. “Are you leaving now?”

His dark eyes bore into hers, unwavering. “I’m not leaving until you go home and rest,” he stated firmly.

“Well, then I guess you’re not leaving for a while because I’m staying,” Sophie countered, her voice steady.

“Then I guess I’m staying,” Torin replied, a hint of stubbornness in his tone.

“Well,” Sophie elongated the word, a playful smirk creeping onto her face, “technically, you need to order something if you’re going to stay. Those are the rules,” she said with a casual shrug, hoping to dismiss him.

Sophie hesitated, the weight of Torin’s gaze heavy on her back. She could feel the tension in the air, the unspoken words lingering between them. “Uh, yeah. I can get that for you,” she said, her voice faltering slightly. She thought to herself, Oh great, I’m going to have to face him. “Actually, he’s here right now if you want to, you know, talk to him,” Sophie stammered, her heart racing.

“He is? Really? Where?” Amy asked, her eyes scanning the shop. Sophie could see the moment her gaze landed on Torin and Levi. Levi faced away, but Torin was looking right at them, his expression unreadable.

Amy turned back to Sophie, her eyes wide with disbelief. “That’s him?” she asked, incredulous.

Sophie nodded, feeling a mix of pride and embarrassment. Amy turned back to Torin, then whistled softly. “Now that is a man,” she said, her tone teasing. “Are you,” she leaned in closer, “you know…”

Sophie stared at her, confusion etched on her face. “Am I what?”

“Sleeping with him?” Amy whispered, her voice barely containing her excitement.

Sophie nearly choked on her own spit, her cheeks flushing with shock. “What? No!” she whispered back, horrified.

“Why not?!” Amy pressed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I would! Can you imagine what that would be like…”

Sophie quickly slapped her hand over Amy’s mouth, cutting her off. “No more,” she hissed, a mix of embarrassment and amusement bubbling within her.