I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 34

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn 34**

Amy gave a slight nod, her enthusiasm bubbling over. “Okay, okay. I apologize. I just got a bit carried away there. You don’t come across a man like that very often, and one who’s genuinely nice? That’s practically a rarity.”

Sophie shook her head, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she briefly closed her eyes, trying to gather her thoughts. “It’s a good thing your daughter isn’t around to hear all this,” she remarked quietly, her voice laced with concern.

Amy grimaced, a hint of guilt crossing her features. “Yeah, I know. I really am sorry.”

Sophie knelt down in front of Olivia, her hands moving gracefully as she signed a few words to her. Olivia’s face lit up with a radiant smile as she signed back enthusiastically, her little fingers dancing in the air.

In an exuberant display of affection, Olivia threw her arms around Sophie, nearly knocking her off balance. She signed that she was glad Sophie was okay, her joy infectious. Sophie felt a lump form in her throat as she swallowed back the emotions that threatened to spill over. She smiled warmly at Olivia and stood back up, brushing off her momentary vulnerability. “All right then. If you think you can keep your excitement in check, I’ll take you over and introduce you to him.”

Amy nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. “I promise I’ll behave. I’ll be good.” Sophie walked over to the counter, her thoughts momentarily drifting to Torin as she grabbed the coffee.

The sensation of Torin’s gaze upon her was palpable as they approached, yet she didn’t dare to look up until she reached their table. Setting the steaming cup down in front of him, she heard his low voice murmur, “Thank you.”

“Torin,” Sophie began, her eyes glued to the table, avoiding direct contact. “This is Amy and Olivia.” Torin stood up, his demeanor warm and inviting.

Amy extended her hand toward Torin, who reciprocated the gesture with a firm handshake. “Thank you so much for sending over the babysitter. She was a true godsend, and Olivia had such a wonderful time with her.”

Torin’s smile was genuine, lighting up his face as he regarded Amy. A pang of jealousy shot through Sophie unexpectedly, but she quickly suppressed it, focusing on the moment. Just then, the door swung open, and Sophie turned to help the new customer, leaving Amy and Olivia in the company of Torin and Levi. She mentally noted the need to discuss Amy and Olivia with Torin at the earliest opportunity.

The shop buzzed with a steady stream of customers after that. At one point, Amy and Olivia waved goodbye to Sophie, who returned the gesture with a smile. When the line finally dwindled, Sophie glanced at the clock, noting it was almost one. Relief washed over her—her headache was intensifying, her stomach was in knots, and an overwhelming fatigue was settling in. She grabbed a towel and spray, preparing to clean the tables.

As she began wiping down the table closest to the window, she cast a glance outside, hoping to gauge if any more customers were on their way. Just as she turned her head, a man emerged from around the corner across the street, causing Sophie to freeze in place. A wave of fear washed over her, and she felt an instinctual urge to flee, yet her body remained rooted to the spot. When the man glanced up, Sophie instinctively ducked behind the beam by the front door, her heart racing as she wondered if he had seen her. It felt as though the air had been sucked from her lungs, leaving her gasping for breath.

A familiar presence loomed in front of her, and she didn’t need to open her eyes to know who it was. “Sophie, what’s happening?” Torin’s voice was low, filled with concern.

Keeping her eyes tightly shut, she managed to whisper, “Nothing.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify