I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 39

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

“Madison, I really can’t do this,” Sophie confessed, her voice laced with uncertainty.

“Just try stuff on,” Madison urged, her tone light but insistent. “Come on! We don’t want to keep the guys waiting, do we?”

The mention of the guys stirred something within Sophie, nudging her into action. She took a deep breath and stepped into the dressing room, the air inside feeling both cramped and filled with potential. “Try on everything,” Madison commanded playfully as she exited, leaving Sophie to confront the sea of clothing.

Sophie glanced around, her heart racing as she surveyed the racks. The sheer volume of choices was overwhelming, but she resolved not to overthink it. Instead, she dove into the task at hand, beginning with a pair of jeans. She slipped into several different styles, each one a test of fit and comfort, until Madison’s approving voice rang out. “That one! It’s perfect. Keep those. Let’s see what other colors or cuts they have in that style.”

With renewed determination, Sophie retreated into the dressing room, the minutes slipping away as she tried on item after item. Each time she emerged, Madison was waiting with another piece, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Madison declared that Sophie was done. Together, they gathered the clothes they weren’t keeping, a small mountain of fabric, and stepped out of the dressing room.

As they emerged, the guys stood at the ready, flanking the entrance like sentinels. Madison, in a burst of playful energy, tossed the pile of clothes onto Kyle, who caught them without a word, his expression a mix of bemusement and acceptance. Madison led the way, and the others followed, but a sudden realization struck Sophie like a bolt of lightning.

“Wait! Stop! We can’t buy all of those,” she exclaimed, panic rising in her chest.

Kyle halted, his brow furrowing in confusion, while Madison turned back, her hands on her hips. “What do you think you tried them on for?” she asked, a teasing lilt in her voice.

“I mean, I can’t get all of this! It’s going to cost a fortune,” Sophie protested, her heart sinking at the thought.

“It’s fine,” Madison replied, brushing off her concerns as if they were nothing.

“No, it’s really not,” Sophie insisted, her voice trembling with anxiety. “I can’t spend Torin’s money like this. It’s way too much, and he’s not even here to approve it!”

Madison shot a glance at Kyle, who, sensing the tension, pulled out his phone and began speaking to someone on the other end. Sophie was still grappling with her spiraling thoughts when Kyle handed her the phone. “What?” she asked, bewildered.

“Put it up to your ear,” he gestured, his expression encouraging.

“Hello?” she ventured cautiously.

“Sophie,” Torin’s deep voice resonated through the phone, wrapping around her like a warm blanket. “Use the card. Get whatever you need. There’s no limit.”

“I can’t do that,” Sophie replied, her heart racing.

“Why not?” Torin pressed, his tone curious.

“Because, because it’s not my money,” she stammered, feeling the weight of the situation.

“Exactly. It’s my money, and this is something I want to do,” he stated firmly. Sophie found herself at a loss for words. “Just use the card, Sophie,” he added, his voice softening, a hint of understanding in his tone.

Sophie shook her head vigorously, a mix of gratitude and dread swirling within her. She couldn’t bear the thought of being in debt to him, and the idea of never being able to repay him loomed large in her mind. “I can’t,” she insisted, her voice barely above a whisper.

A heavy silence hung between them for a moment before Torin broke it. “Fine,” he said, the rustling of something in the background accompanying his words. “Okay. What size are you?”

“What?” she asked, confusion washing over her.

“I need your shirt size, pant size, dress size, and shoe size,” he replied matter-of-factly.

“Why?” Sophie questioned, her brow furrowing.

Sophie smiled, her heart lightening. “That’s exactly what happened.”

“I figured. That woman loves to shop. Where did you just shop?” he asked, curiosity evident.

“I can’t tell you that,” she blurted, her cheeks flushing once more.

She heard a low chuckle from the other end, sending warmth through her. It was strange, but she couldn’t recall ever hearing Torin laugh like that before; he was typically so serious. “Then I’ll just have to imagine what it was,” he said, his voice low and teasing.

Sophie found herself at a loss for a response, her mind racing. “I had a question for you,” Torin continued, oblivious to her fluster. “If your step-brother were to disappear for an extended period, where would he likely go?”

Sophie gripped the phone tightly, dread washing over her. “Are you trying to find him?” she asked, panic flooding her voice.

“Torin, don’t do that. He’s dangerous, and his friends are dangerous. Please don’t.”

“Sophie, there’s nothing to worry about. Your brother is not a threat to me,” he assured her, his tone steady.

“No, you don’t understand. He’s… he’s different, not like normal. I don’t know how to explain it,” she murmured, lowering her voice to avoid drawing attention.

“Sophie, listen to me,” Torin said, his voice deep and commanding. “I need you to trust me. I can take care of myself. I work out for hours every day. I’m not worried about your punk of a step-brother. Have some faith.”

“I just don’t want anything to happen to you,” Sophie blurted out, then continued awkwardly, “Or anybody else, of course.”

He chuckled again, the sound soothing her nerves. “I appreciate your concern, but there’s nothing to worry about. Now, any ideas?”