I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 43

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

Sophie stepped into the warmly lit restaurant, the gentle hum of conversation enveloping her like a soft embrace. She scanned the room, her heart fluttering with anticipation, but Kevin was nowhere in sight. “I don’t see him yet. I’ll just wait here for him. You don’t have to wait with me,” she said, glancing at Levi, who stood beside her, his expression a mix of concern and loyalty.

Levi’s sharp gaze swept over the restaurant’s patrons, taking in the ambiance. “I’ll wait,” he replied, his tone firm, as if determined to stay by her side despite her insistence.

Minutes trickled by—fifteen, maybe twenty—and unease began to creep into Sophie’s mind. She found herself wrestling with the thought that perhaps she had been stood up. Just as doubt began to settle in her chest, the door swung open, and Kevin walked in, a charming smile lighting up his face. “Hey, sorry I’m late,” he said, making his way towards her. “You look ravishing,” he added, leaning down to plant a gentle kiss on her cheek.

“Thanks,” Sophie replied softly, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

She turned to inform Levi that he could leave, but to her surprise, he had already slipped away. A quick glance around the restaurant confirmed her suspicion—he was indeed gone. Kevin engaged the hostess, and soon they were led to a cozy corner table, the flickering candlelight casting a warm glow around them.

“I’m sorry I’m late. The life of a police officer. What can I say?” he said, flashing a charming smile that made Sophie’s heart skip a beat.

“No problem,” she replied, her own smile growing as she picked up the menu, grateful for the distraction it provided.

After perusing the options multiple times, she finally settled on a grilled chicken salad, the thought of anything heavier making her stomach churn. She hadn’t realized just how nervous she was until now.

The waitress approached, taking their orders and collecting the menus. As Sophie took a sip of water, she felt an unsettling void where her security blanket of conversation had been. “So, how was your day?” Kevin asked, leaning back in his chair, his demeanor relaxed.

“It was good. The shop was really busy, so that’s good,” she replied, trying to keep her tone light.

Kevin nodded appreciatively. “Yeah, it’s really picked up business. I’ll bet Helen is glad she hired you,” he remarked, his voice warm with sincerity. Sophie felt a flutter of pride at his words, but the attention made her slightly uncomfortable. “How about you? How was your day?” she asked, eager to shift the focus back to him.

“Crazy,” he said, launching into an entertaining tale about a domestic situation he had dealt with earlier. His stories flowed effortlessly, each one more captivating than the last, and Sophie found herself leaning in, completely engrossed.

As their food arrived, Sophie felt a wave of relief wash over her; now she had something tangible to focus on.

Time slipped away, and to her surprise, Sophie realized she was genuinely enjoying herself. Just as she was leaning in to catch the next part of Kevin’s story, a sudden commotion caught her attention. She turned her head towards the noise, her breath hitching in her throat. The storm that was Torin was approaching, and he was headed straight for their table.

Her heart raced as she watched him, disbelief flooding her senses. Torin was here, and his piercing gaze was locked onto Kevin, not her. What was happening? A sense of foreboding washed over her, and she felt as though she was on the precipice of something monumental.

Torin arrived at their table, arms crossed, a fierce glare directed at Kevin. “Can I help you?” Kevin asked, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.

“I’ll call you,” he replied, but his words earned him another low growl from Torin, a warning that reverberated through the air.

Before she could say anything more, Liam was leading her away from the table, their pace quickening as they navigated through the restaurant. Sophie dared to look back, her stomach twisting as she saw Torin take her place at the table, leaning in and speaking in a low voice. She shuddered, grateful not to be on the receiving end of whatever he was saying.

Liam led her outside to a different waiting car, one that felt unfamiliar and foreboding. He opened the door for her, and she slid inside, relief washing over her as he shut the door behind her. Levi and Kyle emerged from another car, their expressions grave as they approached Liam. Though she couldn’t hear their conversation, the looks on their faces spoke volumes—trouble was brewing.

Moments later, the door to the restaurant swung open, and Torin stormed out, Max following closely behind. Sophie’s heart raced at the sight of Max; she hadn’t even realized he’d been inside. She shrank back in her seat, praying fervently that Torin wouldn’t spot her. But he turned, his gaze piercing through the tinted windows, and her heart dropped.

“Pick another car, pick another car,” she chanted silently in her mind, but her hopes were dashed as Torin approached, opening the passenger door and sliding into the seat beside her. A groan of despair nearly escaped her lips as Max took the driver’s seat, and they pulled away from the curb.

Sophie stole a glance back, seeing Levi, Kyle, and Liam walking towards their own vehicle, their expressions grave and concerned. The weight of Torin’s presence pressed heavily against her, and she could sense the anger radiating off him. She should have been terrified, but a traitorous part of her felt a flutter of exhilaration at being so close to him again.

Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply, taking in his scent—an intoxicating mix of masculinity and a hint of cologne that sent her heart racing. She scolded herself as her eyes flew open, chastising her emotions for betraying her. She took a steadying breath, trying to calm her racing heart.

What had just happened back at the restaurant? Sophie glanced at Max, who sat silently, an enigmatic figure that seemed to embody the essence of a silent but deadly guardian. He had a way of appearing wherever Torin was, and she couldn’t help but wonder about the nature of their relationship. Why would someone like Torin need a bodyguard? It was a question that lingered in her mind, adding to the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions swirling within her.