I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 52

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

**Chapter 52**

After a long struggle, she finally managed to swallow the last bite of her meal, a grimace escaping her lips as she choked it down. “Nope, I can’t do it,” she declared, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and amusement.

Torin chuckled softly, an easy smile gracing his face as he lifted the plate from in front of her, stacking it atop his own empty one. Just then, the waiter approached with their orders. Sophie hesitated for a moment, then took a tentative bite of her dish. “Okay, this is much better,” she exclaimed, her taste buds awakening to the delightful flavor of the whipped potatoes. A smile crept across her face as she savored the moment.

Her gaze flicked upward, catching Torin’s intense stare fixed upon her. “You like it,” he stated, his voice low and almost possessive, as if he had a vested interest in her enjoyment.

Sophie nodded, feeling a flutter of warmth at his attention. After a few more bites, curiosity bubbled within her. “So, what do you do for work?” she asked, her mind racing with the details Madison had shared, but she yearned to hear it from Torin himself.

He launched into an explanation about his job, his eyes lighting up as he spoke. It was a family business, he revealed, a legacy passed down through generations—from his great-grandparents to his grandparents, and finally to his parents. Sophie listened intently, asking questions and soaking in every detail. Time flew by as they engaged in this easy exchange, laughter and stories weaving a tapestry of connection between them.

Before they knew it, the waiter returned to clear their plates, inquiring if they desired dessert. Torin promptly ordered a steaming coffee and a slice of rich chocolate cake. When the waiter turned to Sophie, she simply shook her head, not feeling up to any more food.

Moments later, the waiter reappeared with Torin’s coffee and a decadent slice of cake that looked almost too good to be true. As the waiter departed, Torin slid the cake toward her with a playful grin.

“I ordered it for you,” he said, his smile infectious.

Sophie hesitated for just a fraction of a second before grabbing her fork, eager to indulge. She took a bite of the moist cake, and her eyes widened in surprise. “That is the best chocolate cake I’ve ever tasted; actually, it’s the best cake, period!” she exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement.

Torin chuckled, clearly pleased. “I’m glad you like it.”

“Do you want a bite?” she offered, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

He shook his head, a warm smile spreading across his face. “I’m good, thanks.”

With each forkful, Sophie savored the cake, relishing its richness. However, she soon reached a point where she could eat no more. “I am so full; you’re going to have to roll me out of here,” she joked, laughter dancing in her voice.

Torin grinned at her playful banter.

He rose from his seat, extending his hand toward her. “Come on. Let’s go look at the fountains,” he suggested, his tone inviting. She placed her hand in his, feeling the warmth of his larger palm enveloping hers. He gently closed his fingers around her hand, guiding her out onto the balcony.

As they stepped up to the railing, side by side, a shiver coursed through Sophie. She had forgotten her coat at the table, and the cool air nipped at her skin.

He led her to a small clearing within the trees, and Sophie was taken aback when she noticed that the path continued onward. They walked for just a moment before it opened up into a breathtaking area.

“Oh, wow,” Sophie gasped, her eyes widening as she took in the scene. In the center of the clearing was a small pond, illuminated just like the fountains they had admired earlier. Benches encircled the area, and a large wooden trellis loomed overhead, adorned with twinkling white lights that danced in the night. Beautiful plants hung from the trellis, some familiar to her, while others appeared exotic and enchanting.

She walked beneath the trellis, gazing up in awe at the stunning beauty surrounding her. Turning back to Torin, she exclaimed, “This is so incredible!”

Torin leaned against a post, a proud smile on his face. “I thought you might like it. This right here is what the restaurant is known for,” he said, gesturing around them with a flourish.

“I can see why,” she replied, still taking in the magical atmosphere. Just as she turned to ask Torin about the plants, she noticed him sniff the air, his demeanor shifting suddenly. He stiffened, a look of concern crossing his face.

In an instant, he was in front of her, pushing her behind him with a protective urgency.

Sophie stumbled slightly, grasping the back of his jacket to steady herself. He placed a firm hand on her back, holding her close against him.

“Don’t move,” he commanded, his voice low and serious. A wave of fear washed over her, the easy-going man she had just shared dinner with replaced by someone entirely different. Just as she opened her mouth to ask what was wrong, she heard it—a low, menacing growl echoing through the night.