I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 9

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

Time seemed to come to a standstill. The ambient sounds of the coffee shop faded into a distant hum, as if the world around Sloane had been muted. She felt as though she were anchored to the floor, ensnared in the depths of his dark, penetrating gaze. The intensity with which he looked at her was disarming, as if he were peeling back the layers of her very essence, exposing the truths she had buried deep within.

And then, it happened.

As he continued to gaze at her, the darkness in his eyes began to swirl, transforming into something otherworldly. A flash of molten gold-amber erupted from the black depths, wild and radiant, flooding her vision with a warmth that was both alarming and enchanting.

Sloane gasped, instinctively taking a step back, her mind racing. What was that? What did it mean?

Before she could gather her thoughts, Liam intervened, stepping directly in front of the enigmatic man, effectively blocking her view. With a firm hand on the dark-haired man’s chest, he pushed him toward the door with an urgency that surprised Sloane.

“Outside,” Liam muttered, his usual playful demeanor stripped away, replaced by a seriousness that sent a shiver down her spine. “Now.”

The dark-haired man maintained his unbroken gaze on Sloane, even as the door swung closed behind him, severing their connection.

Sloane gripped the counter tightly, her breath coming in shallow gasps. Her heart raced, pounding against her ribs like a frantic drum. Who was that man? What had just transpired with his eyes?

The door creaked open again, causing Sloane to jump in surprise.

It was only Liam. He strolled over to the counter as if nothing had happened, his expression seemingly untroubled, as if he hadn’t just ejected a towering figure from the establishment.

“Sorry. The boss had to take a call,” he lied smoothly, his tone casual. “Three coffees. Dark roast.”

Sloane nodded numbly, her mind still reeling as she prepared the drinks on autopilot. Her hands trembled as she handed the cups over to Liam, who took them without his customary quip, leaving her in a state of confusion.

Leaning against the back counter, Sloane fought to steady her breathing. Just a trick of the light, she told herself repeatedly. Just stress.

She turned to wipe down the register, desperate for a distraction from the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in her mind.

Cling-ling.

18:04

**Chapter 9**

“Welcome to…” Sloane began, forcing a smile as she looked up.

Her heart plummeted.

Standing in the doorway were two police officers, their presence commanding and serious.

The younger officer stepped forward, his face devoid of any hint of a smile. His hand rested on his belt, and his gaze was fixed intently on her.

“You,” he said, advancing toward the counter with purpose. “You’re new here.”

Sloane felt her world tilt dangerously off its axis. Brody had found her. Or perhaps they were aware of the money.

She was trapped behind the counter, with no back door, no avenue of escape.

Her body tensed, muscles locking up as she braced herself for the inevitable words: You have the right to remain silent. Her eyes were drawn to the officer’s hand resting on his belt, anticipating the cold metal of handcuffs.

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