Pinned by the Team Captain - Chapter 4: Chapter 4

My blood turned to ice as the situation took a sharp turn. I thrashed against him, a strangled cry tearing from my throat as hot tears blurred my vision.
It was no use—he didn't even flinch. The crushing weight of helplessness crashed over me, humiliation and pain twisting like a knife in my chest. My tears broke free, streaming down my face in silent defeat.
I don't know how long it took for him to finally notice. He stilled, his hand hovering near my cheek—then dropped it like he'd been burned.
The second his grip loosened, I ran. Like a rabbit fleeing a predator, I sprinted to my room, slamming the door behind me with shaking fingers. The lock clicked into place, but my heart still hammered against my ribs. Cold sweat slicked my skin as I pressed my back against the door, ears straining for footsteps.
I never thought Captain Ryan would—no, I couldn't even finish the thought. But I was living under his roof. If he decided to force the issue, what could I do?
Ethan was still training under him. I couldn't wreck my brother's future just to save myself.
I had to get out.
That night, I choked back sobs into my sleeve, teeth sinking into fabric to muffle the sound. Every nerve was on high alert, listening for movement outside my door like a cornered animal waiting for the strike.
Sleep never came. I stared at the ceiling until dawn painted the room in pale light.
My body ached as I dragged myself up, limbs stiff from tension. Every second in this house was suffocating.
I shoved my things into my suitcase, erasing any trace I'd been there, then slipped out before the sun fully rose.
The bus terminal was empty when I arrived, the first departure still hours away. I stood alone on the platform, watching the early crowd trickle in—construction workers with calloused hands guiding sleepy kids, exhausted office workers clutching coffee like lifelines.
They all belonged here.
But where did that leave me?
The train's whistle blew, carrying me away like a leaf in the wind—no destination, just gone.
Back in my hometown, I was sweeping the courtyard when Ethan called. I wiped my hands on my apron and answered too fast.
"Sophia, why'd you leave? You didn't even tell me."
How could I explain? Telling him the truth would either shatter his respect for his captain or send him into a rage.
So I lied. "Auntie Margaret needed help with her AC. I came back to show her how to use it… Bus fare's expensive, so I'll visit another time."
Silence. Then a sigh. "Alright. Just take care of yourself, okay? Once I make the starting lineup, I'll get us a place in the city—you and Mom both."
My throat tightened. I yanked the phone away before he could hear the tears in my voice.
After Dad died, Mom raised us alone. I never finished school—without my looks, I had nothing. But sitting around wouldn't change that.
There had to be work for someone like me.
I dug out the old bike from the shed, scrubbing off years of dust. Ethan had fixed it up ages ago—replaced the chain, bent the handlebars straight-ish—and left it for me instead of selling it. Now, it was my lifeline.
The job fair in town was packed, mostly with men. I couldn't even get close—until a voice cut through the noise.
"Two girls needed—bubble tea shop hiring!"
The crowd parted.
I shot my hand up. "I'll do it!"
The man's eyes locked onto me. A slow smirk curled his lips.
"You're hired."