**Chapter 10: Whispers in the Dark**

As they stood there, panting and gazing into each other's eyes, October couldn't shake off the feeling that she was walking into a trap. Ethan's desire was palpable, and she could sense the hunger in his eyes, but she couldn't ignore the stranger's words. The stranger's words kept echoing in her mind: "He's not what you think he is, October. He's hiding something, and it's going to hurt you." Ethan's eyes seemed to bore into her soul, as if searching for something. "I know you're scared, October," he said, his voice low and husky. "But I need you to trust me. I need you to trust that I would never hurt you." October's mind was racing. She wanted to trust him, she really did. But the stranger's words had planted a seed of doubt in her mind. She took a step back, trying to create some distance between them. "I...I don't know, Ethan," she stammered. Ethan's eyes narrowed, but he didn't push her. Instead, he took a step closer, his face inches from hers. "I'm not going to hurt you, October," he whispered. "I promise. I just want you to be mine." As he spoke, his hand reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. October felt a shiver run down her spine as his fingers grazed her skin. She knew she should pull away, but she couldn't. She was trapped in the moment, trapped in the desire that seemed to burn between them. But just as Ethan was about to kiss her again, October's phone buzzed on her nightstand. It was a text from an unknown number: "Don't trust him, October. He's playing you." October's heart skipped a beat as she stared at the phone. Who was sending her these messages? And how did they know about Ethan? Ethan's eyes locked on hers, and for a moment, October thought she saw a flicker of concern. But then, his expression changed, and he smiled. "It's just a wrong number," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "Don't worry about it." But October couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. She felt like she was being pulled in two different directions, and she didn't know which way to turn. As she stood there, frozen in uncertainty, Ethan took another step closer. "I want you, October," he whispered, his breath hot against her skin. "And I'm not going to let anything get in my way." October's heart was racing, and she knew she had to make a decision. She could give in to her desire, and risk getting hurt. Or she could trust the stranger's words, and try to uncover the truth about Ethan. As she looked into his eyes, she saw something there that made her blood run cold. A glint of determination, a spark of obsession. And in that moment, October knew she had to get out of there, before it was too late.