The Unexpected Visitor

The doorbell rang again, its shrill sound breaking the tense silence that had fallen between October and Ethan. He hesitated for a moment, his eyes flicking back to hers as if seeking her permission to answer it. October shrugged, her mind racing with possibilities. Who could be visiting at this hour? Ethan's eyes lingered on hers for a moment before he turned and made his way to the door. October watched him, her heart pounding in her chest. She could see the tension in his body, the way his muscles were coiled and ready to spring into action. As he reached the door, he glanced back at her, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Stay here," he whispered, his voice low and husky. October nodded, though she wasn't sure why she was obeying him. She felt a surge of curiosity, wondering who could be on the other side of the door. Was it a friend, or someone else entirely? Ethan opened the door, and October caught a glimpse of a tall, imposing figure standing in the hallway. He was dressed in a black leather jacket, his dark hair messy and unkempt. October's heart skipped a beat as she took in his rugged appearance. "Can I help you?" Ethan asked, his voice firm but polite. The stranger smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm here to see October," he said, his voice deep and smooth. Ethan's eyes narrowed, his body tensing slightly. "Who are you?" he demanded. The stranger chuckled. "My name is Asher. And I think it's time we had a little chat, don't you, October?" October's heart was racing as she stepped forward, her eyes locked on Asher's. There was something about him that seemed familiar, something that sparked a memory deep in her mind. "Asher?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. Asher nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "We need to talk," he said, his voice low and urgent. Ethan's eyes flashed with anger, but Asher didn't seem to notice. He stepped forward, his eyes locked on October's, and she felt a surge of recognition. She knew this man, but she couldn't quite place him. As Ethan's face darkened, October realized that she was caught in the middle of a standoff. Who was Asher, and what did he want from her? And what would Ethan do to keep her from him?