As I turn the corner to make my way inside Logan's mansion, my eyes widen in shock as I take in the sight of the person standing before me. With a faint smile on my face, my brain struggles to reconcile the impossibility of his presence. My mind races with thoughts as I ask, "What are you doing here?"
He gives me a toothy grin and says, "I should be asking you that question. What are you doing here?" He takes a step closer to me, and I step back a bit, trying to create some space between us.
Just then, Logan's voice is heard, calling out Asher's name, and he comes closer to where Asher and I are standing.
He stops in his tracks, surprised that I'm back home. Then, he turns his face and sees Asher standing there. He looks between me and Asher, wondering about the reason for our demeanor. The thought of what he said earlier comes rushing through my mind— that all I needed was to get away from him.
I take a step to go inside, but before I enter, I say, "Asher, it's nice to meet you again." Logan's eyes widen in shock, his jaw drops, and his gaze darts between me and Asher. I can tell that his expression reflects his confusion. "What in the world is going on here?" he asks, but I'm not ready to answer his question. I simply say, "Hi, Logan. I need to freshen up," and make my way to my room.
Leaving Asher to tell Logan wherever and how we met, I make my way inside. Another voice in my head says, "Stop and hear whatever it is they have to say."
"You're not treating her nicely. Can't you let go of how damaged she has made you and focus on being happy again? She doesn't deserve whatever it is you're doing to her," Asher says, his voice dripping with anger.
"We're going to be friends, Asher," I say, smiling softly, knowing someone is there to put Logan in check. But I think about what Asher said—someone might be responsible for Logan's actions. I shake my head, not ready to entertain any excuses for him.