Looking at the trashed room behind me, I hesitate before answering the door until the knocking continues, turning into pounding.
“I’m coming! Wait a second,” I call, shoving sheets and papers under the bed and desk in a sloppy sweep.
Once the mess is somewhat hidden, I tie my hair back into a loose ponytail and open the door.
“Alyssa—” Oliver breathes, pushing inside before I can react.
He takes me into his arms immediately, his touch softening every raw nerve in me. His nose buries in the crook of my neck as he inhales, shoulders relaxing. His hands slide up and down my back as if memorizing every line of me. Lucy is screaming “mate” in my head with every touch he places, but guilt suddenly fills me.
“Oliver…wait.”
His hand slips under my shirt, fingertips tracing my spine. A shiver
