I acquiesced, joining him on the bed and savoring the feel of his hands as they traveled from my exposed knees up my leg. It had been so long since we’d shared anything more than a kiss or a tight squeeze that my body hungered for him.
So much had changed. So many things we’d taken for granted had been wiped from our lives. Had I known how amazing I had it back then, I would’ve taken more care to be grateful for all the goodness in my life. Savored it more, which I intended to do right now.
Who knew when the good would come again?
My hands landed on Alex’s cheek, freshly shaven and slightly red for it. “Smooth,” I murmured and breathed in the smell of him, fresh for the first time in weeks. “Although, I have to say, I was kind of digging the beard you grew.”
“Ugh, not me. Food got caught in it. It was disgusting.”
I chuckled. “How sexy.” I leaned in for a kiss.
Our lips met, soft and tender at first, but growing more needy by the second. Heat rushed through my core.
I wanted him, badly.
“Do you have protection?” he asked.
I parted from him and arched an eyebrow. “Don’t judge me. I never brought guys home when I lived here, but I always thought it was best to be prepared.”
His lips twisted in adorable confusion.
Oh, just wait.
I pulled at the drawer to my nightstand with a flourish. Inside was an old Barbie jewelry box. I opened it, and packages of condoms glinted up at us in the lamplight.
Alex burst out laughing. “Who would guess that my classy lady would hide condoms in a Barbie jewelry box?”
I slapped his shoulder. “You should be happy that I even have any. If I didn’t—”
He pressed a single finger to my lips. “Don’t even end that sentence.” He gestured down to his crotch.
I smiled. It seemed he was as ready for me as I was for him.
We started kissing again. Every touch, every breath along my skin, every soft growl and gasp from Alex made my heart thud harder in anticipation.
The towel disappeared, as did his sweats. Unable to wait a moment longer, he grabbed for one of the condoms. “Sure they’re not expired?”
“I am a responsible woman. I check that they’re replaced every time I come home. That would have been just after Yule.”
“Hopefully, you’re nottooresponsible.” He winked, and was about to rip open the package, when suddenly, my breath caught in my throat.
I slapped my hands to the mattress.
Alex’s eyes widened. “Odie? Sweets, what’s wrong?” He dropped the condom and reached out for me. “What’s happening?”
But I couldn’t answer. I was incapable of speech, because my scar had begun burning, and I could feel a vile influence spreading through me, trying to take me over.
Somewhere in my house, a scream—Eva’s—rang out. I called back with one of my own.
Footsteps sounded down the hall, and though it should’ve been the least of my worries, I grabbed my towel and pulled it over my naked body, just as Alex ripped the blanket over both of us.
“Odette!” Sam yelled. “What’s going on? We heard screaming.”
“Come in!” Alex said.
The door swung open, and the girls barreled inside.
“What happened?” Ayla asked, her eyes scanning my face as I clenched my teeth, still gripping the bed sheets, unable to speak through the pain pummeling my head.
