Hera Lightwood's P.O.V.When I woke up, I was sure last night had just been a bad dream. Then I swung my legs over the side of the bed and saw the champagne bottle and glass on my floor, frowning as memories of last night clawed at the edges of my brain. I steeled myself and tiptoed into the hall. The house was totally quiet. Jace's bedroom door was mostly shut, and I rushed past it. A Post-it note was stuck to the coffeemaker, Jace's messy handwritten scrawled across the paper.We need to talk.Four little words shouldn’t have had the ability to make me break out in hives, but when the reality of last night came crashing back, I had to grip the counter for support. I had actually seriously propositioned him for sex. This was the reality I had to deal with now. Hanging my head in my hands, I inhaled deeply.If I could stay in my room and hide all day, I would. But then my new dog let out another whimper.“Okay. Come on, buddy.” I grabbed his leash and slipped my feet into my shoes, a

Hera LightwoodAs I sat there listening to the spray of the shower, my jitters multiplied. Jace was barely ten feet from me, readying himself for our agreed-upon sexual encounter, but now I felt more unsure than ever.Last night when I’d challenged him—called him out on his cocky opinion that after just one night, women fell hopelessly in love with him—I’d felt sexy, brazen, emboldened by the alcohol, spurred on by the illicit undertones of our late-night conversation. Now, stone-cold sober and with nothing to do all day but think it over, I no longer felt fun and flirty. Every negative possible consequence had replayed through my brain for hours.Isabelle would probably never speak to me again if I seduced her brother. Was I really willing to ruin my friendship for a couple of good orgasms? And besides that,. Or rather, I was too young for him. I’d probably disappoint him in the bedroom with a lackluster performance. And what if what he said was true—that he was so amazing in bed, I’

Jace HerondaleIt shouldn’t have, but Hera going out on that date really pissed me off. I knew I had little right to be angry; she didn’t owe me anything, and I’d barely even seen her in the week since our near miss.But I couldn’t help the jealous rage that boiled through my veins when I found her on the porch with that guy. And when I thought he’d hurt her? I wanted to pummel his face in. I still didn’t know if it was like she’d claimed, that they’d just bumped heads when he tried to kiss her, but Hera had never lied to me, as far as I knew.On my drive to the hospital, I called to check on Isabelle to check how she was doing. Maybe sooner or later I'll have to tell her about Hera, My life these days consisted of obligations. I worked, slept, hit the gym, studied, checked in on my mom and sister, worked some more. Lather. Rinse. Repeat. I knew there was a purpose, knew there was a reason I was doing this, but fuck, some days it was hard to remember what that reason was.Tonight the

Jace HerondaleJace was kissing me. Deep, drugging kisses that made my toes curl.But then he pressed into me again, pushing my thighs apart, gripping my hips and plunging forward, and I forgot about everything else. The sensation of him entering me was unlike anything else. And the look of determined concentration on his face, like he was almost in pain with how good it felt? I understood that exactly. It was almost too much to bear.His every movement was controlled, each one designed to bring me maximum pleasure. I never wanted this to end.“Has anyone ever fucked you like this?”“No. Never.” That was the honest truth. He was so deep and so possessive, so vocal, commanding my attention and demanding submission. It was like fitting a key into a locked box.Watching his thick length spear me—part me, plunge deep inside and then withdraw, wet with our juices—was almost obscene. When he bottomed out, I ground my hips against his pelvis, lost to the sensation. Isabelle’s brother fucked

Are you almost ready?”” he asks.“Just about. I need one second.”“For what?” Jace asks as he closes his suitcase.“I told Isabelle I'd call her once we got here.” Jace rolls his eyes and lets his body sluggishly fall to the couch. “Stop it, it'll be quick. I promise,” I say, pouting my bottom lip.“Quick. . . right. You know my sister, nothing is ever quick with her.” Jace spreads out on the couch and pulls the bright orange decorative pillow under his head. “Wake me up when you're done.”I giggle as I pull my phone out and call Isabelle. Pressing the phone to my ear, I look out the window and wait for her to answer. The city is absolutely beautiful.Trees are blooming with big pink flowers all the way down the sidewalk as far as I can see. I can smell the floral scent in the room. The sky is clear and there are people everywhere, enjoying the gorgeous weather.“Finally!” she yells into the phone as she answers. “I thought you guys were dead.”“Dead? We were on a six-hour flight. It'