go back insi

e frost burn off the grass. The mountains looked different in the da

felt like to be tha

uched since she arrived. Like some part of her had already known this wasn't a plac

den, flipping channels with the remote like he was try

es still on the screen. "They're staying a

idn't

over. "You

oping I say no so you can keep using me, or

"Okay. I de

ea

sor

a long look

hter. "Look, if

's

surprised

ked. "I

w, measured. "But if we're going to

e TV. "What d

is going to believe you've moved on, then we make h

lifted.

of him. "Tonight, at

esit

" Aria said. "And if

sume we're

kno

er face. "Ar

ittle dangerous. "You want

Jace didn't

d. "God, you'r

dn't a

hat every part of

it out loud, she was

a borrowed black dress, hair curled in loose wav

a crowded room. The kind Blair might consider a threat.

her "revenge face." Ari

n't feel l

the door open without waiti

y sh

tur

ut a low whistle. "Wow.

d, traitorously

like they were heading to prom.

his arm.

everywhere. The air smelled like cigars and expensive perfume. It was the kind

riends and strategically placed press. She wore emerald ton

n't look

at f

n his ear. His hand rested lightly on the small of her bac

was

could feel it-the way people turned to look, the way Blair's posture stif

o

Jace, her hand brushing

miled.

trying not

ive her a rea

s hand tightening around her waist or her fingers b

was soft.

pletely

se it was

t didn't feel

lectr

he

.. a

e c

ck before it

tching them,

l nod across the roo

d one perfe

back to Carter and laughed

ked like it belonged in Versailles. Aria barely touched her food. Jace kept the con

speak to ei

l de

ampagne glass in hand, and

one t

h and clear. "For being here to celebrate something t

aughed p

r sm

to Aria, "it's always nice to see old friends. Es

so polished

e come very far, Blair.

s narrowed.

id something in her ear.

idn't

feel the heat

going to e

cided yet if she w