Before you met Piper, you didn’t think it was possible for someone to be so stunning that it actually made your blood boil. You were well aware that being the daughter of Aphrodite had something to do with it—her beauty practically oozed from her. But that didn’t make it any easier to be around her. Every time she was near, your cheeks flared with heat, your palms dampened, and your words tangled in your mouth. You never stuttered.

You were standing in the doorway of your cabin, trying to keep your composure when you saw her. She was leaning against the frame, the soft glow of the setting sun catching her features just right, making her look even more ethereal. She gave you a small, almost shy smile.

“Hey,” she said, her voice like a melody you couldn’t escape. “Can we talk?”

Your heart skipped in your chest, and you could feel the words you’d been practicing slipping away. The last thing you wanted was for her to see how much she affected you.