AN: I guess the muses are speaking because here's another chapter for you and it is longer. ;) Warning: this chapter earns it M rating for violence. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters or anything you recognize from published works.
Chapter 3: Check Your Bodyguard at the Door
I collapse onto my bed after my last class finishes on Friday. The week has been long and it wasn't just the boring classes. My constant shadow has my skin itching for some alone time. To spite how nice it's been to have one person who I don't have to lie with, Jace wasn't really an easy person to be around. In some ways he makes me miss Simon even more, whose company always put me at ease. But I push that thought away quickly, what's done is done. But between the stupid nickname and his cockines, I was at my wits end with Jace Wayland.
I decide on nap before I get ready for tonight. Maia was dragging me out to some club tonight and I would need the energy. I wish I could check Jace at the door with my coat, I thought viciously before dozing off.
"Princess." Jace opens the door for me to slide out of the sedan. I step out in a flowy and sleeveless emerald green shirt that ends just after my hips. Black leggings are tucked into the short boots with four inch stiletto heels, which I'm regretting letting Maia talk me into about now. My red hair is pulled into a messy bun with a few strands falling out. I feel pretty good about myself until I take my first step. I teeter on the heels and I know I have no chance of regain my balance as I lurch forward. But instead of falling, a warm and calloused hand grabs my forearm, righting me. I look into those golden eyes and I can swear I can see concern. Then his classic smirk slides into place.
"I can understand you wanting to appear taller than a midget, but can you even walk in those death traps, Princess?" My "thank you" turns to a scowl and I step forward, taking my arm out of his reach. I don't look back as I continue to put one foot in front of the other with enough balance not to fall on my face, but not enough to look graceful. Jace chuckles, then takes his place right behind me.
I stumble straight into Maia's arms, who hugs me tightly.
"I'm so glad you're here and you look amazing," she says. Her excitement is infectious and I find myself smiling back.
"I can't believe you made me wear these," I mock scold, pointing at the boots.
"But you look great!" She looks over my shoulder and smiles. "I see you brought your hottie in a suit." She raises her eyebrows at me and winks. I roll my eyes.
"Anyways," she sighs, "Jordan is already in there and our name is on the list, so let's go." She doesn't wait for a reply, just starts dragging me to the front door where a large man with a clipboard waits. The bouncer stands firmly in the doorway.
"Maia," she says once we're in front of him. He glances at his list, nods and steps aside. A long line wraps in the other direction, but I don't have much time to think of it as Maia is already pulling inside.
"I'm with them," I hear Jace say. I turn to see the bouncer blocking his way. The bouncer and Jace look at me expectantly. I smirk and I know this is a bad idea, but I turn to the bouncer and say,
"I don't know him," with as straight of a face as I can manage. Jace's jaw tightens and his eyes are locked on me. I lose the smirk at the fire in his eyes. I'm about to change my mind, but Maia is pulling me towards the dance floor. The throng of people cut off my view of Jace. Guilt bubbles in my stomach. Maia is already dancing with Jordan, her eyes sparkling and a wide grin. I can't help but smile at the sight. I start to dance too and quickly put Jace out of my mind.
Sebastian, a kid I knew from a few of my classes, is dancing behind me, his hands on my hips. I keep a little room between us for my own comfort, but his hands are holding me steady. I regret these heels more every second and continue to curse Maia in my head. I don't know how long we dance like this when I see gold hair peeking over the crowd. I know it's Jace, just as I know the way his head is swivelling around that he is looking for me. My eyes go wide. I'm not quite ready for this reunion or the temper I know hasn't cooled yet. I glance around and see a staircase leading to the other dance floor. I take a few unsteady steps that way, when I feel a hand wraps around my waist and pull me back into a hard body.
"Where do you think you're going?" a deep voice whispers in my ear. I look up and smile at the relief that it's only Sebastian.
"I need to get some air," I reply.
"You want some company," he smiles. I look over and Jace is still searching. My red hair may be a beacon, but my height means I'm shorter than most people and thus hidden.
"Sure," I say quickly then start leading towards the stairs, Sebastian right on my heels. After the first flight of stairs, the stairs twist drastically to go up another flight before reaching the second floor. Before I can turn and attempt to manage to go up the second flight, Sebastian pulls me into an alcove that leads to the emergency exit. I only have a second to realize my back is to the wall when his lips crash down on me. He body presses me into the wall, trapping me there. One hand is at my neck, tilting my head up to meet his lips, the other is on my waist. I relax into him. Sebastian is extremely good looking and I haven't been kissed in some time.
My lips move against his persistent ones and I am getting lost in the moment, when his hand on my waist slides down. I stiffen and my lips freeze, but he doesn't seem to take notice. My hand finds his wrist and I try to yank his hand up, but he's much stronger than I am and I make no progress.
"Sebastian," I mumble against his lips, no longer kissing him back. His mouth is removed from mine and is kissing my neck. I try to push him away, but I would have better luck pushing a boulder three times my size. "Sebastian, slow down," I command, but he doesn't slow down. His hands are sweep over my whole body. I squim under his touch. "Sebastian, stop." He pulls his face away from me neck.
"Shut up," he says before bring his lips back to mine and biting my lower lip. Ice is dumped into my whole system. I can't feel my hands or my feet. I struggle against him, panicking more with each second. I swing my right foot, but it only connects with air, throwing my balance out of whack. My left ankle rolls and pain shoots up my leg. I cry out against his lips and start falling to the side. Sebastian grabs my shoulders and forces me back against the wall. I cry out again as weight is placed on my bad ankle.
"Shut up," he snaps again.
"No, please," I whimper. His weight suddenly disappears and I slump to the floor. There is a solid crunch. I glance up to see Jace pull back his fist again, the other hand holding the collar of Sebastians shirt.
"I believe," Jace says, landing another blow to his face, "that the lady," punch, "said," punch, "NO." He finishes with a punch to the gut. Sebastian sinks to the floor once released, though barely conscious and bleeding quite a lot from what I assume is a broken nose. Jace turns to me, his golden eyes still on fire. My shoulders slump and my eyes fall to the floor.
"Come here," Jace says softly and extends a hand to me. I take it and put my feet beneath me. The second my weight is on my left foot, I cry out and fall back to the floor.
"Stupid shoes," I whisper as Jace crutches down towards me. He's kneeling in front of me, inches from me face and all I can see is the array of different colors of gold flecks in his eyes.
"Are you hurt?" I take a breath, not realizing I was holding it.
"It's just my ankle, sprained I think." Jace takes my injured limb carefully in his hands and inspects it.
"Yes, I think you're right. It should be fine if you stay off it for a bit," he says, still looking at the ankle. Then he looks at my face and smirks. "Told you those things were death traps." I am too exhausted to even be mad at his comment, so I just smile in return. Before I can think, Jace places an arm under my knees and another around my back, hoisting me up into his arms and against his chest. I am stiff in arms, confusion winning out as the dominant emotion. Jace chuckles.
"Come on, Princess, let's get you home." He smirks down at me and I smile, relaxing.
