A/N: I really thought I uploaded this on Sunday, well here it is on a Wednesday sorry guys! Love you all!

Chapter 29

Jace's POV

Barging in on Isabelle probably wasn't the best idea, but I assumed Clary was here since her room was empty.

Where else could the girl go if she can barely navigate herself around the mansion?

I took a peek over Isabelle's shoulder, my eyes landing on the dozens of dresses she has strewn around the room.

I ignored the distaste in my mouth looking at such messiness.

"You getting ready to go somewhere?" I asked conversationally, not wanting to directly tell her I'm looking for Clary and get Izzy's suspicions up.

Izzy crossed her arms over her chest defensively. "No, but I'm still busy so you're not welcome at this time."

My brows raised, and I couldn't help smirking at her. "Ah," I replied lazily, making sure to milk this moment. "So you're playing dress-up by yourself… or is there company?"

"By myself," Isabelle stated confidently, keeping eye contact with me.

I stared back stoically. I know my sister and I know when she's lying, and right now she's hiding something… or someone from me.

Isabelle narrowed her eyes at me, still not breaking eye contact. "Leave now little brother,"

I sighed.

This is going to be tough.

"Izzy," I pleaded. "Let me talk to Clary, I promise I'll return your doll back to you."

"She's not here."

"So why are all the clothes you have laid out are dresses you haven't touched since you were fourteen?"

Isabelle's eyes wavered. "It's decluttering season."

I choked back a laugh. "Fine," I replied, retreating. "I'll go see again if Clary is in her room or something."

Isabelle threw her hair back proudly and smiled to herself in victory. I spun around and started to head back down the hallway I came from. Anticipation started to build up in the pit of my stomach.

The room of her door clicked close, and within a millisecond I ran back to Izzy's room and stormed through the door ready to catch her red-handed.

My adrenaline pumped as pop music filled my ears, confident Izzy was keeping Clary hostage in her bubblegum-pink torture room.

"AHA!" I yelled seeing Clary on Isabelle's bed.

"GET OUT JACE!" Isabelle roared. "THIS IS A NO-BOYS ZONE!"

I ignored Isabelle and picked up a neon green frilly dress and stared at it in disgust. "Clary blink twice if you need help," I said. "I can help you escape your cruel captor and her twisted ways of torture."

Isabelle yanked the dress out of my hands, glaring at me with blazing eyes.

Clary snickered. "You did all this to prove that Isabelle has kidnapped me? I've only been here for three hours."

I turned to look at her, but instead I marvelled at the sight in front of me. Clary was propped up naturally on Isabelle's purple duvet in a skintight white dress. I remember when Isabelle wore it to the opening of The Pandemonium, but it didn't look half as beautiful as it does on Clary. The stark whiteness emitted almost a glowing aura to her pale skin. Her long red hair fell in curls, masking her entire body. I was smitten.

"Jace? Hello?" Isabelle waved her hand in front of my face.

I flinched instinctively and blinked a couple of times before regaining my memory. "Yeah? I mean no," I hastily replied. "I needed to catch Izzy in a lie and also talk to you about something important."

Clary's eyebrows shot up. "Me? I'm already in the midst of setting up my social media. What's so serious you couldn't wait for a little?"

"I'd much rather we speak in private," I replied, checking her out once more. Clary's cheeks turned pink.

Isabelle groaned. "See! I knew it! You can't just walk in here and interrupt Clary and me in the middle of some important business. Maryse asked me to set up Clary's social media for her, not you."

I scowled. "Clary's social media accounts are all already set up by the team, she just needs to personalize it and add pictures," I told Isabelle like it wasn't already obvious. "How long could that take?"

"You have no idea…" Isabelle shook her head. "That's beside the point, either take five minutes right now to tell Clary whatever important B.S you're barging in on us for, or get out my room."

"What if I choose neither?" I challenged.

Isabelle paused for a beat before a wicked grin crept up on her face. "Then I'd have to alert Bat there's an unwanted individual in my bedroom," She stated, sticking her nose up in the air.

I scoffed. "You're going to call security on your own brother?" I placed a sarcastic hand on my heart. "I'm wounded."

"Okay now pick," She snapped at me.

I inhaled deeply. Isabelle wanted so badly to be Clary's Instagram mentor, she's not budging at all. I guess it's now or never.

"Clary," I stated. "For part two of the damage control the team arranged for us to carry out… a live stunt."

The room dropped quiet, Clary's face was absolutely shell-shocked. Surprisingly, even Isabelle was shocked into silence.

I started to shift on my feet as both girls remained mute. "So—"

I was cut off abruptly by the sharp ring of someone's cellphone. Clary scrambled across the bed and picked it up from Isabelle's bedside immediately.

'Hello?" She spoke, glancing at me from the corner of her eyes. "Oh, Simon? Hey, what's up?"

Annoyance and irritation built up at the pit of my stomach. Of course, Ratboy manages to annoy me from miles away.

I jumped on the corner of the bed near Clary, satisfied with the loud creaks it made under my weight.

"Who's that babe?" I called out. "Come back to bed already!"

Clary's eyes bugged out her head. "Shut up!" She shouted in a whisper.

I winked at her, not stopping the smile from forming on my face.

"What? No Simon it's not like that," Clary spluttered. "I'm not in bed with him! Well, just physically but I'm with Isabelle too, she's right here. No, it's not a three—"

Clary cut off as Isabelle yanked her phone away.

"Hi," Isabelle chimed in chirpily. "Clary and I were just working on something before Jace rudely interrupted us."

I rolled my eyes. Leave it to Isabelle to ruin my happiness every day. Who cares if the geek thought he was interrupting some pillow talk between Clary and me? Maybe then he'd back off a little…

My eyes snapped to Isabelle instantly when I heard her giggle.

She made eye contact with me. "I agree Simon, Jace is a jerk."

I sprung up from the bed, waving my fist. "Tell that dork to say that to my face! I bet he won't!"

Isabelle threw her head back laughing, completely ignoring me and strode out the bedroom door, closing it behind her and leaving me and Clary alone.

"And she said I was going to ruin your photoshoot session," I said, staring after Isabelle.

"Isabelle wasn't lying when she said we've been taking photos for three hours," Clary sighed. "She doesn't get it, I'm just not good at taking pictures."

My head whipped towards Clary, who was forlornly slumped down on Izzy's bed. "Hey hey hey," I hurriedly said. "Don't say that, everyone looks good —if not better— in pictures and if they don't it's not their fault."

Clary wordlessly shook her head in disagreement. "You weren't there to witness it,"

It was like a lightbulb lit up in my head. "Well I'm here now…" I slyly replied, reaching for my phone in my back pocket.

Clary's eyes met mine and I could see the gears spinning, I knew it clicked once her eyes landed on my photographer-poised hands.

"Jace— it's fine I swear," She blubbered, reaching a hand out to snatch my phone away.

I yanked it out of reach. "C'mon Clary, I wanna see how awful your posing really is,"

"Very funny."

I snickered. "Just be natural, make love to the camera and the camera will make love to you."

Clary looked up at me bewildered. "Is that supposed to be another one of your innuendos?"

"In a sense," I murmured mindlessly and focused my attention on my phone screen, angling the lens perfectly on Clary. "Although, it would be a shame to pass on capturing your beauty in a picture…"

Clary gave no reply, but I knew she heard me because of the pink tint spreading across her cheeks and her refusal to look at me.

The room felt tense, and once again I regretted speaking without thinking, especially about something so… uncertain.

AKA, the thin line between business and friendship we keep tethering on.

"Jace…" Clary started, peering up at me. Her eyes shone, the natural blush on her freckled cheeks starting to fade, yet her skin was still glowing in the soft sunlight streaming through the nearby window. My breath was nearly taken away. Without permission, my thumb slid across the phone screen.

Click!

"JACE!" Clary exclaimed, jumping up.

"Relax," My eyes were glued on the photo I snapped of Clary. "Well, these did not live up to my standards at all…"

Her eyes widened, and her face went red. "I told you I'm not—"

"It's gorgeous," I said ironically disappointed. "Nothing about this says unphotogenic."

I held the screen to face Clary, and her reaction wasn't what I expected.

Clary's eyes narrowed at me. "Take another one, if you're really that confident in your photography skills."

I did a double-take.

"Excuse me," I chortled. "But I'll let you know that wasn't beginner's luck, just my skill."

And hers too, A voice in my head spoke up. You find her naturally beauti—

"So do it again," Clary demanded, lowering herself onto the bed again.

I narrowed my eyes at her, and slowly angled my phone camera again. "I'll show you,"

As I adjusted my hands to make the perfect overhead angle, I lost it from the laughter bubbling up in my belly.

"You cannot be serious," I guffawed. "You're doing that on purpose huh!"

Clary looked at me lost. "I don't understand…?"

Her back was arched harshly — almost painful to look at— and her legs were crossed so tightly over each other, the fabric caught between was making a sliding noise. Not to mention, her face was creepily blank and so unlike her.

"Clary," I stated. "Relax your posture and maybe breathe."

Her eyes grew even more confused. "But this is the way Isabelle instructed me to pose,"

"And…." I chastised. "Is Isabelle the best photographer? Or is it Jace?"

Clary rolled her eyes, slumping forward. "It's a little hard to 'relax' when I can feel you scrutinizing me."

"Saying I make you nervous?" I asked curiously.

"More like anxious,"

I sighed. "Okay, how about we converse like two friends yeah? Maybe that'll take your mind off things."

This seemed to appease Clary. She nodded and struck a pose that was a little less wound up than before. I fought off a smile.

Cute.

"So…" I started, "Nice weather huh?'

Clary shot me a glare. "We're seriously talking about the weather?"

I snickered. "Alright Gingersnap, you take the reins if this conversation isn't leading it down the path you want."

As she thought, I peered into the phone screen again, making sure this angle is just… right. I sneaked in a shot, Clary didn't seem to notice. Her entire body was facing me, in an open position, yet her eyes were far away, lost in thought again. I wonder what—

"What were you and Maryse talking about after I left?" Clary inquired.

My heart dropped. Maryse and I were talking about what she wanted to say to me by myself, but then I brought Clary with me thinking it was no big deal.

I was wrong.

"Uh," I fumbled with the phone in my hand. "Freeze, this pose is good."

I snapped the photo quickly before Clary had the chance to roll her eyes. Surprisingly, she just stared back at me unblinking.

Quick, divert her attention! My mind yelled at me.

"You look like an actress I used to work with," I lied quickly.

No one looks like Clary.

Her eyes flashed. "Really? Who?"

Shit.

"Lily Collins…?" I stammered. "No, Katherine McNamara."

I mentally applauded myself. None of these girls really bore a resemblance to Clary, wash away all her unique features and maybe…

"That's funny," Clary replied. "Because you totally avoided my question."

Sigh.

"Nothing major, just normal mother-son business." I brushed off with a shrug, trying a new tactic. Maybe using the family-issues excuse will drive her interrogating away.

"You looked disgusted reading whatever was on that paper."

I exhaled deeply, the actual truth threatening to break loose and escape through the gates made of my lips.

So close.

"It was about the… contract." I dished out very slowly, making sure to release it inch by inch. "As you know, Maryse is under some stress because of Aline."

Clary's vibrant eyes met mine, and in them, I saw regret and sorrow. My heart pulsed painfully for a second.

"I- I'm so sorry, it's all my fault and I wanted to own up to it but- but you kept…" She trailed off, her brows furrowing. Clary let out a tiny gasp, I assumed the pieces finally clicked.

Clary struck a finger at me. "You knew. You knew it's my fault but you interrupted each time." She spat accusingly.

I shrugged carelessly. Of course I knew, and of course I stopped her on purpose. Clary is a caring girl, but one day her big mouth is going to get her in trouble, especially with Maryse.

Not that she needed to know Maryse is capable of Hell.

I locked eyes with Clary. "That was a detail Maryse didn't need to know,"

"Why not?" Clary cocked her head at me. "It definitely would've saved your ass from a lecture."

I scoffed. "I'd take that over an early contract termination any day."

Clary's eyes widened. "Termination?"

Shut up, Jace.

"Perhaps." I answered timidly. "You could really ruin my rep if you put out I date girls for money, my credibility and fanbase would decline."

Clary took a minute to absorb the thought of this. "Not to mention you'd be losing money without the contract."

I barked out a laugh. "Are you serious? Take a whiff of me right now."

"Ew, no."

"Your loss," I declared. "I'm smelling like a thousand dollars, Tom Ford to be exact."

Clary looked at me dumbfounded. "Your point?"

"I don't need your money, in fact, I make enough yearly that this is basically nothing. It would have been a minor loss."

Clary blinked. "So you saved me from getting kicked out for… no reason?"

"Uh," I blanked. "No…"

"So there's a reason?"

"No," I replied, my thoughts crisscrossingIeach other. "I mean yes."

Clary just stared at me, definitely just as confused as I am.

Good.

I flashed my prettiest smile, although I knew deep down she wouldn't be bothered by it.

I stood correct when she disregarded it, and continued her annoying questions.

Clary looked up at me. "Is that what was on that paper? The contract ending?"

I suppressed a groan. Great, still cannot let it go.

Fine. I'll give her what she wants. I took a seat beside her, our thighs touching. Our gazes held as I reached my fist out to her. My pinky finger jutted out.

"Pinky promise me," I whispered. "You won't say a peep about this."

Clary nodded earnestly, and locked her pinky with mine, sealing our promise. As childish as it is, the meaning was there and it was enough for me to trust a girl I haven't known for more than a month.

Our fingers released each at the same time.

I took a deep breath. "Maryse was showing me our scripts."

Clary scrunched her brows together. "What? That's it?"

"Yeah," I shrugged.

"Why did Maryse want to review with you alone?" Clary asked.

I scoffed. "She raised me, you would think she would want my opinion on minor tweaks to a script I'd have to follow."

"And did you?"

"Tweaked it?" I smirked. "Just a little… by dumping it in the trash."

Clary's mouth popped open in surprise. "Why?"

"The dialogue was pretty cringeworthy, nothing like how we would speak to each other at all." I pursed my lips thoughtfully. "I don't think following a script would mesh well with us at all."

"You think you know me that well now, huh?" Clary challenged, grinning a little.

"Not at all," I looked down at my hands. "I just know that you're ticklish."

I attacked Clary quickly, moving my fingers all across her abdomen making her squirm and squeal.

"Jace!" Clary gasped. "Stop! Now!"

I paused my hands, and took them off Clary immediately. We were lying side by side, both smiling ear to ear, while Clary's eyes watered. Her chest moved up and down rapidly, regaining her breath with each pump.

I sat up, while she still lay down on her back, propped up on her elbow.

"How'd you even know I was ticklish?" Clary asked, still a little breathless, her red curls a messy array.

I grinned. "Lucky guess."

My grin started to slip off my face and I felt that feeling again, the feeling to place my lips on hers and devour—

I cleared my throat.

"Well," I stated, acting like my previous thoughts weren't still lingering behind my mind like a shadow. "I should probably make my way out, I'll text you the photos and hopefully Isabelle lets you post them.."

Clary nodded silently, a thoughtful expression on her face. She made no indication of speaking as she followed me towards the door.

"Thank you for having me," I bowed mockingly. "I'll see you around—"

"I still don't get it," Clary interjected. "I mean, I have one last question.

I squinted at Clary, a little intrigued by the way she questions everything around her. The way she needs to know what is going on in her life and stay in charge kinda fired me up.

I suddenly have a thing for women in control.

Biting my lower lip, and I nodded at Clary, coaxing her to fire away. I couldn't help but notice the way her beautiful eyes glanced at my lips before speaking.

"What…" Clay cleared her throat. "What was the script for?"

"Oh," I replied, taken aback. "There's one last thing I forgot to mention…"

Clary stared at me expectantly.

"We sorta..." I started.

"Yes?"

"...Have a talk show to do in two days on Tells Of Fell, the team thought it would be the ultimate rumour-squasher after what Aline put out." I scratched my neck nervously. "I was going to tell you, that's why i came here but… we got caught up."

Clary looked furious, and worried at the same time. Her mouth was set in an angry line, yet her eyes were wide and frightened.

"You mean, yougot caught up Jace." Clary snapped. "That should've been the very first thing you told me!"

"I told you we had to do a live stunt,"

"Not on national T.V in front of millions!" Clary exclaimed, her voice cracking.

"Hey, at least you don't need to memorize some lines anymore," I justified. "Remember I said I scrapped them?"

In my head, I didn't see how any of it was my fault.

Yet, in my chest…

I felt guilty.

Now that I think about it, this is Clary's first time and here I am breezing through what I'm so used to, dealing with the press and everything. My stomach churned.

I will make up for it.

"So," Clary croaked. "You're telling me I have- I have to go and do a live talk show with you —who I don't even know well enough— in two days?"

Ugh.

"I… apologize," I said, shocked that a natural apology came out of my mouth. "I should've told you earlier, we are partners anyways."

Clary looked at me silently with wonder in her eyes. I continued speaking.

"Hopefully you can forgive me by tomorrow, so I can swing by your room and practice," I murmured, moving a stray curl off her forehead with my index. "Does that sound okay?"

Clary nodded, her eyes shining up at me. The same index finger traced mindlessly down her jaw, leaving a trail of pink.

I didn't realize I was leaning into Clary unconsciously until she stepped back.

We stared at each other across the newfound space between us, my face felt warm. Embarrassment? I don't want to even think of it.

"Yeah," Clary spoke, her demeanour guarded. "I'll see you tomorrow, Jace."

I love it when she says my name.

"See ya, Ginger." I winked at her for good measure. Cockiness always helps me out in tethering situations like this with girls, but Clary remained unmoved.

I tried to not let my edgy mood show.

As I strutted out the door, I exhaled. Clary has this effect on me, like being with her makes me feel like we're meant to be more than just—

"Ugh of course it's you."

My head snapped in the direction of the snazzy voice.

"What are you doing Izzy?" I asked. She was sitting on the floor, outside her room with Clary's phone in her ear.

Isabelle ignored me. "Sorry Simon, I have to return Clary's phone. I'll talk to you another time." She spoke softly into the phone.

Like a switch, Isabelle's menacing eyes snapped up to me and she frowned.

A sly smile spread across my lips.

"Supermodel Isabelle Lightwood," I announced. "Has a crush on Ratty Lewis?"

"I knew you were going to say that," Isabelle snapped, standing up. "I just wanted to give you and Clary some alone time."

I rolled my eyes. "And why would you need to do that?"

Isabelle stepped into the doorframe, her hand clutching the doorknob.

Just before she slammed it in my face, she whispered, "Because it's clear who's really crushing on a non-celebrity, and it's not me."

A/N: Really long chapter. I LOVE JACEEEEEEE! How about you guys? Review and tell me who's your fave POV! Also, Lily Collins and Katherine McNamara both play Clary in the movie and show for those who don't know, just a little Easter egg teehee.