A/N

I am really sorry that this chapter took almost 2 weeks to be uploaded. I had a lot on my plate for the past few days and couldn't find the time to go online. I am planning to upload the next one a few days from now, but if I get lucky, I can upload it later. *fingers crossed*

Thank you for the reviews and keep them coming in.

I don't own the Mortal Instruments, Cassandra Clare does.

CHAPTER 10

Jace couldn't believe that Clary was the one his mother asked him to fetch at the airport. Surprise was an understatement he felt the moment he laid his eyes on her. The lopsided smile couldn't be erased on his face.

"Jace," she paused and took a deep breath. He couldn't help but look at her eyes and down to her lips that was slightly parted. He wanted so bad to kiss her rosy lips. He took in the beauty that was standing almost in front of him. Her outfit really complimented her body, emphasizing her curves and was perfect for her petite frame. He could tell that she was just as surprised as he was, and he was wondering if she was as happy as him that they saw each other again.

"Nice to see you too," she continued. She just smiled shyly at him. This was the last thing he was expecting to happen; to see Clary this soon. A few weeks back he was just dreaming of her, missing her, imagining her and even thought of going to Los Angeles to see her. He kept looking at her pictures on his iPhone like he was going insane. And he knew that somehow he was going crazy about her, but seeing her again reaffirmed that what he felt about her was real. The feeling of giddiness and unexplained sensation washed through him again just by her mere proximity. He was so happy and ecstatic like he was going to burst.

Alec cleared his throat and Jace saw him with a playful smile on his lips. "I think I have seen you before," he said and placed his forefinger on his lips looking like was thinking. Clary gave him a confused look, while Magnus look at him curiously. He glanced at her and suddenly snapped his fingers like he remembered something. "You must be Clary, right?" he asked. Jace gave him a nervous stare.

Clary appeared surprised by Alec's question. "Yeah, how did…?" she was interrupted by Alec. "Of course, I saw your pictures on Jace's phone," he continued the corner of his lips turned up for a smile. Jace shocked and embarrassed, while Clary was blushing, her cheeks almost the same shade as her hair.

"You still have my pictures on your phone?" she asked, conscious that Jace was staring at her.

"Yeah, my phone needed something beautiful on it, so I don't see the reason why should I delete them." He gave her a smirk and Clary felt like she's turning to jell-o.

Magnus amused with what's happening right in front of him started talking. "Hello there!" he gave a little wave. "We're the people sent by The Firm, I am Magnus Bane, I'm the architect, and obviously you and you," pointing at Clary and Jace, "knew each other already." He gave them a wink.

Jace chuckled. "Nice meeting you Magnus, I am Jace Herondale and this is my best bud Alec Lightwood and we're both from H&L." He offered his hand and Magnus shook it. "Actually our families own the company and my mother sought for architectural and interior designing services, good to know that she chose your company." He continued trying to sound calm despite racing emotions that he felt at the mere presence of Clary.

Magnus shifted his eyes onto Alec and he returned the gaze. Alec offered his hand to him and he looked uncomfortable while doing so.

"Welcome to New York, Clary, Magnus." Alec gestured his hand to his side. Both of them gave him warm smiles.

Jace moved to Clary's side and grabbed the handle of her luggage. "Shall we go now? I'll help you with your things," he offered. His hand accidentally touched hers and he felt a jolting sensation travel through his body. Their eyes locked and he noticed that Clary was somehow affected by the touch. Am I imagining it, or did she also feel what I felt when our hands touched? Jace wondered.

Clary almost jumped at the sudden feeling coursing through her body when Jace accidentally touched her hand. Both of them held their gaze and she was unsure if she had the same effect on him. Clary, what are you thinking, it doesn't mean that he made a compliment earlier about your pictures, he already liked you. She argued with herself.

She nodded her head and Jace pulled her luggage and walked towards the parked Range Rover, while Alec and Magnus followed after. He placed her things at the back together with Magnus' stuff. Jace opened the door behind the driver's side and he waited until Clary hopped in after closing it. Magnus went inside the vehicle through the other side of the door just behind the passenger side.

While Jace was driving, he couldn't help but steal glances through the rearview mirror to see Clary. She never looked more beautiful than before. He even noticed that her face was glowing than the last time he saw her and she looked happier, better.

All of them were silent for a while, and then Jace spoke. "Are you hungry? It has been quite a travel, let's drop by Taki's so we can have a quick meal, what do you think?"

Magnus and Clary looked at each other awaiting each others' responses. "Jace and I love eating there, it's our favorite. We hang their almost every week, the food's really good." Alec informed them.

Magnus made face and Clary understood that he would want to eat. She knew that Magnus was also eyeing Alec. "That's great! I am kind of starving and I think Magnus here as well." She replied.

"Cool! It's near from here, in 5 minutes we'd be there," Jace enthusiastically told them.

"Am I hearing this right? I have never heard you this happy and excited in years Jace. You're just telling Clary and Magnus that we're almost there, you don't need to sound that excited," Alec joked.

"What's wrong with being happy? I woke up feeling great," he reasoned out defensively. Alec snickered. "Is that the reason Jace, or you're in high spirits because Clary's here with us," Alec grinning widely while wiggling his eyebrow.

Clary felt like she wanted the backseat to swallow her. She felt herself blushing again embarrassed by the fact that Alec kept on joking and teasing Jace. And she didn't want Alec's words give her false hopes that Jace might be interested in her. He is already with someone, and she shouldn't give meaning to his friendly gestures.

They arrived at Taki's and Jace suggested them to try their coconut pancakes since it is one of their best sellers.

"Are we going straight to the place where they will be staying or do we need to go to your mom to let her know that they're already here?" Alec asked. Jace's cheery expression suddenly changed. He suddenly remembered his mother's instruction that they need to go to Aline's since she wanted to talk to the interior designer to re-design her unit. He was not aware that his brows were almost drawn together at the thought of Aline meeting and working with Clary. Her words were buzzing on his head. You're mine Jace! I am not going to let you go. I am not going to let HER have you.

Alec noticed the sudden change in Jace's expression and that he seemed like drifted into wonderland.

"Are you okay?" he asked. Jace was snapped back to present.

"Yeah, sure, we'll drive them there." He answered. He turned to Clary who looked really enjoying her pancakes. When she caught him staring he smiled at her. Jace reached out for his iPhone and a lot of messages came in. He managed to open his inbox and saw that they were from Aline and his mother. He was about to turn it off when it suddenly rang and he rolled his eyes when he identified who was calling him. He was left with no choice but to answer it.

"Yes, mom?" he answered, his eyes never left Clary's face.

"Where are you Jonathan? Have you already fetched the architect and the designer?" her voice came in sharp for Jace's hearing that he moved the phone a bit away from his ear.

"They already arrived." He informed her. He gestured to Clary, Magnus and Alec that he will outside and all of them just nodded.

"They have arrived, but where are they? Aline had been waiting for the designer and the architect, and I will try to come over later so that I can also give my inputs as to what a better design for her home would be." She explained sounding a little impatient.

"Why so sudden that Aline wanted to see them and why do you need to give your opinion about how she should design her unit?" he questioned.

"She told me she needed my opinion since I have good taste when it comes to decorating homes, and of course the big possibility that she will join the family in the future as your wife…"

Jace cut her outright. "Mom, I don't want to hear about Aline and her being my future wife. Don't play a matchmaker here. I am the one who will have a say of who I wanted to be with! I am not a kid anymore." He retorted.

"Jonathan! Don't speak to me that way!" she warned. Jace suddenly felt tired arguing with his mother.

"If this makes you happy, I will bring them to Aline after they're finished with their meal. But please, don't push your luck about her and I." He was already frustrated.

"Whatever you say, we are not done Jonathan… Just bring them to Aline immediately." she commanded.

"I will, bye mom." He didn't give Celine the chance to speak and he ended the call. He immediately turned off his phone again, worrying that he might have another call from his mom or Aline.

Jace walked back and pushed the door open. After getting in, his eyes landed on the table where they sat. He shifted his gaze on Clary, watching her laugh at something Magnus probably said because he saw that he was making hand gestures. He slowly walked back and settled beside Clary which made her move uncomfortable to the other side to give Jace some space.

"So, how was it?" He asked pointing to empty plates on table. "It was really good," Clary remarked while pushing her plate away and sipping on her orange juice.

"Who called?" Alec asked Jace while making a signal over the waiter for the bill. "It was mom," he quietly replied. Alec could almost read the expression on his face; he knew that his mother is a persistent woman who would want things her way. Jace told him while they were on their way to the airport that his mother asked him to bring the people who they will pick up straight to Aline's house as she was waiting. The odd coincidence that it was Clary that they they had to fetch, and later will be meeting Aline, was an obvious complication on Jace's end. Alec made a signal to Jace to talk to him outside and he nodded.

"Clary, Magnus, could you excuse us for a second?" Jace asked smiling slightly to the both of them, avoiding looking tensed. Clary looked up at him questioningly as if she can sense there was something bothering him.

"Sure, we are fine here," she gave him a small smile. Jace and Alec turned their backs and walked hastily over the door and went out. Jace place his right hand on his nape and slid the other one inside his jeans pocket and sighed. Alec looked at him waiting for him to say something.

"Mom's demanding that we should bring them to Aline now," he finally spoke. He closed his eyes quickly and let out another sigh while opening them.

"You can't do anything about it, it's what they were here for Jace," Alec explained.

Jace brought both of his hands to his face rubbing his cheeks. "I know dude, I know. But what do you think I am feeling now. Clary and Aline will have to see each other. You knew how I feel about Clary and you also knew what happened the last time Aline and I talked. I don't know if she's bluffing, but she mentioned about another girl involved." He replied frustration apparent in his face and tone.

"I knew how Aline can be such a bitch, but this is a situation beyond your control now." Alec said, holding both of his hands out.

"I want to protect Clary, and I want her not to have an impression that Aline and I are still together…" he was cut out by Alec. "Are you not?" he inquired his left eyebrow raised. Jace gave him a glare.

"I talked her out of this and she was damn too stubborn to let go! I hate it!" He clenched his fists on his side.

"She's always like that! She won't be taking defeat that easily Jace, I tell you. And if it's true that she knew that it was Clary you were spending time with in Los Angeles, I don't know what will happen later." Alec glanced towards the glass and saw Magnus looking at him, making him feel suddenly uncomfortable.

"What should I do?" Jace groaned. He looked over and saw Clary staring at him and he forced back as smile as she signaled okay to him.

"What you need to do is bring them to Aline as you were expected to do so and talk to Clary. You have to let her know that you and Aline were done." He suggested.

"Fine, it is not easy, but that's the logical thing to do." Jace agreed and both of them went back inside.

"Are you guys ready?" Jace asked. Magnus and Clary both nodded. Alec went ahead followed by Mangus while Jace helped Clary slid out of the table. Their eyes locked for a few seconds and Jace couldn't help the emotions welling from inside.

"Clary, I…" his voice trailed off. Clary looked at him her eyebrow raised and she gave him a smile.

"Yes?" she asked. She was nervous as to what he will tell her.

"I am really happy to see you. I, uh, I missed you," he blurted out which made Clary blush. Damn, what is she thinking now?

Her nervous smile became wider. "So do I," her voice was barely a whisper. What was that Clary? He might think you so like him. She groaned to herself.

Jace smirked and it made her heart do a somersault. He quickly directed his eyes on her hands and noticed that she was not wearing her engagement ring. Suddenly, he felt like something that weighed inside him was lifted off. Feeling brave and hopeful, he offered his hand to her. She looked at him puzzled, contemplating if she should take it. His smile never wavered and he tipped his head a little sideward. She returned the smile and as if on cue she took his hand. Both of them felt jolted by electricity as their palms touched and their fingers intertwined. They walked out of Taki's hand in hand; the two of them had smiles on their faces, which gained amused looks from both Magnus and Alec as they approached the Range Rover. Jace helped Clary get in, and he immediately followed sliding inside the driver's seat. Shooting Alec a nervous glance, he started to drive.

Taki's was just 3 kilometers away from Aline's unit but for Jace, it felt like he only drove for 5 minutes. They all sat silent inside the vehicle. Jace felt like everything was in fast forward. He knew in time it was inevitable for Clary and Aline to see each other in the future but not this soon. His mind was already set that if Clary and Sebastian were truly over, he will definitely pursue her. Without the engagement ring on her left ring finger, his hopes suddenly went high. But he was not ready at this time being for Aline to see Clary, and worst, they will be working with each other. And as far as he knew Aline, and the brat that she is, she will not give up without a fight, and this will not be a good start for him and Clary. What will Clary think of him, knowing the fact that he did not mention Aline ever to her?

They already reached the building where Aline's unit's situated on the 28th floor. Jace felt a pricking sensation on his neck and a lot of thoughts were running through his mind. How should he introduce Aline to Clary?

"We are here," Alec announced as he unstrapped his seatbelt to get himself out of the vehicle. Jace quickly jumped out and opened the door so that Clary can come out, and Magnus following after. He handed the keys to the valet as he led the three inside the building. Jace gestured towards the elevator and pressed number 28 when they were all inside.

"Since we're here, we haven't got the chance to know who we are meeting now," Magnus enquired while they were inside the elevator. Alec looked at him and moved his eyes towards Jace waiting for him to speak.

"If I heard it correctly, your mom was asking if we already arrived. Is she the one we are going to talk to?" Clary asked Jace, and she noticed his body went stiff.

"You and Magnus would be working with my mom and Alec's since they would want to start with the architecture and design of the new project our company will be working on, but she's not the one who you will be talking to," his voice trailed off and he looked at Alec. Clary and Magnus waited for him to continue but it was Alec who spoke.

"She's a family friend and one of the clients you will be working with as well," Alec finished for him.

"Her?" Magnus asked raising one of his eyebrows.

"Yeah," Alec slowly replied nodding. Before any one of them can say anything more, the elevator stopped they were already on the 28th floor. All of them stepped out of the elevator Jace leading the three of them. Clary looked around and admiring the interiors of the floor and she stopped as Jace paused in front of a door. She realized that this is a penthouse unit, which means that Jace and Alec's family friend must be affluent.

Jace looked at Clary and gave her a stiff smile before he pressed on the doorbell. Clary could sense that Jace had been acting weird and tensed since they left Taki's. A few seconds after, the door suddenly opened. Clary's eyes went wide and she felt like cold water was splashed on her face, she easily recognized the person standing in the doorway. She looked at Jace, and the lady wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a peck on the lips. He looked taken a back, he removed her arms off his neck.

"Aline," his voice was ice and he stepped away from her. Aline gave a cynical smile. She looked at Magnus and then at Alec, but she diverted her stare at Jace and lingered on Clary.

"Hi, I have been expecting to see you, Clarissa Morgenstern." Her voice was too sweet it sounded like she was mocking her. "I am Aline Penhallow, Jace's girlfriend." The cynical smile never left her face.