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

CHAPTER 14

Warm… Fireworks… Burning…

Jace could not believe that his lips was on hers, his arms on the small of her back and on her nape. Clary's lips were so soft, and her kisses were so gentle. He was only fantasizing what it feels like to hold her, to kiss her, to reciprocate the feelings he have for her. He always think of it as beautiful and wonderful, but never was it this amazing. She was all that he ever wanted. He returned her kisses with same level of tenderness, that she was like a glass so fragile. Her hands traveled on his arms, shifted on his cheek and through his hair as she let herself be consumed with unrestrained emotions.

He was holding her tightly, afraid that if he let a single space between them she will suddenly be gone. He dismissed other thoughts that were starting to form in his head. All he wanted was to savor this moment, to let Clary know how strong his feelings are for her.

She could feel the heat running through her body as he kissed her with more urgency and passion. She let him control the pace, and she responded with same intensity. All of her inhibition and self-control vanished like vapor into thin air. She didn't want to care anymore. She had been too hard on herself that she almost let this wonderful feeling slip away.

They fell on the sofa but neither of them cared, their lips connected and bodies still pressed together. Both of them couldn't get enough of each other, raw emotions of passion and desire manifested. Jace was not sure if Clary or him let out a moan as they let themselves drown in pleasure.

He placed soft kisses on her lips as their desires settled down. Slowly they disentangled themselves, their eyes locked on each other. He touched her arm, making light circular patterns which ignited heat to her body once more. She swallowed hard, restraining herself of the growing desire to have more of him. Instead, she gave him a small smile and rested her head on his chest. They stayed silent for a moment, their hearts beat faster than the usual.

"This is what I have been dreaming of, being with you, kissing you, holding you in my arms, and I was expecting it to be wonderful." He paused, his lips curved into a smile. "But it was not close to being this amazing, baby." He said, placing kisses on her hair.

"I am sorry Jace if I have tried pushing you away. I just don't know what to do. I was so afraid of having feelings for you when I shouldn't be." She softly spoke her voice full of emotions. Jace was about to speak but she continued talking.

"When I learned that Sebastian was cheating on me, I felt miserable. But it was not as miserable as when I found out that you were in a relationship with Aline. I felt horrible and more betrayed than ever. I told myself it didn't make sense since you will only be a friend to me. And I hate myself for feeling that way, knowing that I don't have the right to. But I can't help it… I tried stopping myself from feeling this way about you. I even tried driving you away to make it stop. But it was too strong, and I was afraid where this will lead me to." She confessed as tears began falling from her eyes.

Jace held her shoulders and made her look at him. "You don't need to apologize." He carefully brushed off the tears gushing down her face. "I know this had been hard for you, and I do understand where you were coming from. You might think I was just taking advantage of you, but I'm not. I can't deny anymore my feelings for you. Even when I was still in California and after I left, all I think about was you. It was not just attraction, my feelings for you are too deep." He reached for Clary's hand and placed it on his chest.

"My heart beats for you. Not Aline. My heart belongs to you." His voice was full of emotions.

"What about Aline? I don't think she'll let go of you easily. She had been rubbing it on my face like she owns you or something." Her lips pouted a little. She couldn't help but feel twinge of jealousy.

He reached over and planted a chaste kiss on her lips. She returned it with a sweet one.

"Aline and I were through. She's just too stubborn to admit that we're done. She can't make me stay. It's you I want not her." There was a hint of determination in his statement. "Don't mind her, baby. It's just you and me. Being with you is all that matters, all right?" He reassured her. He dismissed the threats Aline threw at him. The hell with her, he will do anything to protect Clary.

Their moment was interrupted when Jace's iPhone started ringing, and he hissed a curse when he saw who was calling.

"Who's it?" Clary innocently asked.

"It's Alec. This guy, wrong timing." He muttered which made her giggle.

"Dude, don't tell me you're here already?" He asked, irritation in his voice.

"I am almost there. So if you're still up her room, sorry to say but you need to go down. Change of plan, Isabelle wanted to go home." He informed.

Clary was staring at him while he was talking to Alec. She still can't believe that yesterday she was just rejecting him, and now they're kissing and talking about being together. What did she do to make a gorgeous man like her so much?

"Whatever you say Alec. Bye." He didn't wait for a reply from his best friend, he immediately pressed the end button. He noticed her staring at him, her lovely green eyes her irises a little darker than usual.

"What? Why are you staring at me?" He playfully asked as his fingers trailed on her arms all the way to her hands. She raises her eyebrow, he was obviously flirting with her.

"I can't help but stare and be in awe of how handsome you are. You're gorgeous and many girls are probably throwing themselves at you. I still can't get it. What did you see in an ordinary girl like me?" Goosebumps already forming on her arms where his fingers traveled.

"I am lucky to have you. You're pretty, talented, smart, kind, and so many other good qualities that I can ever mention. Don't think of yourself less because you're not. You don't know how much elated I am that you also feel the same way about me." He replied.

He was about to give her another kiss when his mobile phone rang again. "Grrr... I am going to strangle him." He groaned. As much as he wanted to stay with Clary, they might have arrived and were waiting for him now.

"Alec and Isabelle might be there already, I need to go." He squeezed her hands. "Can I see you tomorrow?" He asked.

She remembered that she will be seeing Aline tomorrow for the layouts that she's required to present. "I will be having a meeting with… with Aline." She sighed.

Jace didn't seem bothered by what she said. He recalled the warnings from Aline, but it was ironic that he didn't feel threatened. He will not let her hurt Clary. He brought back his focus on her and smiled. "I'll bring you to her place tomorrow or to her office, wherever you will meet her." He offered. She let out a sigh.

"I am not sure if that's a good idea…"

He placed his hands on her shoulders and gave her a smile. "You don't need to worry. I won't let her do anything to you, okay? Do you trust me?" He asked. She bit her lower lip and just nodded her head. "Of course I trust you."

"Thank you!" He exclaimed. He drew her to him and hugged her tightly.

She insisted on accompanying him to the lobby. They held hands while getting out of the building. As expected, Alec and Isabelle were standing beside the Range Rover. Both of them were looking at the two who just passed by a large glass door, shifting their eyes to their hands which were connected.

"I guess Romeo already got Juliet. Thank the heavens! It's about time he ditch that clingy-as-an-octopus Aline." She couldn't hide her annoyance when she mentioned Aline's name.

Jace looked up and waved his hand when he saw the siblings. Clary let him lead her to the vehicle where his friends were waiting. She suddenly became nervous and conscious seeing his friends, especially Isabelle. When they were already near them, both of them noticed they were smirking at them.

Jace ignored the look on their faces. "Alec, you have already met her." He nodded and smiled at Clary. He turned to Isabelle who was obviously studying her. "This is Alec's twin sister Isabelle. Isabelle, this is Clary."

Clary held out her hand to the beautiful girl in front of her. "It's nice to meet you, Isabelle."

"Same here. Your pictures on Jace's iPhone didn't do you much justice. You're prettier in person, no wonder he's crazy about you." She winked at her. Clary's face turned a little red over Isabelle's bluntness.

Isabelle pulled Clary a few steps away from the Range Rover when they were suddenly stopped by Jace. "What are you doing Isabelle? We just got together. She might change her mind." He teased her.

"Don't worry, she'll run as fast as she can." She sarcastically replied which made him chuckle.

Isabelle took her hand which obviously surprised her. "I know about you. Jace already mentioned you to me. When I saw your pictures on his phone, I can tell that you're a nice person. And I think I already like you. I have never seen him this happy, and he deserved this." She appreciated her honesty.

Clary's heart swelled with happiness hearing those words from Isabelle. "Thank you. I have never been this happy as well in years." She said.

"That's good to know." Isabelle said while squeezing her hand.

Just for a split second, Isabelle's face registered a slight worried look as if she just remembered something. "Listen Clary, I am telling you now that this won't be easy for the both of you. But I have one thing to ask of you, if it's okay?" She was startled by the seriousness of her voice that she was starting to become confused.

"Sure, what is it?" She asked softly. Isabelle gave her a small smile.

"Stay by Jace's side, okay? He loves you Clary. You might be doubting his feelings for you since you have not known each other for too long. But I know Jace, I grew up with him. He will never leave you, so please, stick with him, all right?" She replied.

"I will." She assured her and gave a small smile.

"Thank you. Jace is like a brother to me, and all I want for him is to be happy. I want for him to have someone who will genuinely love him for who he is, and not for what he has." She explained.

Their short conversation was interrupted when they heard Alec clapped his hands and motioned to the vehicle. Isabelle rolled her eyes. "Let's go back. Let's just continue this some other time."

"Sure,"

Jace walked towards Clary, while Alec and Isabelle headed towards the vehicle.

"I'll see you tomorrow." He said touching Clary's cheek with the back of his hand.

"I'll let you know what time you should pick me up here." She agreed. Slowly, Jace reached down and pressed his lips on hers for a gentle kiss. It was a quick one, but enough to send shivers down her spine.

Stepping back from him, she waves goodbye and slowly walked towards back the building.

Jace settled himself at the backseat of the Range Rover. Isabelle turned and looked at him, with playful smile on her face.

"What? I don't know what you told Clary earlier but it better be good. I don't want you to scare her off." He joked.

Isabelle made a face. "For your information Jace Herondale, the things I told her will not make her stay away from you. I just told her I like her and you deserve to be happy." She was like explaining to a 5-year old kid.

He gave her a grin. "Thanks." He suddenly became serious. " I am serious about her. To be honest, I have never felt anything like this before, this strong for a girl."

"What about Aline?" Alec suddenly asked. Isabelle glared at him. "What? I was just asking. After all, she has been chasing him like crazy." He pointed out.

Isabelle crinkled her nose. "She's crazy, literally crazy. She just don't get it that Jace doesn't want her anymore. He's like a trophy to her." She explained.

"I already told her we're done but she said we're not. I am sick and tired of keeping up with her drama. I don't care what she say or do. What's important is Clary, and what we have now." He affirmed.

"You have my support Jace. I really like Clary, I can tell she's really a nice person. I'm happy for the both of you." She assured him.

"Thank you Isabelle. Yes, she really is amazing. She's one of the nicest people I know. And I am falling in love with her." He confessed.

Isabelle gasped and clapped her hands delighted by his revelation. She looked at Alec, waiting for him to say something.

"I am with you here. Whatever makes Jace happy is fine with me of course. And I also take your liking for Clary, dear sister, positively. I can also tell she's a good person." He said.

"Thank you guys." He felt relieved by the words which came out from his friends. It was comforting to hear and learn that they approve of Clary because it never happened with Aline. Isabelle was vocal of her dislike of his ex-girlfriend. Alec, on the other hand, initially disapproved of her, but eventually respected his decision to be with her.

A few minutes after the conversation, they were already in front of the Herondale Mansion. He got his mobile phone and called Hodge, their master servant, who also serves as his chauffeur. "Hodge, I am already at the gate."

"All right Jace. The gate will be opened." He said. He went to the main door and pressed the button for the gates to open.

Jace got off the vehicle and waved goodbye at the two siblings. He walked towards the open gate and saw Hodge approaching him.

"Mrs. Herondale was looking for you a while ago. She asked me if I have seen you. I told her that I dropped you off at Renwick's and might be joined by Alec and Izzy." He said.

"Is she still awake?" He asked

"I am not sure. I have not seen her after she talked to me. She must have gone back to their room." He answered.

"That's fine, Hodge. I'll just talk to her later. My head's pounding and I need to shower and freshen myself up." He said. He walked towards the stairs to go up his room, He was about to open the door of his room when he heard his mother's voice.

"It's already 5 am. I spoke to Aline last night..." She was interrupted by Jace.

"Mom, please. I don't want to hear about her rants. I have a terrible headache, I want to shower and to sleep." He groaned.

"Don't speak to me that way!" She retorted. "I am really worried about Aline. She told me that she saw you at Renwick's drinking more than you should. Why are you behaving like that?"

He just kept quiet and contemplated on what to say to his mother. He was about to speak t when she spoke again. "I have been hearing gossips about you and a certain girl you met somewhere. I hope that it's not true. There's no other one for you but Aline. Do you understand, Jonathan?" She threatened.

Jace shrugged and waved dismissively at her. "What's wrong if I prefer someone rather her? This is my life mom." He calmly stated.

"No! no! It's Aline or no one else." She demanded.

He felt tired and weary, he didn't not want to argue with his mother. But like Aline, she was stubborn and demanding, and would like to have things her way. Even if it hurts him or his father.

"Good morning mom, I'll go inside my room." He did not wait for her reply, he walked inside and shut his bedroom door behind.

xxxxx

Magnus was awakened by sounds coming from the kitchen. He already heard the tinkling sound of utensils on the plate. He peered through the small opening of the door, and he smelled bacon, toast, and omelet. He can hear Clary humming a song which was somewhat familiar to him. He raised his eyebrow, and wondered what happened to this lady, who was just sad and crying a few days ago. He rubbed his eyes thinking that he might be dreaming.. He slowly stepped out of his room, and saw her placing a pitcher of orange juice on their small wooden table. When she saw him, she smiled, and gestured for him to sit down.

"It's not that I don't want to see that beaming smiling of yours, but the last time I checked I thought the house will be flooded with tears." He commented.

Clary didn't seem to mind Magnus' observation, and continued setting all the food she prepared for breakfast. He forked a portion of the omelet and a large piece of bacon and stuffed them in his mouth.

"You're really in a good mood, these are delicious." He remarked, continued eating the rest of the food on his plate.

"You can say so." She replied waggling her eyebrows at him.

"Mind to tell me what happened to you? Is this about Jace?" He inquired, his voice was full of curiosity.

She blushed and stopped eating the bacon which was almost on her mouth. "Yes," she timidly replied.

His eyes went wide. "Oh. my. gosh!" He exclaimed. "Did you?" He asked his voice trailed off.

"I don't know what you're implying by your question. But we're okay, I mean, we're sort of together." She confirmed.

"How? You were just so determined to not get carried away by your feelings for him. Though I know he will just continue being persistent, but you?" He said disbelievingly.

She narrated to him how she got a phone call from someone who said that Jace was at Renwick's and thought she was his girlfriend until their conversation after she asked him to come up to their unit to wait for Alec and Isabelle.

"And you kissed!" He placed both of his palms on the side of his cheeks. "How did I not wake up to witness it?" He teased. Clary blushed furiously.

"Good thing you were so deep in your sleep or it would never had happened." She replied.

Clary and Magnus were startled by the sudden heavy pounding on their door. They looked at each other, both had questioned look on their faces, thinking who would go knocking on the door as early as 7am.

"You go open the door, might be your prince charming." Magnus waggled his eyebrows at her. Clary giggled while she rolled her eyes at him.

She hastily walked towards the doorway. She opened the door and her smile was wiped off her face when she saw who their early visitor was. Aline.

"Hi Clary, do you mind if I come in for a talk?" She greeted her in a condescending voice.

A/N

Thank you for the reviews given by Aubrey Kelly, XOXPandaBear, lunatic-blondie, and a guest. They mean so much to me and I am more encouraged to continue writing the upcoming/remaining chapters of this story.

Do you think this is the right time for Clary to give in to her feelings for Jace?

What about Isabelle's attitude towards Clary?

Will Aline stir or cause trouble?

Do let me know your thoughts by writing a review. :)

After almost a year of writer's block, I have decided to change the story line a bit. The initial story might take me more than 30 chapters, so for an easy read, I had to fast track and delete some of the scenes.

I am now working on Chapter 15 and a new story that I have planned to work on together with Just Can't Let Go. If you have any suggestions on how would you like the next chapters to go about, feel free to send me a message and let me see if it will suit up the plot I have in mind.

Don't forget to write a review after reading this. Thanks again. :)