Scarred for Life

Chapter 26

I know, I know. I't's been almost a month since I've updated. I've been juggling multiple events in my life and am just now starting to sort it all out. Now that school's out I should be able to update more regularly, but I do have a BUSY summer planned.

Enjoy :)

Clary P.O.V

We went outside and Jace stood aside while I made a portal. We stepped through and found ourselves in Central Park. Jace griped about having to pay for a cab, clearly channeling all of his frustration about Jonathan and putting it toward more mundane things. During the entire ride back to the Institute, Jace sat so close to the door opposite of me that I was afraid he would fall out.

Every inch between us felt like a mile. I longed to touch him, to have him hold me. Nowadays, Jace was the only person that made me feel truly safe. I wanted to explain my reasons to him, to try and get him to understand, but every time I opened my mouth he would hold up a hand, signaling that he definitely didn't want to talk.

When we got back to the Institute, Jace had thrown a wad of cash at the driver and was halfway up the Institute steps before I could even open my door. I said a hurried thanks to the cab driver and followed after Jace.

When I stepped out of the elevator, I was greeted with silence. I look around the front room and found Max asleep on one of the couches. I couldn't help but smile a little. He looked so cute with one arm hanging off the couch and his glasses sitting crookedly on his nose. I walked over and took his glasses off, setting them on the side table. I knew Maryse would be mad if they fell off and broke.

Shit, Maryse! I jumped away from Max and jogged down the hall towards my room, not ready to face 'The Dictator'. Maryse always seemed to know everything that happened at the Institute right when it happens and I knew that she was just itching for the chance to give me a verbal smack-down.

As soon as I got to my room I locked the door and threw my bag onto the bed. I grabbed a towel, some pajamas, and a bottle of shampoo and walked into the en-suite bathroom. I took my time lathering, shaving, and soaping, trying to get the feel of Jonathan's hands off of my body.

.o.O.o.

Almost an hour later, I emerged from the bathroom. Dressed in sweats and an old tank top, I left my room intent on getting a late night snack. I had just passed Jace's room, which was the first door in the hallway branching off from the front room, when I heard his door start to open. Not wanting to get into any drama when I was this exhausted, I hid behind a column in the front room, directly behind the couch Max was currently sleeping on.

"Come on, Jace. Can't I stay just a teensy bit longer?" An unidentifiable female said, sounding like she was coming from Jace's room.

"No. You've served your purpose, now go home. I'll call you when I need you again." Jace sounded annoyed, yet oddly euphoric.

"Oh please baby, you know that if you let me stay I can rock your world all night long." My stomach churned when I heard the highly suggestive tone she used to deliver her not so subtle innuendo.

"I've told you this before, and sadly, it turns out that I have to tell you yet again. I'm not interested in a relationship. Especially one with you. You're good for a quick lay, nothing more, nothing less. If you keep getting clingy, then I'm gonna have to stop calling you for good."

I peeked around the column, trying to see who he was talking to. It was Kaelie, the waitress from Taki's. Jace had taken me there on a few dates and I remembered Kaelie because of her frightening, yet beautiful, blue eyes. Now she stood before Jace wearing almost nothing with her arms crossed and bottom lip stuck out in a pout, looking like a petulant child. "If that's the way you want to be, than fine. Call me when that little green-eyed bitch of yours refuses to put out again."

I saw Jace's eyes flash with anger and for a moment, just one moment, I thought that he would defend me. Then I saw him smirk and I knew that I was sorely mistaken. "You'll be first on my list."

Hearing the dismissal in his tone, Kaelie tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder and made her way over to the elevator. It wasn't until she got in the elevator and turned around that she saw me, pressed up against the wall, trying my hardest to sink into the stone. Kaelie tossed me a victorious smirk and right as the elevator door closed, she mouthed, He's mine now, slut. And with that, the ever-classy Kaelie left the Institute.

It wasn't until she left that I could fully comprehend what had just happened. By the Angel, Jace just had sex… with Kaelie. Why would he do that? Did our relationship really mean so little to him? These were my thoughts for the next half hour. Whenever I managed to push one away, I was assaulted with ten more.

Finally, I just gave up. I went over to the couch and sat down next to Max, careful not to disturb him. I was exhausted, mentally and physically. If I could only fall asleep, I could forget about all the madness, if only for a little while. I welcomed sleep as it washed over me in a wave.

.o.O.o.

Jace P.O.V

I walked out of my bedroom, shirtless, and started towards the kitchen. All I could think about is how much I wanted a sandwich. It's amazing how many calories sex can burn. I felt a pang in my chest, immediately feeling guilty. A certain red-head popped into my head. Damnit Jace, quit thinking about her. She murdered your dad, you have a right to do whatever the hell you want.

I was walking through the front room when I heard a sigh. I turned around and had to contain the chuckle that was threatening to escape. There, on the couch, was Clary and Max. My little buddy was laying on top of Clary, his head on her feet and his feet on top of her face. His little toes were shoved up her nostrils, forcing her to breath through her mouth.

Feeling a tiny bit bad for both of them, I went over and picked up Max. He may be 10, but he still only weighs about 70 pounds. I carried him to his room and placed him in his bed. I pulled the covers up to his chin and walked back out into the front room.

Clary had shifted on the couch and her neck was now hanging off at an awkward angle. Knowing it was a bad idea, I walked over and picked her up bridal style. She was only a little heavier than Max and it won't take much strength to get her back to her bedroom. As if it was a reflex, Clary hands came up and wrapped themselves around my neck. She turned her head and buried her face in my chest, mumbling something unintelligible.

Walking to her room, I couldn't help but revel in the feel of her body against mine. It felt good, right. I knew it was wrong but I craved her. Every second I held her, I felt more and more guilty. I shouldn't have had sex with Kaelie. I only did it because I needed to channel my frustration into something.

When we got her room I laid her very gently on her bed, being careful not to wake her up. I pulled the covers up to her chest and stood there. I couldn't bring myself to leave. I bent down and kissed her forehead, loving the feel of her soft skin on my lips. Knowing that my resolve was weakening, I quickly left the room and shut the door between us.

From that moment on, I vowed to always keep a door between us.

So ya, we see a super sappy Jace. I love it when he gets all sensitive. ;)

Question Time:

1.) How do you think Isabelle will react when she sees that Clary's back?

2.) How's Jace going to deal with his issues?

3.) What are Valentine and Jonathan planning?

4.) Where the hell is Simon?

Tell me what you think. Review!

Bye guys,

ByTheAngel99

P.S: Check out my one-shot called Coming Home. It's a story I wrote for Memorial Day!