Chapter 10 - Wagers and Confessions
They stood in silence for a moment. The sound of the forest awakening did little to alleviate the thunderous beat of her heart against her chest. Jace's eyes were closed, his brows knitted together.
"Jace…" Clary whispered, bringing her fingers up to caress his cheek but Jace caught it in his own.
Golden eyes bore down on her. Guilt, darkness, and hunger swirled in their depths.
"Forget about it, Clary. Nothing is going to happen to me… now where were we." the man grinned.
Clary didn't have a chance to retort before his lips were on hers once more. While the feeling was still pleasant, she knew he was trying to distract her. Stepping backwards she quickly broke off the embrace. Jace complied, reluctantly.
"Jace! I can't just FORGET about a vision of you potentially DYING!" the redhead demanded, digging her heels in.
The blonde was less than thrilled. Throwing his hands in the air he took a step away from her.
"I don't know what to tell you, Clary. There are things I can't share with you. Not yet, at least."
"What do you mean?"
Jace's face became even more guarded.
"Things I am not at liberty to share. At least…not at this time. Perhaps after you receive the god's blessing but-" Jace finished, letting out a frustrated sigh.
Clary took a deep breath. Secrets…more secrets. While it frustrated her, Clary had to remember that despite the pull they felt towards one another, they didn't know eachother long and perhaps with time these secrets would reveal themselves.
"I will let it go for now," the redhead relented.
Jace eyed her curiously. Knowing her stubbornness enough that he doubted she would let something like this go. The redhead understood and shook her head.
"If…" she added.
Jace smiled, his eyes sharpened with anticipation.
"I knew there would be a catch." he sighed.
Clary smiled without any shame. He had fallen right into her trap.
"If you take me with you when you fight demons."
"Absolutely not!" the blonde roared.
"But-" she began.
"You are not even trained in combat,Clary!" he quipped. "How fares your swordsmanship skills hmmm? Or your archery? You couldn't even hit a fifty foot tall giant wolf when he was right in front of you!"
Clary's face scrunched up and her eyes narrowed.
"How many times do I have to tell everyone I missed on PURPOSE!"
Jace gave her a disbelieving look.
"I can prove it to you! I am a good shot. I bet I could even beat you, Jace!" she protested.
"Doubtful!" Jace retorted.
Clary smiled, wickedly. Jace couldn't help but feel like he had fallen for yet another one of her traps.
"Do you really have something to do today or were you just saying that because you were mad?" the redhead inquired.
"I do not. The god took care of the demons last night. I was just upset. I am at your disposal till sunset if you wish." the blonde explained, cautiously.
"I do wish it." she grinned. "I think that you and I should settle this matter in the form of a contest."
Jace raised an eyebrow and folded his muscular arms across his chest.
"I admit, I have no swordsmanship skills," she began, sending him a dirty look when he smiled. "But I am an exceptional archer…so much so that I am willing to bet that I am better than even you."
"And what boon do you wish to play for, my lady?" the blonde teased.
"If I win, you WILL take me with you when you hunt demons, at least when you are not with the guardian."
"And if I win, you will remain in the shelter at night. Not climbing the tree but safely nestled inside the cabin area." Jace demanded as Clary's face dropped, mumbling something about the guardian being a tattle tell. "You will also NOT be going with me while I hunt demons or anything I deem too dangerous," he added.
Clary rolled her eyes but nodded.
"Is that all?" she inquired.
Jace thought for a moment before another idea crossed his mind.
"You agree to share my bed this afternoon."
Clary's face dropped, a bright red blush growing on her cheeks. While Jace hadn't made it a secret he desired her, Clary was surprised he would barter on her virginity. Reading Clary's face, Jace frowned.
"I do not mean making love, Clary. I only wish to feel your body against mine during a leisurely nap this afternoon. To hold you in my arms similar to the night we shared in the forest."
"That is quite the bon to ask," the redhead tease, regaining her composure. "But I think that can be arranged, given you agree to a boon of mine in return."
"And what do you wish to add onto our little wager, my devious redhead?"
"I want you to train me on how to use a sword." she demanded.
"How do you know I am fluent in such skills?" Jace inquired. "I might be a novice myself."
"Well I would hope someone who owned such a large collection of weapons, such as yourself, would know how to use them." she argued, gesturing to the weapons rack across the room. The one she uncovered when she searched the room in her boredom yesterday.
Jace sighed, pinching his fingers between his brows.
"Fine, I agree but only if you promise to never attempt to use such a weapon on me during an argument."
"Agreed." Clary grinned. "To all conditions."
Jace's sharp eyes appraised her, his lips turning up in a devilish smirk.
"Then let's get to it. You're going to lose, Red"
The pair quickly set up a makeshift archery area by the lake. Clary had found unopened paint in the shelter and used it to create bullseyes on nearby trees along with some makeshift standing ones. The early morning weather was perfect for it as much of the area was shaded from the heat. Jace brought the quiver of arrows, which he had hidden somewhere, to the starting area while Clary finished the final touches on one of the targets.
"Are you sure the guardian won't be upset that you are allowing me access to arrows?" the redhead called out across the meadow.
"Oh, these will be hidden once again after I secure my victory," Jace replied. "And before our nap of course!"
Clary shook her head. A smile littered her face, she was going to enjoy flaunting her victory over his head.
Once the targets were set up, the pair made their way towards the starting line. As there was only one bow available, they would have to take turns.
"Ladies first." Jace spoke, handing her an arrow.
Clary smiled at his apprehension. For someone who claimed she was such a poor shot, he certainly was protective of those arrows. Taking the arrow and loading it in her bow, she went to take her first shot. Adjusting for the angel, she brought the string out to her jaw, and watched with glee as it hit the target, missing the center by two circles. She was about to voice her disappointment when she heard Jace suck in a breath beside her.
"I suppose I might have spoken too soon when I boasted about my abilities." the blonde complained.
"If this were a duel with swords, I doubt you would have a chance. Alas, I think my archery skills might be rusty."
"Alec never gave you lessons?" Clary inquired.
Jace shook his head, loading an arrow up into the bow.
"I never saw the need to really learn. I assure you, a choice I now regret." he explained releasing the arrow and hitting the outermost circle of the target.
"And yet, you chose to accept this challenge." Clary retorted, taking another arrow and expertly aiming it at the next target. This time, hitting a bullseye in the middle. Jace was less than thrilled.
"I admit, I thought you might have exaggerated your skills. Most ladies are not taught to use weapons." Jace groaned, shooting at the next target and missing it completely.
Clary laughed playfully. While Jace was correct in his assumption, not all weapons were objects of war. Some were used for persuasion and Isabelle has taught her many ways a woman could use her weapons. A flutter of the eye lash, an adjustment of one's fan…the female form in general could be very persuasive. She curiously wondered what weapons Jace would be the most susceptible to.
"Would you like to concede early and we can use the next targets as practice, maybe give you some lessons. I would be more than happy to teach you."
"You should learn something now, my feisty redhead." he spoke, taking another arrow and loading it into his bow. "I never give up when chasing something I want."
"Even if it is futile?" Clary quipped.
"Even if it seems futile." the blonde grinned.
The rest of the competition went much the same with Clary hitting nearly every bullseye. While Jace did improve by the last target, it was clear who the winner would be. While Jace lost poorly, he was still a good sport about everything. Too much of a "good sport" one might say.
"So, when do we go and hunt demons?" Clary prompted, handing Jace back the arrows.
The blonde frowned.
"Never." Jace replied.
Clary was taken aback. Was he going back on his word already?
"You lost. The deal was-"
"That I would take you with me anytime I had to hunt demons alone…without the guardian." Jace finished.
"Yes, and-"
"And I now plan to leave all demon hunting at night time. Where the guardian is present."
"That…that isn't fair!" Clary argued.
"It is what you asked for." Jace smiled, content in his victory.
Clary's eyes narrowed. She should have known that there would be a catch. Jace wasn't one to concede so easily.
"Sounds like I am going to be spending my nights climbing a large tree and looking out at the stars." the redhead groaned with annoyance.
Jace was unfazed and shrugged his shoulders.
"I am willing to accept that…for now." he winked.
"You can be so insufferable." Clary complained, rolling her eyes.
"So I have been told, Red."
The pair finished cleaning up and Clary reluctantly handed the quiver full of arrows back to Jace. Given her skill level, he was just as adamant as before that she did not have access to them until she received the god's blessing. She wondered how long that was going to take. Making her way up the rope ladder, she made her way back to the shelter as Jace went to go and hide the arrows once again.
Luckily for her, he came back with some baked goods. Another offering from the village. Clary would certainly need to find a way to repay their kindness. Right now, there was little she could do and it was important that she keep her energy up in order to survive the wilderness. Jace didn't eat much and she wondered how he kept up his energy. Not to mention his physique. She could just see the hint of the definition of his abes through his loose tunic.
"Is there something on my clothes?" Jace asked, breaking her from her reprieve.
Clary blushed. She couldn't help it.
"I was just thinking about…" she hesitated.
Jace, enjoying her frustration, eyed her with amusement.
"How to seduce me?"
"Absolutely not!" Clary interjected.
Jace didn't look the least bit convinced. Clary wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of knowing she had been admiring his body. The man didn't need another ego boost. Catching a glimpse of something shiny, she sought her distraction.
"I was thinking about our deal." the redhead spoke, getting up and making her way across the room.
Jace's golden eyes followed her as she made her way behind the bed where she often changed clothes. Pushing the chair back from the table, he no doubt thought she would be getting herself ready. Perhaps, to present herself to him ready to deflower? He was going to be sorely disappointed.
"I was thinking about how we agreed that you would teach me how to wield one of these." Clary announced, appearing from behind the bed with a sword in her hand.
Jace's face instantly went pale.
"Don't touch that!"Jace yelled, lunging forward.
Clary froze, the hilt of the blade still in her hand. Jace took a step towards her, reaching his hand out to cover hers."
"You know, I do know how to hold a sword." Clary cautioned.
"Well, I would like you to have some practice before I let you handle mine." Jace smiled, enjoying the double innuendo.
Carefully he took the blade from her hands. Giving her a wink.
"You are naughty." she replied.
"What can I say, Clary. You bring out the best in me."
"You are going to keep your word and teach me how to wield a "proper" sword?" the redhead begged.
"Do you really want me to?" Jace asked, taking the blade and examining it. Clary watched in earnest as he placed the blade expertly on his finger, balancing it perfect. Then, with a flick of the wrist. The sword cut through the arm before landing expertly back in Jace's hand.
"Yes, show off." she teased.
Jace gave her a dazzling smile that did little to calm her heart given their close proximity.
"I learned very early how to handle a sword from a very early age."
"You are very good, Jace. Did your father teach you?"
The blonde frowned.
"A story for another time, Red." Jace sighed, putting the blade back into its sheath.
Clary gave him a weary smile. The room was quiet, and despite the peaceful sounds of nature and warmth coming from outside, the aurora around Jace was aloft. It was the first time she had seen the toll of Jace's time in isolation.
"Jace," Clary whispered.
He put the weapon down and turned to face her. His expression weary with sadness.
"It won't be dark for a bit, would you like to take a nap with me? I…I didn't get much sleep last night." the redhead smiled, taking a seat on the bed and patting the area beside her.
Jace's golden eyes glowed as a small smile tugged at his lips.
"Just sleep?" he teased.
"Just sleep." she smiled.
Strolling over to the bed, Jace quickly dropped in front of her. Clary wasn't sure what he was going to do but was quickly surprised and he leaned down and began to undo the laces on her boots.
"No shoes in the bed." the blonde teased.
Clary smiled, lifting her leg to assist him.
"But how am I supposed to run away now?" she jested.
Jace looked up, catching her gaze. Clary froze. Intense golden eyes pinned her in place. The feel of his calloused hands leaving a trail of electricity as they caressed her bare calf.
"You don't." Jace spoke, matter of factly.
Clary watched him lift himself from the ground, still frozen in her spot. Her breath hitched and her heart beating frantically. Jace didn't break his gaze. Not even as he lifted his shirt above his head, revealing his bare chest. A small smile formed on his lips, as he leaned forward. His fingers caressing her cheek before moving to her lips.
"You're going to let a fly in if you keep your mouth open like that." he spoke.
Catching herself, Clary quickly closed her mouth. A bright blush littering her cheeks.
"Time to "just sleep," Red." Jace grinned, laying down in the spot beside her.