Chapter 68: This is a long chapter. I got stuck with a few things and it took me a while to figure them out. Jace gets quite a scare. Clary gets a special surprise. Jonathan continues to suck. Nate is just icky. The end is nigh.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Rated M. Graphic descriptions of fire victims. Non-Con elements. Violence against women/pregnant women.
I do not own any of the characters, only the illustrious Cassandra Clare owns them. I do, however, own this particular story, so please don't be lame and copy/paste it elsewhere.
Thank you for the follows, likes, and reviews! It really means a lot!
Previously: "Tearfully, she sighed and turned her head away from him, looking out the window, watching smoke fill the sky as The Gard burned. Jace and Alec are safe. I know it. I'm not dead, Jace. I'm not dead... don't believe it."
Clary opened her eyes suddenly as the limo hit a bump in the road. "I'm not dead!" Clary blinked her eyes. She had been dreaming, but she couldn't remember much. Running… Jace… fear… fire. She shook her head. It was dark outside. I must have fallen asleep. "No, love, you are thankfully quite alive." Jonathan. Fuck. "Hello, kitten… Mmm. You smell good." Clary stiffened, realizing she was leaning back against his chest, between his legs, with her feet up across the long seat. Startled, she felt his arms tighten around her from behind, his hot lips running up and down her neck, as he gently pulled the top of her dress and bra down from her shoulders, cupping and squeezing her bare breasts. "I know you wore this for me… I love you in cashmere, Clarissa." Gasping, she struggled out of his arms and slid to the other side of the seat pulling her dress back up over her breasts. "Stop fucking touching me, Jonathan. I told you no!" After stopping to trade their SUV for a limo and visiting his penthouse for food, which she barely touched, and his disgusting attempts to coax her to his bedroom... Trauma's such an appetite and libido killer. Surprisingly, he hadn't tried to force her, as she feared he would. He had insisted they drive all the way back to Morgenstern Manor, instead of taking the helicopter as they had so many times before. He apparently "Hoped to get reacquainted." Which Clary knew, meant he would probably try to molest her the entire three hour drive. She had pushed him away successfully so far, until she fell asleep. What had he done to her while she slept? Clary shuddered.
Jonathan sighed heavily and sat up straighter, clearly annoyed. He adjusted the problem in his pants, as Clary scoffed in disgust. "We're already on the estate grounds, Clarissa. So, ready yourself." Clary looked straight ahead, catching Nate's eyes in the rearview mirror. Traitor. Had he seen Jonathan pull down her dress? I hate the way he looks at me… reminds me of Axel. How did I not see it before? She tore her eyes away and looked out the window as they approached Morgenstern Manor. Ready myself? Fuck you, Jonathan. Clary's heart started pounding in her chest as the limo stopped in the courtyard and angry tears stung her eyes. She remembered running from him, gunfire, Amatis tackling her… Aunt Amatis… escaping. She thought of Maia and the pregnant girl and a hard lump formed in her throat. Murderers. Swallowing it down and fighting tears, she jumped when the door was opened by Emil Pangborn. He smiled politely at her and stepped back. Sliding out, Jonathan offered his hand to Clary. Not happening. Clary glared at his hand, then his face. She crossed her arms over her chest, refusing to budge from the back of the limo. She scooted back indignantly to the other side of the seat against the far door. Jonathan clenched his jaw and tilted his head at her angrily. Pursing his lips, he looked across the roof of the limo and nodded to someone. Suddenly the door behind her opened and Nate was there, pulling her out by her upper arms. "Let's go, little mama. No more shenanigans… Mmm. How's our little Idrian princess?" He put his hand on her stomach and rubbed it. No he fucking didn't. Clary growled, punched him hard in the gut, slapping and clawing at his face, as he tried to grab her wrists. Grunting he fell down on one knee. Tears ran down her face as she screamed. "Don't fucking touch me you murdering freak. Ever! You fucking burned her alive, you sick twisted little bitch! We trusted– I hate you– I'll kill you for what you did to Maia. I swear to god, Nate–" A strong hand wrapped around the back of her neck and squeezed painfully, slightly shaking her. "Clarissa." Jonathan hissed her name against the back of her head. Shit.
Panting, Clary froze and stopped swinging. She put a protective hand over her belly and raised the other in surrender. "J-Jon, please keep him away from me…" As her breathing calmed, she glared daggers at Nate, watching him swipe his hand over the bloody scratches on his neck and cheek. He hummed and looked at her belly, breasts, then up at her excitedly. Is he fucking aroused? Psychopath. He stood up, panting, licking the blood from his fingers. "Thank you, Clary. I rather enjoyed that." She looked up at him in horror and recoiled back against Jonathan. He quickly slapped Nate across the face. "Not Clarissa. Enough of your weird Circle kinks, Nightshade. Ask anyone here what happens to men that lay lustfull hands on my woman… since you're new, that is your only warning. She is mine. Now, go see to Mrs. Morgenstern's present. Make sure it's ready."Nate clenched his jaw and nodded, walking away. Jonathan turned Clary around and looked down at her impassively, setting his hands on her shoulders. "Will you walk in with me or do I have to carry you? Think of our daughter, Clarissa. You need to eat." Clary shook his hands from her shoulders angrily, stood tall and glared up into his black eyes defiantly. He smirked down at her and raised his eyebrows. She knew he'd pick her up and carry her in like a child. She'd have to comply for now. Clary looked around at Jonathan's entourage of thugs. I can't believe I'm fucking here again. There was no way she could escape, especially at 33 weeks pregnant. Fighting tears, she turned, ascended the stone steps and entered Morgenstern Manor. Don't believe it, Jace. I'm not dead.
Frustrated, Jace chased after her through a forest, branches and thorns lashing at him from his left and right, hindering his progress. Where is she going? He saw her running far ahead of him, approaching where the forest ended and a bright green grassy plain began. "Clary! Wait… I'm here, baby…" She stopped just short of the grassy plain, and turned to wait for him, laughing. The Summer sun shone behind her, illuminating her hair in a blazing, flaming crown… she wore a white lace dress, flowing elegantly around her. So beautiful. She opened her arms and smiled at him, waiting for him to catch up. Clary flinched suddenly and the sunlight turned dark, as a thick fog of smoke and embers covered the plain behind her. Jace screamed and ran faster towards her, but never seemed to get closer. Roots burst from the ground tripping him and he cried out for her as he fell forward with a thud. "Clary! Fire! Come back…" Clary gasped and looked behind her as the fires engulfing the plain rolled towards her like a great flaming tidal wave. She turned back to him, screaming, reaching her hands toward him in desperation, as the flames swallowed her and spread to the forest around him. Jace screamed as he heard her hysterical voice surround him… "I'm not dead, Jace… I'm not dead. I'm not dead…"
Jace's eyes snapped open from his nightmare. What the fuck? The lamp light hurt his eyes and his throat was dry. "Not dead… love you, baby." Clary… He heard a rustling to his right and painfully turned his head to see Will Herondale sitting in a chair next to his bed. Why am I in bed? He smells like smoke. Will laughed humorlessly, wiping his hand over his face. "Yes, little cousin. You are most definitely not dead, although you certainly gave it a good shot. And I love you too… baby." Asshole. Why am I in my room at the safehouse? Where's– "Clary– fire!" Jace sat quickly up in bed then hissed in pain, grabbing the back of his head to find a thick dressing of gauze taped there. Nausea welled up in his stomach and his head throbbed. Dizzy, he fell back into his pillows groaning. "Fuck… Will, what happened? Where's Clary…Alec? We have to get the fuck out of Idris– Morgenstern…The Circle." Jace sat up slowly and looked at his cousin. His head was down and he wouldn't look at Jace.
A cold fear crept up Jace's spine and his heart began to beat against his chest. It was very unlike his cousin to be so quiet. Something is wrong. "Will– fucking look at me. Why am I here? Where is Clary? Goddamnit, answer me!" Oh no… no. Clary… Jace threw back the covers and started to get out of bed and Will put his hands on his shoulders, pushing him back down, shaking his head. "Stop. You need to rest Jace, you almost got a bullet in your brain… you were lucky. I was able to shoot the piece of shit before his shot cleared. It grazed you pretty good, though. You've got stitches and a fucking concussion. You need to stay down–" Jace swung his fist at Will, knocking him back, and kicked the covers off, trying to jump out of bed. I Have to find her. Will jumped on him, holding him down. What isn't he telling me? Both Herondales looked up when the bedroom door burst open. Alec stood there, his hands on his hips, a grim look on his face. Oh no. No… "Will. I need to speak to Jace. Alone, please." Sighing heavily, Will looked down and nodded, releasing Jace. He stood and looked down at Jace sadly, turned and left the room. Jace swallowed nervously. Fuck this.
Jace scowled at his cousin's retreating figure and straightened his shirt, sitting on the side of the bed. "I'm not fucking staying in bed Alec. I'm fine… it's just a scratch. You should see the other guy…" He reached over and opened his water bottle, drinking deeply. Not looking at Alec. Just don't look at him and it will go away… she's fine. His head hurt badly, but he didn't want to admit it. He felt the bed sink beside him, as Alec sat down. His leg rested against Jace's. "Jace– look at me, brother." Jace's head throbbed and his nausea returned. She's fine. He closed his eyes and shook his head, whispering. "No Alec. Just say what you came to say." He heard Alec clear his throat. "You– you've been out for hours, Jace. You know about the fire. We were in the lobby when Will shot a guy before he could kill you… We dragged you out as the fire– it spread so quickly. Fire trucks came, but The Gard was an old building. It became engulfed and people were trapped… the building collapsed, Jace. It's just in ruins now. We passed you to our team for treatment and they brought you back here. Aaron, Will, and I stayed to find Clary and Maia." At Clary's name Jace's eyes flew open and he turned to Alec. Don't say it.
His best friend and partner turned to him and grabbed his face. "Listen to me, Jace. The rescue workers, fire department were able to recover almost all of the victims, most were burned beyond recognition, okay? We believe Clary and Maia were among the bodies, Jace. It's not official, we just overheard that among the bodies recovered, one was pregnant. We weren't able to–" Jace's ears began to ring as he watched Alec's mouth moving. Why can't I hear him? He clasped his hands over Alec's and blinked into his teary blue eyes. Alec never cries. Never… What did he say? Clary. Jace shook his head, frowning, his eyes flooding with tears and his throat contracting. Dead? Jace's heart began to pound and a great pain washed over every muscle in his body. He shoved Alec away from him and began to scream. "What do you mean, Alec? Clary! No–" Alec began to sob and pulled Jace into a tight embrace. "I'm so sorry Jace. We couldn't get to them. I'm so goddamn sorry." Jace hugged Alec back, sniffling and groaning painfully against his chest. Clary dead… No. No. It's Morgenstern… The Circle… that weirdo, Nick… I won't believe it. They took her. He remembered his dream… "I'm not dead, Jace. I'm not dead."
Jace stopped crying and sniffled, wiping his face, pulling away from Alec. "Where's the body, Alec? I need to see it. It can't be her. We're getting married. Her baby– our baby. No, Alec… no." Alec shook his head, tears falling down his cheeks… "Jace, we aren't allowed access to claim anyone or view anything until all bodies are recovered and processed. It's no different than how we do it back home. But, I need you to think about it, bro. Where is she? Where is Maia? They haven't called, no one's seen them, and one of the victims was pregnant, man. I mean…" Jace began sobbing and nodding. Everything Alec was saying seemed logical… made sense… except to his heart. He fell back against the pillows, shuddering and crying. Clary. Clary. Burned… She's gone? my heart is gone. My life is gone. I'm not dead…
The door to Jace's bedroom flew open, startling Jace and Alec. Will cleared his throat from the doorway, his face pale. He held a large tablet. "I'm sorry, I just got some news from my contact at the hospital. Th-they have a Jane Doe survivor from the fire. I'm certain it's Maia, mates. She's on the burn unit. Look–" He held up the tablet with a picture of a woman, unconscious in a hospital bed. Her body was nearly completely wrapped in bandages and gauze, obviously from the fire… all but her face. Jace's heart began to race. "That is definitely Maia! Thank god… Take me to the hospital now! She's the last one to see Clary… She'll need security– if Maia survived then–" Will looked down nervously and ran his hand through his thick dark hair. "Aaron is on his way to protect Maia… um. There's more." Jace narrowed his eyes at his cousin, sniffling. "Goddammit, Will. What aren't you telling me? I can't fucking take any more of this shit. WHAT?"
Will looked at Alec, then back to Jace. "My guy was able to sneak into the morgue as well, cousin, to get pictures of the pregnant Jane Doe. The… body was burned badly–" Will paused when he saw Jace flinch. "Um– just the arms and hands seemed to be… identifiable, as they were… under her during the fire. We don't have access to the morgue, as of yet. My man inside, though who took pictures… I have to warn you, mate. They're thorough." Jace swallowed and nodded, taking the tablet from his cousin. Alec hummed and placed a hand on his shoulder. Jace began to tremble as he opened the first picture. In his line of work he'd seen many such pictures, but– He cleared his throat, his breath shallow as he swiped through the photos. Jace groaned and shuddered in horror. There was no way to tell if it was her, other than she was obviously pregnant. Jace shuddered. There was some sort of plastic apparatus on the body's head. It had melted… headphones or something? What the hell? Jace scoffed nervously. "I'm not seeing anything that proves–" He stopped swiping, his throat closing, nausea bubbling in his guts. It was a closeup picture of a small hand… the fingers were swollen with a smudged diamond ring halfway down the ringfinger… It was her engagement ring. The one I gave her. Jace's ears began to ring as waves of dizziness and nausea overtook him. His eyes blurred and he heard Alec saying his name. Dropping the tablet, he leaned over the bed and vomited into his wastebasket. Clary.
Clary's heart began to race, as a smiling servant placed a tall blueberry-kale smoothie in front of her. She smiled nervously and thanked the woman, remembering her kind eyes and delicious scones, from months ago. The servants had rushed in and welcomed her back, cooing over her round belly. Clary had been polite and gracious, so as not to anger Jonathan and have him take it out on the staff. Just like I used to. They brought in platters of ad hoc finger foods and fawned over her. Knowing she needed it for her baby, Clary had nervously eaten some cheese cubes and cut fruit, but Jonathan wasn't satisfied. He ordered the kitchen to make "Mrs. Morgenstern's favorite smoothie." When the servers left them alone at the table, she glared over at him, pushing the glass away from her. "What's in the smoothie, Jonathan? Drugs? Are you going to drug and hurt me, like old times?" He narrowed his eyes, then smiled indulgently, running his eyes over her face and down to her chest, his eyes lingering on her Fairchild pendant. "As tempting as that sounds, love… no drugs. It's only fresh blueberries, chopped kale, banana, tangerine, Greek yogurt and almond milk… it's the recipe you shared with me when you first came to live with me here, this past January. That is all… I mean it. It's good for our daughter, right? Drink it."
Clary shook her head and shoved it further away. "I didn't see them make it. It could have something in it… I don't fucking trust you, Jon." He looked at her with a dangerous glint in his eyes. He didn't like to be challenged… just like Valentine. Slamming his hands on the table, he stood up and walked behind her, where she sat. Leaning down over her shoulder, he pulled the smoothie back in front of her, murmuring menacingly in her ear. "I tire of your attitude… There seems to be some confusion here, Clarissa. I wasn't asking. Drink the smoothie or I shall make you drink it… then I will bend you over this table and fuck you raw." Her eyes wide, Clary shuddered and picked up the smoothie and drank it quickly as he leaned over her, his hands flat on the table, caging her in. She felt his breath on her hair. There he is… Clary trembled and wiped her mouth with her napkin, as he kissed her on top of the head and stood up straight. "There's my good girl." Clary nodded obediently. Be careful. Thankfully the smoothie tasted fine, no weird aftertaste. She rubbed her hand over her belly, as her daughter kicked her, as if in solidarity. I don't think he would drug me while I'm pregnant… he wouldn't want to risk hurting you, little one. Mommy loves you.
Jonathan clapped his hands behind her and Clary flinched. "Now, love. It's time for your welcome home present. I had it delivered here just for you… Nate is preparing it as we speak." He held his hand out to her and Clary nervously took it, standing up. Feeling a sudden rage bubble up from her gut, she shook her head and looked up at him defiantly. "I don't want a fucking thing from you Jonathan… except my freedom. Nothing. So don't think I'm–" Growling angrily, he suddenly pulled her tight against him and Clary gasped, struggling as he wound his hand into the back of her hair, gripping it tightly. Clary whimpered and grit her teeth. "Ow! Let go–" Jonathan stared down at her, his eyes flicking to her lips. "I don't think I will, Clarissa." He grasped her face with his other hand and smashed his lips against hers, forcing his tongue into her mouth. Clary clenched her fists at her side and whimpered as he pulled her hair harder and deepened the kiss, his other hand sliding down to roughly grope her breasts. Releasing her hair, he pressed his forehead against hers, panting, staring into her eyes.
He looked wild but vulnerable, all at once. In the past, she would have reacted… felt pity for him or looked for the human inside. She had been fooled by him too many times… Not this time, Jonathan. "I want you, Clarissa. I need to have you." Clary stiffened and shook her head. "No." Humming, he kissed her nose, gently caressing her breasts, then lowered his hands over her belly, lovingly stroking it. He is fucking terrifying. Be careful. Clary had forgotten how strong and quick to violence he could be. How impetuously lustful… dangerous. He had played his contrite role so well in therapy that Clary had treated him as if she could say anything and not have to be afraid. She was just reminded that she should be afraid. Very afraid.
Alec came back in the room and set painkillers and water on the bedside table. Jace ground his palms into his eyes and lay flat on his back in bed. Will bent down and picked up the tablet, then dropped heavily into the chair next to the bed. Wait. Think. Jace gasped. He sat up growling, snatching the tablet, scrutinizing the photo. Something's off… wrong. It was as if someone had attempted to remove the ring… or shove it on… the wrong fucking hand. Jace began to laugh darkly. "That fucking sick son of a bitch… Morgenstern." Will and Alec exchanged confused looks, then looked back at Jace as if he was crazy.
Jace zoomed in close to the creamy bare arms and hands of whoever the poor woman was… Because it certainly was not his Clary Fray. Where are all of her beautiful freckles? "No freckles. My Clary is sprinkled all over with beautiful tiny freckles… especially her arms. Trust me, I've kissed every single one of them. It's not her you dumbasses." He shoved the tablet into Alec's hands. His partner let out a choked cry and nodded at Jace, handing it to Will. "What kind of agent are you, Will? And YOU, Alec… Jesus Christ. You're a better detective than to just roll with circumstantial evidence…" Jace's voice cracked in relief, then anger. "The ring was obviously jammed on this poor woman's finger to fool us into thinking she's Clary. On the wrong hand, mind you. Clary wore hers on the left. This one's on her right… as they often do in Europe. We need to check if any of the missing people from The Gard were pregnant. I bet this poor girl will be so missed…" Jace sat up, rubbing the back of his throbbing head. Dizziness and nausea threatened to overtake him again. "Clary's alive, assholes… and we all know where the fuck she is."
Clary looked up at Jonathan nervously as he led her down the stairs to the lower levels of Morgenstern Manor. The only things to be found downstairs were the Medical Unit, Valentine's large meeting rooms, and the holding areas dungeons. They passed the medical unit and Clary halted. He was holding her arm too tight and she shook her arm free. "Are you going to lock me up in one of your dungeons and torture me? Am I to expect my punishment now?" He stopped walking and looked down at her angrily, shaking his head. She knew she was pushing her luck with Jonathan, but was so tired of his cat and mouse bullshit. She knew he wouldn't harm her while she's pregnant, so was selfishly taking advantage of that by lashing at him when she could. Petty, but fuck him. Maybe he'll get sick of me and leave me alone. Funny, Fray. He took a deep breath and chuckled darkly. "Don't tempt me, love. But– no… at least not in your condition. You are carrying my heir." He wrapped an arm around her and ushered her around the corner. Clary tensed when she saw Nate standing in front of what seemed to be a cell door. Nate's face lit up, her scratches stood out red and angry across his cheeks and neck. He flicked his eyes up to Jonathan and cleared his throat, schooling his expression. Clary instinctively leaned closer to Jonathan and felt him squeeze her closer against him.
She looked up at him confused and frustrated. "What is this Jonathan, please stop all of this mystery bull. What's going on?" Jonathan smiled enigmatically at her and hummed. "As I told you, Clarissa. This is your welcome home present, love. I hope you like it…" He looked at Nate and nodded for him to open the door. Nate slid it open revealing a small room. Jonathan pulled Clary inside, with Nate following behind. Looking around Clary saw a large couch, coffee table, a flat screen TV, DVD's, remote controls, refrigerator, and– What the hell? Clary gasped when she saw a dark glass enclosed cell at the other side of the room. Jumping, she heard a groan inside the cell. "Jonathan, what– wh-who's in that cell? Amatis? I don't understand." Jonathan walked over to the coffee table and picked up one of the remotes and pressed a button, illuminating the darkened cell. He flopped on the couch and watched her, smiling.
Clary's eyes flew wide and she screamed, running over to the cell she banged her hands on the glass, sobbing. Lying on a cot, beaten and bloody, was her best friend. "Simon! Oh my god– Simon… No. No. No– what happened?" Simon's face was covered with bruises and his neck looked like someone had strangled him several times. Clary continued to bang on the glass and sob. She tried to slide the glass door open, but it didn't budge. His eyes opened and sat up, groaning. He looked over at her and smiled weakly, sitting up. "Hey there, ClareBear… I'm fine, really. Remember Tommy Jenks, that bully from fourth grade? Now that was an ass whipping… this Nate bitch hits like a little girl." Clary heard Nate growl behind her. She looked back over her shoulder and glared tearfully at Jonathan. He smiled triumphantly at her as if to say, "I told you so." She remembered his threats after she awoke from her accident. He had shown her pictures of Simon and Izzy… Magnus and Alec. He had threatened to hurt them if she didn't comply. He followed through on his threat. All my fault.
Simon stood up and shuffled closer to the glass between them. His ankles were tethered to the cot by a black rope. "Someone grabbed me a few days ago after I left for work. Then I got a free flight to the lovely Idris. Then that Nate/Draco Malfoy wannabe and a few goons came down here and beat my ass about an hour ago. So, yeah… Idris. Not my favorite trip… Um–" Clary shook her head, tears rolling down her face. Screaming, she spun around and bounded over to Jonathan and slapped him hard across the face. "How dare you! I hate you!" She pulled her arm back to do it again when he snatched her wrist, standing up, glowering down at her. Clary hissed in pain as he squeezed her wrist tightly. She could hear Simon banging on the glass behind her yelling her name. Jonathan's eyes glittered dangerously. "I'm so glad you did that, kitten. Nate. Break Mr. Lewis' arm." Clary cried out, struggling against his hold. "No! Please. I'm sorry– I– no Jonathan! Please!" Nate chuckled, took the remote, as Jonathan spun her around, holding her tightly against his chest. Clary watched in horror as Simon's cell opened and Nate, with another goon walked over to him." Jonathan gripped her face, holding it tight, shaking it, as he murmured promises of more violence in her ears. Clary screamed and cried out Simon's name as she was forced to watch the brutality unfold in her best friend's cell. My fault.
Clary opened her eyes as she felt herself being held in someone's arms. She squinted up, through her puffy eyes to see Jonathan looking down at her. Exhausted, she didn't say anything, just looked at him, as he carried her up the stairs, then up the grand staircase to what she assumed would be their room. She didn't dare speak or struggle, terrified of what he may do. He might actually kill Simon. I have to get him out of there. Jonathan had held her tight, forcing her to watch everything his thugs did to Simon. After the brutal beating, Jonathan called the medical team to see to Simon's wounds. He had two cracked ribs, a concussion, and of course a broken arm. He had been bandaged up and given appropriate pain medications. Jonathan had left her alone to watch the medical team work, as she sobbed and mumbled soothing words to her best friend through the glass. Simon had smiled bravely at her, telling her it wasn't her fault, that he loved her, that he loved Izzy… told her to be brave, that he would get out and rescue her. Clary stayed with him until he fell asleep, then collapsed exhausted onto the couch, watching him sleep until she succumbed herself. Clary was pulled from her thoughts when Jonathan laid her down on their bed. Clary quickly sat up and tried to scoot off. Jonathan growled and pushed her back down. He stood over her, pulling his shirt over his head and unbuckled his pants, letting them drop to the floor. Trembling, Clary sat up on her elbows and looked up at him, too terrified to speak after what he'd done to Simon. As usual, he was beautiful. Male perfection on display just for her. But she did not want it. Silently, he reached forward and pulled her boots off, one by one, tossing them aside. He climbed on the bed over her, straddling below her waist, mindful of her pregnant belly and reached for the neck of her dress. No. Gasping, Clary grabbed his hand. "Stop, Jonathan. I don't want this–" Ignoring her, he tore her dress from her, quickly peeling it down her body, as she cried out. He then tore off her bra and panties. Trembling, Clary whimpered and tried to cover herself. Not again…
He stood up at the end of the bed and pulled her by the legs, so her ass hit the edge. Then he stopped, staring down at her hungrily, rubbing his arousal through his boxer briefs. "You understand what happened downstairs, right? What he's here for? I can't punish you physically, Clarissa… in your condition. So I shall punish your Simon Lewis. Now, it's time you fulfilled your wifely duties to me. It's been so long since I've felt you around me. Too long, Clarissa." Clary swallowed, tears filling her eyes, and nodded. She rubbed her hand over her belly protectively. I can't let him. Think. "Y-yes, Jonathan. I understand. I'll be good. Please don't hurt him again. But, I-I'm just so exhausted and I'm feeling some cramping… and Braxton Hicks contractions. I need to drink water and rest… please, Jon. Not tonight." He looked down at her in concern, his eyes dropping to her belly, then slowly back up to her face. She hadn't really been cramping and the Braxton Hicks were something she'd become accustomed to, so late in her pregnancy. But Jonathan doesn't know that. He stepped back from her and reached out his hand. "Of course, love. I wasn't thinking clearly. I've missed you so much that I– I just need you." He cleared his throat, helping her up from the bed, pulling her bare body against his. Clary trembled as he pressed his arousal against her. "I have a bath prepared, love. We'll take that and then go to bed. You'll need your energy for tomorrow." Releasing her, he led her to the bathroom. Clary's heart pounded in her chest as she entered the steamy room. She sighed in resignation as the haunting stench of lavender wafted around her. I have to figure out a way to get Simon out of the cells and out of here. But first, rest. Jonathan was right. I will need my energy, but not for what he has in mind. To escape.