“Well, I think we just had a date," he answers quietly; then, frowning, adds, "At least I think that's what it was. I told my boss I had a date. Hope that's okay?God, could he be any more adorable? Could he?”

“He was quiet. I said nothing, hoping that maybe, for once, he'd stop pretending he was okay. Then I could, too. That we could both forget the roles that had so long bound us.”

“Actually," Clary said, "I think he stayed because of me."Jace's glaze flicked up to hers with a flash of gold. "Because of you? Hoping for another hot date, was he?"Clary felt herself flush. "No. And our date wasn't hot. In fact, it wasn't even a date. Anyway, that's not the point. When he came into the Hall, he kept trying to get me to go outside with him so we could talk. He wanted something from me. I just don't know what.""Or maybe he just wanted you," Jace said. Seeing Clary's expression, he added, "Not that way. I mean maybe he wanted to bring you to Valentine.”

“If I give you an historical reference, am I dating myself? No, because the only way I could date myself is if I had a clone—and he was gay.”

“I think it's because he likes you.' 'Well, that's too bad. I've given up that kind of thing.' 'What kind of thing?' 'Love, dating, the inevitable ensuing heartbreak.”

“There was no reason not to be blunt. “Are you dating Maddison Lockehart?” “Are you?” “What?” He said it so quickly I didn’t catch it. I had said “no” without thinking, but hadn’t really heard what he had said. He had asked me if I was dating Maddison. That was ridiculous. “I’m serious, Victor.” “So am I. And I see you are talking to me again.” I sensed amusement in his voice but saw no sign. “Victor-” “Are you dating Maddison, Piper?” “No, I’m not.” I replied gritting my teeth. “Neither am I,” he replied.”