Page 42 of Infernal Hearts

I put my arm along the back of the couch. “Got any good rom coms?”

“Of course you like happy endings.”

I raise my eyebrows suggestively, but he catches himself.

“Not like that.”

“Well, you did say you’d ask. I just didn’t think it would be so soon.”

He dismissively starts thumbing through Netflix, settling on50 First Dateswith a grin.

“Ever seen this one?”

“Can’t say I have.”

“Oh, it’s great. It’s about a girl who—”

I chuckle, holding up my hand to slow him down. “How about you just put it on and let’s see how it goes?”

His face gets one shade redder. “Good idea.” With a few more clicks, the movie starts.

It’s a cute movie. Funny. But what gets me more is how deep he’s into it. He mouths the lines word for word.

Doing this with him is oddly domestic and not something I’m used to. I don’t stay in with people—I go out and drink and dance and fuck every night. But this is quiet, and calm and…nice. I wonder if this is what his life was like with Michael, and my stomach hardens at the thought of him sitting on this couch instead of me.

I’m not saying it’s a bad thing to settle down, but I don’t think I’m fit for what he would want. I do temporary. I’m too defective when it comes to relationships.

About twenty minutes in, his eyes droop, and he falls sideways toward me. He leans his head on my shoulder, and I wrap my arm around him. Ten minutes after that, he’s sprawled out completely on the couch with his head resting in my lap.

“He’s not getting back up, is he?” I ask Grover, as if he’ll answer me back.

Grover barks quietly and covers his eyes with his paws.

“Ha. Didn’t think so.”

Using what’s left of today’s demon strength, I slide my hands beneath him and lift him up into my arms. Walking a few paces across the room, I push open his bedroom door and lay him down on the bed. My hands work quickly, taking off his boots and socks and pulling the covers open so I can slip Jason inside.

That’s when his jeans pull my sight. He has a raging hard-on—and it’s fucking enormous.

I smirk, at least he has somewhat of a sex drive. Maybe one day, if I’m lucky and if he ever says the words.

I tuck him into bed on his side. With a quick trip to the bathroom, I rifle through his cabinet for a bottle of ibuprofen. I fill a glass of water from his kitchen, set them both on his nightstand, and see myself out.

Getting home, I lock up behind myself and jump in the shower. I need to think about today.

I’m closer to finding my brother. With this necklace, I know we can use it to help narrow down the search. I don’t know what I might find, but it has to be closer than wherever I’ve gotten so far.

I wonder why he doesn’t want anyone to find him? What could he possibly be hiding? Does he have a kid? Does he have a whole life now, away from magic? What if I’m ruining everything by showing up out of the middle of nowhere?

I just keep having this sinking feeling that I may not find Dane in time. He’s been missing for decades. Why would two weeks make a difference? Goddamn, I’m going to be dust before I know it.

I can’t give up, though. We’re the only two left, seeing as how I can’t sense any others, and I need to fulfill my bond with Magnus by completing his last order. Plus, I still need to learn so much about myself. Not to mention I know I can’t do it alone—live like this forever. There’s too much I don’t know.

Then there’s Jason. He seemed so much happier tonight. Maybe it was the drinks, but I finally got to see him let loose. I just wish he weren’t so wounded by that bastard of an ex.

Michael’s a real tool. I don’t know much about long-term relationships, but I can tell when someone’s controlling. That’s Michael to a T. Jason deserves better than that. He’s kind. He wants to help people. He does the best he can, in his way, and never wants to trouble anyone for anything in return.

Plus, it doesn’t hurt that he’s sexy and kind of…boyfriend material? I definitely like him more than I’ve liked any of my other clients, and that’s quite a few. My mind turns to the sight of his stubble. His chocolate eyes and the warmth of his arm around my waist when we walked home tonight. Not to mention the sight of his massive bulge when he was in bed.

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