Broken Hearts (Light in the Dark 5)

I take pictures of Jace all the time. If it bothers him he never says so. I find he’s the best kind of muse.

The pictures I take of him range from dangerously close to X-rated to completely innocent.

One of my favorites is from a local café where we go to get coffee. He’s looking away, out the window, with a slight smile on his face.

I love seeing him happy. His happiness means more to me than my own.

When I grow tired of editing I snap the lid closed and set it on the night table.

I stretch my arms above my head and lie down on top of the covers to sleep. It’s much too hot in here to get under them. I’d smother myself to death. Jace is notoriously hot all the time—I swear his normal temperature must be two-hundred degrees—so I don’t know how he’ll survive through the night. We don’t even have a fan to plug in and by the time he gets off everything will be closed. It’s probably closed now if I’m being honest.

I sprawl out across the bed, searching for the coolest parts, but it’s all so damn hot.

I sit up with a groan and gather my long hair up, securing it in a ponytail so it’s up off my neck.

I fan myself with my hand but even it does no good. The tank top I’m wearing is starting to get damp.

Finally, I give up.

Me: Are you up?

Thea: Yeah—Xael won’t sleep.

Me: Do you mind if we crash there tonight? Our air-conditioner is out and I’m going to die.

Thea: Come on over. We have plenty of space—though you might regret being here when Xael screams all night. She’s a fucking demon.

Me: Lol. She’s your kid.

Thea: She’s also a demon and never lets me sleep.

Thea: It’s like she knows when I’m about to doze off and screams her head off. Demon, I’m tellin’ you.

I laugh out loud. I can’t help it.

Me: Jace and I can handle it. I’ll wait until he gets off and then we’ll come. It might be late.

Thea: You have a key. Use it.

Me: Thank you.

Thea: You’re welcome.

I pack an overnight bag filled with things for Jace and myself and keep occupied while I wait by watching my favorite movie.

Titanic.

I’ve made it halfway through the movie when the door creaks open. I sit up and Jace startles at seeing me.

“I’m surprised you’re awake.”

“It’s too hot.” I pull my tank away from my chest, which is sticky with sweat.

“Fuck yeah it is hot in here.”

“Thea said we could stay over there tonight. I’ve already packed our bag.”

“Stay with the psycho? I don’t think so.”