Page 11 of Charmed By Destiny

“Okay, let’s go downstairs and get you checked into a room. You can relax the rest of the day or explore any of the Marwood properties. I’ll speak with Richard tonight, and he’ll get you started in the morning. Report to his office. Do you remember where it is, or should we swing by there to refresh your memory?”

Thankfully, Luke had excellent recall, and he’d already gained a sense of where most things were in the resort.

“I remember where to go.”

“Wonderful, let’s head to the lobby then. I’ll work on arrangements for a permanent address for you unless you’d like to consider purchasing a house instead of renting a condo?”

Luke blinked heavily. Having the Marwoods buy him a house was out of the question. He wasn’t staying. “No, I’m not ready for that kind of commitment.”

“Understandable. We’ll work on a lease for you for now. Since you aren’t prepared to make a long-term commitment to a home, I don’t like the idea of sticking you with a condo mortgage right out of the gate. You should get a feel for what kind of space suits you.”

“I’m still blown away that you’re going to find me a place to live.”

“It’s our pleasure. I know it’s hard to believe since everything is being dumped into your lap, but you can trust the Marwoods.”

The sincerity in Gabe’s green gaze did little to settle the nerves hopping in Luke’s belly. So much had changed, and Luke was adrift. It didn’t help that Foxe wasn’t answering his damn phone either. Luke didn’t know where Foxe was or how he was coping.

Before leaving Foxe, Luke had handed over his emergency stash of money so his necromancer wouldn’t starve. Luke sincerely hoped Foxe hadn’t taken it to a casino, but the odds were not in his favor. Still, Luke wouldn’t have been able to handle knowing Foxe had nothing. How would he feed himself? Where would he find transportation or a bed to sleep in at night?

Luke needed to speak to him. The Marwoods had encouraged him to talk to his necromancer. They didn’t have to hide, so maybe Luke could convince Foxe to join him at the hotel or move into the condo he was apparently leasing. Was that allowed, or did the Marwoods only aid inspirits living apart from their necros?

With countless troubling questions flying through his mind, Luke trudged along at Gabe’s side toward the hotel entrance where they’d first met.

???

As Richard walked into the house, he allowed his frown to flourish. Usually he’d find Maribeth and they’d chat about their days. But she was now on the other side of the country, rebuilding her life. Which left Richard alone in Nevada feeling sorry for himself.

“You’re in a shitty mood,” Eric noted. They had nearly bumped into each other since Richard was too busy glowering at the floor to notice his brother. Richard glanced up and smiled. He wasn’t alone, and he was being a shithead, even if it was in his own mind.

“Just thinking about Mari,” Richard confided as he hugged Eric.

“She snuck out while I was ghost hunting with Rhonda. It was rude. I wanted another hug.”

The corner of Richard’s mouth quirked into a half-smile. “Did you tell her that?”

“Yes. She sent me a bunch of kissy face emojis. That doesn’t make me feel any better.”

“It’s difficult for us, but she believes it’s best for her, so we’re going to do our best to support her,” their father commented. “That doesn’t mean we have to like any fucking part of it.”

“Everyone get in here so we can eat,” Richard’s mother called out.

As meals were prepared, no one was allowed near the kitchen except for Rosalind and David, so Richard did what he was told without argument. His toes were pinched in his new heeled boots, but taking them off would have to wait. If he delayed dinner, his mother wouldn’t be pleased. And their entire family was upset about Maribeth, not just him. So, he refused to distress anyone, even by doing something minor like rushing out to take off his shoes.

“Gabriel, does Lucas have everything he needs?” Clark asked as they sat down to eat.

“Is that our new inspirit?” Rosalind asked as a perfect picture of Lucas Wynnter flashed into Richard’s head. A little wave of lust swept through him, and he wanted to slap himself for finding another gorgeous man desirable. Richard was done with sex and relationships.

“Yes, he was very polite and nervous,” Clark told his soulmate.

“His worries are understandable,” Richard’s mother commented. “It’s not easy to start over. It was brave of him to contact us.”

“The shock never really faded from his eyes,” Gabriel remarked. “That must’ve been what I looked like when you two handed me a new life on a gleaming golden platter.”

Rosalind winked. “All my platters are silver, Gabriel.”

“I hope we don’t start talking about dishes again,” Eric muttered.

“With all the hard work I put in to get this damn man to notice you, the least you can do is act mildly interested in the aesthetics of your wedding,” Richard jokingly chided his brother.

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