Page 10 of Charmed By Destiny

“Is there anything we can do for you before Gabe finishes introducing you around?” Douglas asked.

“No,” Lucas said, glancing briefly at Douglas, then resting his gaze on Richard again. “Everyone has already done more than I could’ve asked for. I’m just trying to keep everyone’s names straight.”

“Ask Gabriel if you forget anyone,” Richard advised. “He doesn’t forget a face, and he knows what’s happening on every Marwood property.”

“I appreciate the advice, thanks again,” Lucas replied.

Gabriel led Lucas out, and Richard pretended not to notice that the inspirit glanced back into the office. Although it was foolish to stare at Lucas—even if the rear view was nearly as nice as the front—Richard continued to gape like an idiot until Douglas shut the door.

“He was interesting,” Douglas remarked, crossing his arms.

“Nice enough.”

“One of those handsome types and he knows it.”

Since Richard had already stuck his foot in his mouth thanks to his previous experiences of picking horrible sexual partners for himself, he allowed the subject of Lucas and his loveliness to pass. Depending on what office Lucas chose to work in, their paths may or may not cross often in the future, so there was no use debating the subject.

“Anyway, I was going to suggest we head downstairs. They should be setting up the tables and chairs in the main banquet hall for tonight’s gala. It’s the last event for our tech gurus. I want their conference to end as promisingly as it began.”

“I’ll grab my notes.”

Richard didn’t need notes. He’d memorized the setup weeks ago. Which gave him a few minutes to reflect on Lucas Wynnter. What was his story? Where had he come from? And why the hell did Richard care?

Chapter 5

Luke had walked for miles thanks to the thorough tour Gabe had provided. He’d also met countless people. Faces and names were a blur in his mind.

Except for one.

Richard Marwood was exquisite. The necromancer had features bordering on delicate, but his pale blue eyes blazed with a warrior’s strength. Luke had noticed everything about him—from his finely arched brows to the tattoos on his hands. They mimicked the mark given to a destiny-touched, but Luke would’ve sensed if he’d been born one.

Plus, the destiny-touched were only given a skull on the back of one hand. Richard’s ink was on both, and Luke wondered how far up his arms the designs went. And if the rest of Richard’s body was as gorgeous as his pretty face. Luke had noted the liner and mascara Richard used to enhance his looks, and he appreciated anyone brave enough to defy convention.

“Luke?” Gabe asked in a strangely concerned voice.

Luke’s eyes darted around the nearly empty food court where they stood, searching for danger. “What’s wrong?”

“That’s what I asked you. Did we overwhelm you?”

Chuckling awkwardly, Luke shook his head. “No, sorry, I was lost in thought.”

There was no way in hell Luke would admit that he’d been mooning over an unobtainable man whose father now paid his bills and was literally handing him everything on a platter.

“No apology is necessary, you undoubtedly have a lot on your mind. Our tour is done, do you have any questions for me?”

Since it was inappropriate to ask anything about the stunning Richard, Luke shook his head. “None that I can think of right now.”

“Give me your initial impression, what stands out to you? Is there any office you’re being pulled toward? We can give you additional information to help you decide if you’d like.”

Luke wanted to make intelligent decisions, and he needed to gain some professional skills so he would be able to support himself in the future. Perhaps if he worked for casino security, he’d be a better protector for Foxe. The last thing he wanted was for anything to happen to his necromancer, and trouble followed him.

“Conference services was intriguing,” Luke said. A second later, he nearly slapped himself on the forehead. That wasn’t what he’d meant to say. Yes, events were interesting, but his dick was far too interested in Richard Marwood for his own peace of mind. Apparently his hormones were in charge because the words were already out.

Gabe smiled. “Great. Richard and Douglas can always use more people on their team. How about we start you there and if you discover it’s not for you, we can reassign you?”

“Sure,” Luke replied, his pulse picking up at the thought of working in the vicinity of the mysterious and fascinating Richard.

He wasn’t sure what skills he’d gain working for conference services, but he reminded himself that anything was better than nothing. What Luke had now was a blank résumé, and he liked the idea of adding to it. Building some safety and security for himself was incredibly enticing. And Foxe would be proud of him for getting started quickly. The sooner they had money, the better.

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