Page 28 of Charmed By Destiny

“Then you won’t have any issue if I encourage Douglas to find out if Lucas is his soulmate,” Maribeth commented.

Richard ground his teeth together as his imagination immediately supplied a horrifying image of Douglas and Lucas intertwined.

“It’s probably not a good idea for two coworkers to have sex, Mari,” Richard said, careful to keep his voice neutral despite the way his fingers curled into angry fists.

“Nothing is more important than a soulmate,” Eric stated firmly. “It didn’t matter that Gabriel was supposed to be my guard, and I knew it’d be stupid to have sex with someone so important to our family. You still encouraged me to climb into bed with him. Douglas deserves his soulmate, just like everyone else.”

“Douglas has expressed zero interest in Lucas,” Richard sputtered. Or were sparks flying between the pair and Richard hadn’t noticed because he was too busy mooning over the sexy Lucas?

“I’m sure it wouldn’t take much of a push to get anyone to take a chance on Lucas, he’s delicious,” Maribeth remarked. “Unless, of course, you have some objection to anyone having sex with Lucas?”

“Why would I?” Richard asked, slapping his hands on his leather-clad hips.

“If you don’t, why are you getting so pissed off?” Eric asked.

Richard narrowed his eyes. “You know what? I hate you both. You’re trying to get a rise out of me. Fine. You want the truth? Yes, I think Lucas is hot. Are you happy? That makes no difference. I’ve noticed other men before. I’ve even gone to bed with them. Not only were they not my soulmate, but I regretted my decision afterward. I have no intention of allowing myself to keep making the same mistake. I’m happy admiring Lucas from afar.”

“Fine, but you’ll have to curb your impulse to claw someone’s face off if they decide to make a move on him,” Maribeth replied.

“Having sex with Gabriel was the best decision I ever made,” Eric remarked.

There was so much happiness glowing on his brother’s carefully made-up face Richard wanted to weep with joy. “And I’m so fucking glad about that. You two are gorgeous together. He worships you. That’s what I wanted for you. It’s such a lovely sight to behold, Eric. You two deserve every moment of bliss, and I can’t wait for your wedding. I bought a damn handkerchief because I know I’ll be crying. There won’t be a way to keep all my happy emotions inside. But, baby, I’m not you. Our destinies aren’t the same.”

“Come on, let’s go. Richard’s too damn stubborn to listen to us,” Maribeth complained.

“He’s nearly as bad as Gabriel,” Eric muttered.

Richard ignored their grumbles and tugged on a jacket. His plan was to indulge in as many drinks as he wanted and dance the night away. And he’d enjoy it with the most beautiful eye-candy in the room thanks to Maribeth’s decision to invite Lucas.

Chapter 11

Nights on the town weren’t usual for Luke. In fact, his rare evening forays had usually been in a casino, keeping a surreptitious eye on Foxe. Or the occasional splurge on a beer or two in a small bar. But going to a club was a new adventure. One his meager wardrobe didn’t stretch to include.

But Luke had to wear something, so he went with what he had—a button-down and jeans. It was already dark as Luke went to the garage and climbed into his old car. One of the purchases he hoped to make while employed by the Marwoods was a new vehicle, but he needed to save enough to pay for it outright.

Payments would be difficult to make if Foxe couldn’t be convinced to stay put. Luke wouldn’t have a permanent address, and it’d be difficult to stay working if he was hopping from town to town. Luke didn’t enjoy thinking about the future.

Foxe’s communications continued to be sporadic, and Luke had to acknowledge there was a real possibility that he’d been abandoned. Despite his misgivings, Luke had sent more money to Foxe. His necromancer had ignored Luke’s questions about where the money had gone, which was both disappointing and scary.

If Foxe was being evasive, the answer was always that he’d blown everything in a casino. Luke hoped Foxe had at least purchased a car, otherwise he was getting around with the help of strangers. The last thing Luke wanted to think about was Foxe at the mercy of others.

As Luke pulled out of the garage and headed toward the resort where he worked, he let out a long sigh. He’d worry about Foxe in the morning. Tonight was about having a few beers and enjoying his first night at a club.

If he were lucky, it would also include a little time with Richard. Did the necromancer like to dance? Would he be wearing another of his shiny lip glosses? How would the stylish man dress for an evening out? Luke was eager to find out.

Luke sang along with the radio as he fought Saturday night traffic in Vegas. It was a balmy evening, and the Strip was brightly lit thanks to the many resorts. Cars were plentiful on the streets, but there were also people everywhere. It was a town infused with life, and Luke was happy to be part of it.

Patiently, Luke navigated toward the parking garage, which he thankfully didn’t have to pay for thanks to the generosity of the Marwood family and their attitude about caring for inspirits. In every way they could, the Marwoods elevated the lives of those they summoned or those like Luke who’d been brought to life by another necromancer.

Once he was parked, Luke exited the car and pocketed his keys. He went into the casino and smiled at how it overflowed with patrons. Luke checked his phone and pulled up the directions Richard had texted him earlier. He arrived at a door guarded by an inspirit he recognized. Luke didn’t know the man well, but he was part of the extensive security team Gabe managed.

The inspirit let Luke through the entrance to the private club, and a wave of loud music hit his ears. He stood there for a few minutes to get his bearings and admire the private Marwood club. There were booths upholstered in dark velvet along one wall and a cluster of smaller tables next to a long bar underlit with lights.

Like everything else stamped with the Marwood name, it was in the signature colors of their culture—black for necromancers and white for inspirits. Luke loved it.

A hand landed on his shoulder, and Luke barely bit back his scream.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to frighten you,” Gabe said loud enough to be heard over the music.

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