Page 78 of Charmed By Destiny

“Remains to be seen. She gave me the best gift I could’ve ever imagined. It’s hard to think about equating anything else with that, but I’m also big on tasty food, so maybe I’ll be swayed.”

Richard smiled and feigned innocence. “What gift did destiny give you?”

“A soulmate. One with a caring heart who loves his family. Works hard. Thinks about others constantly. He can’t shop without picking up presents for others because it’s never just about him. Loves clothes. Maybe a little too much if I’m being honest. He’s also beautiful. Great with a makeup brush.”

“Maybe a little on short side though?” Richard asked, steadfastly ignoring the heat in his cheeks from Lucas’s compliments.

“No, I’d say that suits him too. I don’t have any complaints. And it makes no damn difference if we’re lying down.”

“You’ll have to introduce us someday.”

Clark returned with a steaming plate in each hand. He set one in front of Richard. There was steak, fingerling potatoes, and grilled Brussel sprouts, which Lucas had complimented heavily when David served them last week.

“Thank your chefs for us, it smells delicious,” Richard said. “The menu was also thoughtful.”

His father winked at him and sailed out of the room again.

“I can’t wait to taste this,” Lucas enthused.

“What do you say we make them do this for us once a week,” Richard suggested as he grabbed his utensils to dig into the divine feast.

“I don’t know, I think there’s a good possibility your father would eventually stab one of us.”

“I wonder if he volunteered to be our server or if it was my mother’s idea.”

“He’s having a bit too much fun with it. I think it was a volunteer situation.”

“You’re probably right.”

“This was sweet, and I love having this date with you, but is it wrong that a little piece of me wishes we were eating with everyone?”

Next time, Richard promised himself he was choosing waterproof mascara no matter what. Being around Lucas was dangerous for his cosmetics. Or maybe he was growing into a sentimental fool. If that was the price he had to pay to be with Lucas, he’d fill his shopping cart with more waterproof options and live a happy life.

“No, I understand. I love eating with everyone. I’m glad you enjoy it too.”

“At first, I was so scared. I’ve never had a family. It was just me and Foxe. But that fear went away so fast. Everyone made me feel comfortable. I’m relaxed here in this huge-ass house. But I can’t think about the money. I can’t comprehend how rich you are. If I could, it’d probably destroy my calm.”

“Then please don’t think about it. I want you to be relaxed here. This is your home for however long you want it to be. Or until my parents decide we have to move again.”

“What’s it like being a necromancer?” Lucas asked. “To summon a person from the dead?”

Richard took a moment to gather his thoughts. “For me, my life isn’t so different from an inspirit’s. Yes, I have a bit of magic, but I don’t use it often except to teleport, so it doesn’t dominate my existence. Resurrection requires grave responsibility. I haven’t done it often. The last person I gave life to was Douglas, and I told you why I wanted permission to add him to our extended family. Mostly, I worry about the ramifications of my longevity, fret about my brother and the predators hunting him, and hope I can continue to keep my identity a secret.”

“I’m glad your family is responsible and noble about inspirits. The moving often thing is something we’ll have to deal with to keep our immortality from humans, right? That’s the best way to keep from getting questions about aging and stuff?”

“Yes, but hopefully we’ll be here for a while. I like Vegas.”

Lucas grinned. “I like you.”

Charmed and delighted, Richard returned his smile. “I like you too. Have I mentioned how sexy you are in candlelight?”

“Interesting. Do you have candles upstairs?”

“Yes. Lovely white ones that make me think about your soul and how pretty it is to see it whenever I come.”

“Richard?”

“Yeah?”

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