Page 21

S ince Richard had purchased much of the clothing Eric owned, it was easy to get him packed for his trip. The Marwoods ushered the happy couple into the car and waved them off. Richard didn’t doubt the pair would have an excellent vacation, and if they were lucky, half of the outfits in Eric’s suitcase would go unused.

“Come upstairs with me,” Richard said to Lucas.

“Have fun, boys,” Maribeth sang as Richard took Lucas’s hand and led him up the stairs.

“Don’t leave for New York until we can talk,” Richard demanded.

“Please, I need details,” Maribeth replied. “I’ve decided not to return until tomorrow.”

“Perfect, that’ll give us a chance to plan a trip for me to visit.”

Relieved that his cousin wouldn’t disappear while Richard was upstairs, he focused on the man whose warm palm was resting against his. Lucas had handled the questions at dinner with remarkable aplomb and charm. But Richard wanted to know if he was humoring the Marwoods to avoid insulting anyone or if he was eager to move out of his condo.

“This room is exactly like you,” Lucas remarked with awe as Richard led him into the suite he’d painstakingly decorated.

Richard glanced around at the black-and-shadowy gray suite. He liked to think what the space lacked in color, it made up for in textures and style. He’d gone for gothic-inspired décor. The bed had an ornate wooden headboard that climbed nearly to the ceiling. It was a perfect backdrop for the thick pillows he kept piled on the bed. The other furniture complemented the heavily carved piece, and Richard loved the way the light gleaming from the dark chandelier hit the beautiful décor he loved.

He quickly plucked the sweats he’d dropped off the tassel-trimmed chaise and threw them in the hamper he kept secreted in the closet.

“Don’t mind my dirty clothes,” Richard commented as he scurried back into his bedroom.

“I had to step over your dirty clothes this morning to sneak out of your hotel room, do you really think I’d be bothered?”

Richard rolled his eyes. “We should talk about living arrangements.”

“It’s fine. Your mother may want me to live in this house, but ultimately, it’s about how comfortable we feel. We went from what was supposed to be a one-night stand to our entire lives changing. I understand why you’d prefer I don’t move in. Look at the way you mixed stripes and this simple floral. You do that with your clothes too. It even smells fruity in here.”

Trying not to blush at Lucas admiring his things, Richard focused on his words. “I didn’t say I’m uncomfortable with anything. My concern is that you’re being pushed into something because you don’t want to upset anyone. It’d be easier for us to see one another if you were in the guest house or living here. Getting to know you better is something I want, but tell me what you’re thinking.”

“I want to get to know you too, Dragonfly,” Lucas said. He’d been reading titles on the bookshelves, but he turned to face Richard. “It’s intimidating to think about living in the guest house or here, but your family is important to you. I have to build relationships with them too. Gabe and Eric live here, right? So, I’m guessing you envision yourself staying as well.”

“I did, yes, but everything can’t be about my feelings. Yours matter too. We don’t have to decide now if living here works for us. Let’s take things one step at a time.”

“Then I’d have to say that I like the idea of sneaking into your bed at night. As long as we’re both interested in snuggling or doing other fun activities.”

Richard grinned as visions of cuddling with Lucas and tearing up the sheets with him flitted through his mind. “Something tells me those are going to remain on my list of favorite things to do.”

“Okay. I’ll get over the weirdness of living in a mansion and move in here.”

“Good because my mother is a liar. If you choose the guesthouse, she’ll be out there with fabric swatches and furniture options within hours. The only reason Gabriel was allowed to get away with choosing nothing was because my parents were afraid he’d dig his heels in and move farther away to get some peace. In case you haven’t noticed, Gabriel is stubborn and set in his ways. We all adore him.”

“Especially your brother.”

“Absolutely,” Richard replied, his heart melting at the thought of how deep the connection was between Eric and Gabriel. They were a beautiful couple.

Lucas walked up to Richard and settled his hands on his waist. “How long do you think it’ll be before you’re staring at me dreamily like your brother does whenever he glances at Gabe?”

“No one does dreamy better than Eric,” Richard said, laying his palms on Lucas’s arms and shuffling closer. “But I hope we can make this work.”

“Me too, Dragonfly.”

Richard’s eyes slipped closed as Lucas brushed their lips together. Lucas tugged him forward and embraced him. The tension slipped from Richard’s body. Their kiss deepened, and Richard surrendered to his soulmate. Lucas’s musky scent enticed him. As his blood heated, Richard wondered how he’d get near Lucas at work without getting hard.

Which, unfortunately, reminded him that their jobs presented an issue Richard wished he didn’t have to face.

“Are you okay?” Lucas whispered.

“Yes, my mind wandered to going to work tomorrow. I didn’t want secrets, and we have to keep a huge one.”

“I think it’d be worse if we were honest and Douglas learned so soon that we’re soulmates.”

“No, I know it’s the right thing to do since the last thing I want to do is hurt Douglas more than I already have. But no matter what, things will be awkward. I wish I’d somehow known about Douglas’s feelings for me. Maybe I could’ve done things differently so he didn’t think there was any chance of us being anything other than friends.”

“You can’t blame yourself. No one is to blame. We can’t change the situation, so we’ll handle it. At work, you’re the boss and I’m the inspirit desperately trying to impress you.”

Richard couldn’t have stopped his eyeroll if he tried. “Lucas, I already told you we’re coworkers.”

“I still want to sneak into your office someday and give you a blowjob at your desk.”

“Well, hmmm,” Richard managed as his cock twitched. No one had ever sucked him, but Lucas was good with his tongue and lips, if their kisses were any indication. Richard would eagerly volunteer to find out what his mouth would feel like on his dick.

“You’re interested. I can tell by the way your cheeks are flushing.”

“Stop being naughty,” Richard said. “You have to drive home and get some rest. I need sleep too, but first Mari is going to demand details of last night.”

“Don’t forget to include everything that happened this morning too, before we fell asleep.”

“How could I?” Richard asked as he tilted his chin up for another one of Lucas’s kisses.

Although his heart ached for what he’d unintentionally put Douglas through, Richard couldn’t fight the happiness bubbling through him. How foolish was he to ever think a soulmate was a bad thing?

Of course, he’d never envisioned himself with someone as kind as Lucas, and that had been the real issue. Richard had believed it was his destiny to settle for some lout he was attracted to, but the man would also be a selfish ass. Thank goodness Richard had been wrong.

???

Monday was quiet in the office. Luke had paid too much attention to Richard in the past not to notice that Douglas was avoiding the necromancer’s office. Since it was impossible to speak to Richard about his feelings while on the clock, Luke wondered how his soulmate was handling the distance.

No one was giving Luke any weird looks, so he had to assume that none of his coworkers knew he’d spent a night in Richard’s bed. That was a relief. Gossip traveled, and if anyone figured out they were together, it’d reach Douglas whether they went public with their relationship or not.

Everyone else was going about their business as usual, but Luke was full of concerns. Gabe was out of town, and Luke wasn’t moving until the inspirit returned. It was probably for the best. It gave him and Richard some breathing room until the weekend to process everything.

But thinking wasn’t aiding Luke. Would he fit in with the Marwoods? What would happen if someone in the household didn’t like him? What if that person turned out to be Richard?

No matter how many times Luke told himself he was being foolish, his brain kept going there, and it was maddening. His phone rang, and he picked up the receiver.

“Lucas, would you mind coming into my office for a minute?” Richard asked.

“Of course,” Luke replied. He stood and tried to act casual, but his gait was wooden as he headed for Richard’s office. It didn’t matter that he’d gone in to talk with Richard countless times in the past three months. He worried everyone would sense things were different now if he rushed or smiled.

So, he walked through Richard’s doorway after greeting his assistant and waved awkwardly at his soulmate.

Richard scowled. “Shut the door, please.”

Turning, Luke did as he was told. He was surprised to find Richard nearly on his heels when he faced his desk again.

“What’s wrong?” Richard asked.

“Today’s been so bizarre,” Luke replied. “I was relieved no one has mentioned this weekend or how Douglas is actively avoiding your office. Then I’m wondering if I rush in here, if everyone will figure out we slept together. I wish my brain would calm the hell down.”

“I don’t know whether to be glad I’m not the only one freaking out or pissed that you’re having as awkward of a day as I am.”

“This is going to get better, right?”

Richard nodded. “It has to. We’re good though, right? I know we won’t see each other until this weekend unless we’re here, but a little space is good.”

“I was thinking the same thing,” Luke said, tugging Richard into a hug. “I should pack though. You’re still okay with me moving in?”

“Of course. Relax.”

A knock on the door had them springing apart.

“What the fuck?” Richard muttered.

Luke’s heart was beating so fast he was mildly concerned that another scare would end him and he’d never get the chance to find out if he was good at being a soulmate. Stepping around Luke with a ferocious frown, Richard pulled the door open.

“Hey Richard, sorry to bother you, but I’m looking for Luke,” Rhonda said. “Clark wants to speak to him.”

Luke swore the entire conference services staff stopped speaking the moment Rhonda uttered those words. He couldn’t blame them. In the three months since he’d started his job, Clark had never requested any of Richard and Douglas’s employees journey upstairs to his fancy office.

“Yeah, he’s here,” Richard replied. “Lucas, we can finish our discussion later.”

“Sure,” Luke said, then greeted Rhonda. She smiled, and he followed her out of the main office door. Without a word, they weaved through the casino to the private elevator that led up to the executive area. Once they were safely inside the elevator, Rhonda beamed at him.

“Congratulations,” Rhonda said. “And don’t worry, Clark swore me to secrecy.”

Luke’s heartrate lowered slightly. “Thanks, and no worries. I know the Marwoods consider inspirits part of their family, and you’re as important to them as Gabe.”

“Maybe not as important as their son-in-law but definitely trusted.”

The doors slid open, and Rhonda led Luke through the busy hive of employees. Far too soon, Luke’s feet traveled over the threshold into Clark’s office. Rhonda closed them inside and Clark stood.

“You told him I squealed, didn’t you?” Clark asked Rhonda.

“Guilty,” Rhonda replied, her grin never faltering.

“Richard is going to screech at me for not being able to keep a secret,” Clark complained. “Normally, I’m good at it, but I’m sorry, Lucas, I couldn’t keep my dear Rhonda in the dark.”

“It’s fine,” Luke replied. “I trust you and Rhonda.”

“We haven’t left you with much choice,” Clark said. “I probably shouldn’t have asked you up here either since it’ll get tongues wagging, but we have family things to do, and you aren’t joining the household until the weekend. That’s too far away for me.”

“Okay,” Luke responded.

“Have a seat and relax, I want to help,” Clark insisted. “You mentioned you wanted to purchase a new car. I’d like to aid you in getting the best possible deal for whatever make and model is on your wish list.”

Shock had Luke blinking heavily. “You asked me up here to offer me help with buying a car.”

“Yes, though, once you move, I hope you’ll travel to and from the office with Richard and me. I work hard to ensure my family is as safe as possible, and you’re now included on that list. Gabriel and Rhonda arrange everything for us, and they’re the best in their field. Now, tell me about your dream car.”

“Sure, I’ll ride with you,” Luke responded, his thoughts completely muddled. “Oh, I don’t have a dream car. I was going to buy something serviceable and in my price range. The car I have now was bought by Foxe. I haven’t purchased a car before, so I was hoping to get help from the dealer on the best option for my budget.”

“I’m glad I rescued you when I did,” Clark said, horror in his blue eyes. “Between you, me, and Rhonda, we’ll get you an unsurpassed deal on a vehicle that suits you perfectly. Rhonda?”

“I’ll make some calls and get some options sent over from local dealerships,” Rhonda replied.

“Luke, can I get you anything while Rhonda gets us some choices?” Clark asked.

Overwhelmed, Luke shrugged. “I don’t know.”

Clark nodded and grabbed his phone as Rhonda stepped out of the office through a connecting door.

“Richard, would you mind coming up to my office?” Clark asked. Luke wasn’t sure how Richard responded, but Clark’s brows raised. “Of course I haven’t done anything to Lucas. He’s fine. I’m helping him.” Clark set the receiver down. “Richard hung up on me. Apparently, I’m a menace.”

“Thanks for inviting Richard,” Luke said.

“You’re looking a little dazed, so I figured my son would be a welcome diversion. Be prepared. He’ll take me to task when he arrives. I’m not sure what he envisions I’ve done to you, but Richard has never been one to allow anyone to come to harm on his watch. My son was born a warrior.”

The way Richard sprang into action at every conference to ensure it was exactly as the client wanted sprang to Luke’s mind, and he smiled. He also relaxed, knowing Richard was on his way and had jumped to his defense.

“I’ve seen him in action,” Luke said. “Every guest at your resort is treated like royalty or the staff faces Richard’s wrath.”

“I wish I could clone my son and have a Richard at every property we own,” Clark mused.

The door whipped open, and Richard glared at his father. “Why did you drag Lucas up here?”

“Relax, we’re buying him a car,” Clark responded.

“Why can’t you wait until Lucas asks you to help him with something?” Richard asked, racing over to rest his palms on Luke’s shoulders. His heartrate finally returned to normal, and Luke found a smile.

“Thanks for coming upstairs,” Luke said to Richard.

“Dad, stop scaring my soulmate.”

Clark rolled his eyes in almost exactly the same way Richard did. “Help him pick something fancy and beautiful. He deserves the best.”

“Of course he does. But be mindful of his budget,” Richard demanded.

“Do you want to argue now about who is going to pay for it or wait until after I purchase it?” Clark asked.

“Wait, what?” Luke managed.

The smile Clark gave Luke was unnerving. “You wouldn’t refuse a gift from the parents of your soulmate, would you?”

“This is why Eric kept his relationship with Gabriel a secret from you and Mom,” Richard accused. “You’re being a pest and a bully.”

“I’m buying the car, Richard,” Clark stated firmly.

“Do I have a choice?” Luke asked, though he wasn’t sure if he was asking Clark or Richard.

“No,” Richard responded with a heavy sigh. “Unless you can distract Rhonda so she won’t stop me from killing him.”

Clark’s only response was laughter. Luke hoped for a chance to talk his way out of allowing Clark to buy his car, but he wasn’t sure where to start.

“How can I pay you back for such a generous gift?” Luke wondered aloud.

“Easy. Be a good soulmate to my son,” Clark replied.

“I really hope he’s not trying to buy you off because he thinks I’m so awful that you’ll require presents to stick around,” Richard muttered.

“No worries, I like you,” Luke said. “Thank you for helping me with the car purchase, Clark. I wasn’t expecting your generosity, and I’m not sure how to handle it, but that doesn’t mean I lack gratitude.”

“It’s my pleasure, now let’s focus on picking out something wonderful for you,” Clark insisted.

Bolstered by Richard’s presence, Luke nodded. He wasn’t sure how to wiggle his way out of allowing Clark to buy him a vehicle, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t still try.