Fates' Destiny Read online

  “Yes.” She nodded. “You want me to help them and in order to do so I need to know what forms of punishment I can lay down without stepping over a line.” When his dark brows rose she quickly rushed out, “Without corporal punishment.”

  “I see.” He replied.

  “I just need to know that whatever I do to help them that you have my back.”

  He nodded in understanding. “Jason is who you’re mostly referring to. Yes, Richard told me what he said to Dela tonight. I assured Dela that her job will never be in jeopardy just because my son wants to be a brat.”

  Destiny cringed at the memory of Dela. “She was terrified. And he even told me that I would learn real fast that he was the boss of me. If that’s how it’s going to be then I’m going to go ahead and leave.”

  Mr. Fates shook his head, leaned up in his chair, and folded his arms atop the desk. “Ms. Reece, like I told you before my wife was the one who cared for our children while I provided for them. My job keeps me very occupied and she understood that. Now that she’s gone I need someone who will care for them while I continue to provide for them. You have total control of them but,” He lifted a finger in warning. “if I feel you’ve done anything to harm them you will be terminated. Is that clear?”

  Destiny smiled and lifted out of the chair. “That’s all I needed to know.”

  For the first time she saw a smile form his rugged face. A small smile but still a smile. “Just remember what I said.”

  “Oh I will.” She made her way to the door but just before she opened it a thought popped in her head.

  “Oh, Mr. Fates?” She turned back to see his dark stare on her. “I have a request.”

  “I just gave you total control of my family Ms. Reece. What else could you possibly want?” The hint of humor in his voice made her feel a bit more comfortable in his presence.

  “That you join us for dinner tomorrow night. I bet it would mean the world to the children.” She knew it would mean the world to Anna.

  He stared at her for a moment, thinking.

  “I’ll try. That’s the best I can do.”

  That will do for now. She nodded in response and opened the door only to have the shit scared out of her by the man she wasn’t expecting to be on the other side.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry.” He said with a charming smile.

  Destiny caught her breath and desperately tried to calm her racing heart as she gapped at him. Dark hair swept across his forehead, a head taller than her, lean build incased in a black t-shirt and jeans, and familiar dark eyes.

  “It’s ok.” Was all she could think to say at the moment.

  “You must be the new nanny.”

  She nodded. “Destiny Reece.” She extended her hand to him, her fear induced panic attack easing.

  “Nice to meet you Destiny. I’m the younger, more charming brother Luke Fates.”

  Her breath caught once again as he lifted her hand and pressed his lips to her knuckles.

  “Enough Luke!” Mr. Fates’ voice boomed from his desk.

  She glanced over to see him on his feet making his way around his desk, his dark scowl in place.

  “What Adam?” Luke asked innocently. “I was just getting acquainted with Destiny.”

  His eyes narrowed on his brother but softened when he looked at her. “Ms. Reece, if you’ll excuse us.”

  “Oh, yes.” She smiled at him. “I have to go anyway. I promised Anna I’d read her a story before bed.”

  He nodded, a hint of a smile softening his scowl.

  “Mr. Fates,” She turned to Luke. “It was very nice to meet you.”

  “Luke, please.” He insisted sweetly. “It was very nice to meet you too. I hope next time we meet we may be able to hang out a little longer.”

  “Maybe.” And with that she headed up the stairs.

  ~ ~ ~

  “What did I tell you?”

  Adam couldn’t remember the last time he was this mad at his brother. The moment the upstairs door closed he turned on him.

  “She is an employee.”

  Cool and calm, Luke crossed the room heading for the chairs.

  “She’s your employee. Not mine.”

  Adam rolled his eyes with a grunt and headed back to his desk.

  “What are you doing here anyway?”

  “I told you I was going to stop by.” Luke relaxed in the chair that Ms. Reece had occupied. “I wanted to meet the new nanny and I do have to say brother,” He glanced over his shoulder at the door. “she didn’t disappoint.”

  Adam envisioned throwing something at his brother’s head as a red haze cornered his vision.

  “Keep your damn hands to yourself Luke. I mean it.” He warned through clenched teeth.

  “Why? You want her?” His brother’s brow rose in question.

  Huh? Adam was caught off guard by his question. “Are you serious?”

  “Yeah.” Luke shrugged. “You can’t deny she’s attractive.”

  No, he couldn’t. She’s very attractive but…

  “Luke, you know…”

  A shake of his brother’s head silenced him. “You’ve got to let go Adam.” All humor vanished from Luke. Sympathy softened his dark eyes. “Lizzy told you she wanted you to move on and be happy.”

  Adam stared at his brother, the all too familiar grief gripping his heart. The painful memory of the last time he spoke to his wife ran through his mind. Her last words echoed through his ears.

  Be happy Adam. That’s all I want is for you to move on and be happy.

  Tears stung his eyes but he blinked them away.

  “I am happy.” He snapped. “Very happy. I have my family and my career…”

  “But no one to share it all with.” Luke interrupted.

  Ok, he had to end this conversation. “Yes, I find Ms. Reece attractive but she is my employee and that’s that. Plus, I barely know her and from what she knows of me she probably thinks I’m an ass.”

  “You are Brother.” Luke’s humor returned.

  Adam flipped him off.

  “Charming Adam.” He laughed. “Very charming.”

  Adam rolled his eyes, beyond annoyed with his irritating brother. “Go home Luke.”

  “Ok.” Luke whined as he lifted out of his chair. “I’ll see you in the morning.” And with that he headed to the door.

  ~ ~ ~

  Luke shook his head as he ascended the staircase. He couldn’t count how many times he’s tried to tell his brother he needed to move on only for Adam to tell him that he couldn’t let her go. Broke his heart to think his brother will never recover from his loss and will spend the rest of his life mourning her.

  Luke couldn’t fathom loving someone so much that he’d waste away without them. Of course, Luke couldn’t fathom loving someone at all. Love was more of a curse than a blessing in his opinion. He would never allow someone to have any kind of control over him.

  “Uncle Luke!”

  Anna’s excited squeal pulled him from his thoughts. He smiled as his youngest niece ran across the living room, dressed in a frilly pink and white night gown that stretched to her ankles, and threw herself into his awaiting arms.

  “Hey squirt.” He lifted her and rested her on his hip. “Whatcha doing?”

  “Getting ready for bed.” She answered. “Destiny is going to read to me.”

  He followed her eyes to see Destiny standing in front of them.

  “I’m a sucker for a good fairy tale.” She joked and he laughed. “That’s nice to know Destiny.”

  “Uncle Luke?” Anna pulled his attention back to her. “Will you tuck me in?”

  He smiled. How could he say no to those big blue eyes? “Of course Sweetheart.”

  He carried her across the living room where he greeted Jason who was playing a video game and attempted to greet Ali who was glued to her phone as usual.

  As they climbed the stairs Luke took this time to try to lighten Destiny’s opinion of his brother.

  “He’s really no
t a bad guy.”

  “Huh?” Destiny asked as if she was lost in her own thoughts.

  “My brother. He’s not a bad guy. He’s just… miserable.” He gave her the truth. That’s exactly what his brother was.

  “Before Lizzy passed away,” He continued. “he was a very easy going guy. He enjoyed life but now…”

  “Now he mourns.” She finished for him and he smiled.

  “Exactly Destiny.”

  “I’m a psychiatrist Luke. I’m very good at reading people.”

  He turned to her once they reached the second floor. “And what do you read in me?”

  She let out a soft laugh as she continued toward Anna’s room.

  “A man who loves life. A man who has no desire to settle down or have a family.” She pushed open the door to Anna’s room

  “Very good Destiny.” He brushed pass her. “You are spot on.”

  He laid Anna on her bed, pulled her pink comforter up to her chin, and kissed her forehead.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow, Squirt.”

  “K, Uncle Luke. Have a good night.”

  He smiled, admiring his favorite niece. “You too.”

  Then he straightened and turned to Destiny. She stood a few feet away, a book clutched to her chest.

  “Well Destiny, you have a good night.”

  Her smile was breath taking but Luke noted that she really didn’t stir him like other women did.

  “You too Luke.”

  And with that he walked out the door.

  Chapter 7

  “…And they all lived happily ever after.”

  Destiny closed the book and smiled at the sleeping angel curled up with her pink stuffed pony.

  At that moment she couldn’t help but wonder if she’ll ever settle down and have a child of her own. She wanted children but that was the easy part. The hard part was finding a guy who wouldn’t start out as Prince Charming and end up a toad. So far all the guys she’s ever dated turned out to be toads. A few started off that way.

  At 25 she was an unmarried physiatrist turned nanny. Some would say that was sad. Hell, she would say it was sad. But at this moment, admiring this sweet little baby who warmed up to her so quickly she had to admit she was satisfied with her life.

  She pushed a strand of Anna’s hair back off her face and hooked it behind her ear. A soft sigh came from her as she snuggled deeper into her pillow and drifted away.

  Destiny watched her for another moment but a sound from the doorway startled her. She snapped up to the door to see Mr. Fates leaning against the frame, arms folded over his white button down shirt. The dark khakis he wore were creased in the front from sitting for a long period of time.

  “Sorry.” He whispered with a smile that Destiny had to admit made him ten times more good looking then his scowl.

  “It’s ok.” She rose out of the chair and laid the book in her place. “She’s so sweet.” She gazed down at her.

  A couple of long strides and Mr. Fates was at her side. “Yes she is.” He agreed as he stared admiringly at her.

  “I’ll let you say goodnight. I’m going to go check on Jason and Ali.”

  He nodded and she walked out of the room. She went to the door to the right of Anna’s room and tapped lightly. There was no sound so she pushed the door open and spotted Jason at his computer.

  “Jason it’s time for bed.”

  He didn’t make a move. Just continued with the game he was playing.

  She sighed at the boy’s defiance. “Please don’t make me take the power cord to your computer.”

  That got a response. Just not the one she wanted.

  “I dare you.” He growled without taking his eyes off the monitor.

  Suddenly a very deep ‘A-hem’ came from behind her. She and Jason both jumped at the sound of Mr. Fates clearing his throat.

  “Dad!” Jason shot up out of his chair, his face paled.

  Destiny felt his warm hand land on her shoulder and then he spoke.

  “Jason I’m only going to tell you this one time. I don’t want to hear anymore disrespectful comments come from your mouth again. Not to Ms. Reece and not to Dela or Richard. Do I make myself clear?”

  Oh, hell yeah! Destiny mentally cheered.

  “Y-yes sir.” Jason gave him a stiff nod.

  “Good. Now, Ms. Reece told you it was time for bed. I suggest you do as she says.”

  “Yes sir.” He turned back to his computer and turned it off.

  “Good night Jason.”

  All she got in response was a scowl. Destiny chuckled softly as she closed his door but made no effort to move. Instead she pressed her ear to the door and listened. She knew what was about to happen and she couldn’t wait for it.

  “Ms. Reece?” Mr. Fates stared at her in confusion.

  “Shush.” She raised a finger to her lips.

  He continued to stare at her as if she was crazy but did as she asked. Seconds later she heard the clatter of Jason’s baseball equipment bag crash onto the floor. She had to cover her mouth to keep from bursting into laughter.

  “What the hell was that?” Mr. Fates darted for the door but stopped when Destiny stepped in his way.

  “It was his equipment bag.” She giggled, her hand on his chest.

  “What?” He asked looking more confused than he had before.

  She moved away from Jason’s door as she explained how Dela had asked him to put his equipment away and he had refused.

  “So at dinner I had the bag waiting for him in his seat. He shoved it to the ground. When he went to get his shower I took the bag and put it in his bed and obviously he tossed it on the ground. Tomorrow the bag will be waiting for him at his door and in his seat at the table and wherever else he goes in this house until he puts it where it belongs.”

  “Wow!” Mr. Fates stared at her as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “He’s a stubborn one you know. He gets it honest.”

  Destiny laughed. “I am too. And we’re going to find out who’s more stubborn. I can promise you that.”

  “Well Ms. Reece, I’m rooting for you but I think you’re fighting a battle you’re not going to win.”

  A challenge. Destiny loved a good challenge. “Would you care to make a wager on that sir?”

  “A bet?” He asked in disbelief and she nodded. “I love a good challenge.”

  “Alright.” He held out his hand to her. “I bet you’ll fold before he will.”

  “You’re on.” She slapped her hand into his and gave it one good shake.

  “What’s the reward?” He asked as he released her hand.

  She rolled around a few ideas in her mind, money… jewels… a yacht… All sounded good but nothing she could match if she lost.

  “How about winner decides?”

  His smile lit up the dim hallway. “Deal.”

  “Ok… Well, I guess I’m going to turn in for the night.” She motioned to her room with her thumb.

  “Yeah, me too. I’ve got a long day ahead of me.”

  “I bet.” She laughed.

  A playful glint softened his dark eyes. “As do you. We have a wager now.”

  Again she laughed and nodded. “Just be ready to pay up when the time comes.”

  “No. You better be ready to pay up.”

  “Yeah right.” She snorted and turned to head for her room. She was just about to open her door when she remembered something she needed to do.

  “Oh, Mr. Fates.” She turned back to see him standing in the same spot she’d left him. “I wanted to thank you for your help with Jason. I was just about to take the power cord off his computer.”

  His deep laugh filled the hallway. “And I’m sure you would’ve.”

  “Of course I would’ve. I never make hollow threats.”

  Again he laughed. “Good night Ms. Reece.”

  “Good night Mr. Fates.”

  Chapter 8

  “How many air conditioning units?”

  Adam rushed around his bedro
om, phone to his ear. He couldn’t have heard his brother right.

  “You heard me. Every ac in both apartment complexes needs to be replaced. At least that’s what James Wilson’s e-mail said.”

  Shit! That’s a lot of money but… “E-mail him back and tell him to go ahead and have new units installed immediately.” It was already unseasonably warm in Miami. He couldn’t allow his tenets to go without air conditioning.

  “Alright. Are you on your way to the office?”

  “I will be shortly.” He said as he buttoned the cuffs of his black shirt.

  “K, see you then.”

  Adam slid his phone into his pocket and was going to his closet to get the grey blazer he’d planned to wear today when a blood-chilling scream ripped through the silence of his room.

  ~ ~ ~

  Destiny slept surprisingly well considering she was in a new place. She’d woke minutes before her alarm had went off well rested and ready to face the day.

  After a very nice shower in her new bathroom she’d wrapped her hair in a plush white towel and her favorite teal blue robe around her body and walked into her room.

  She was digging through her suitcase in search of her underwear when she noticed something on her hands.

  Her fingers and palms were tinted red. Pale but very noticeable red streaks traveled up under her sleeves. Panic started to settle in as she pushed the sleeves up and followed the streaks to her elbows. She shot up, untied her robe, and looked down. Streaks were entwined down her breasts, her belly, her thighs…

  She darted for her dresser mirror and when she seen the red streaks mapping around her face and down her neck she let out a scream of sheer terror.

  What in the hell could this be? She tried to scrub the marks on her arm away with her hand but they wouldn’t vanish. Had she had an allergic reaction to something? They didn’t itch or burn. They just discolored her skin.

  “Destiny!” She heard Anna’s panicked voice followed by soft pounds on the door. “You ok?”

  She was frozen in panic and confusion, staring at her red streaked body.

  Suddenly…

  “Ms. Reece!” Mr. Fates voice boomed through the door. The pictures on the wall shook with every hit of his fist to the door.