Fated: Karma Series, Book Three Read Online Free Page B

his thick hair couldn’t seem to decide what color it wanted to be—blond or brown. He looked to be in his late twenties, although that meant absolutely nothing where any of us were concerned. He wore a black suit with a white shirt, which was unbuttoned at the neck, softening the appearance.
    He must have come through the door. It was the only logical explanation. He was handsome, but his mode of arrival alone would’ve been enough to garner my interest. I tried peeking around him and got enough of a glimpse into the office to see that the door was closed and it didn’t look like Harold was in there any longer.
    The new guy cleared his throat as he looked over the group of us. His eyes scanned every person in our group but when they landed on me, they paused.
    My spine straightened a little, and I wondered what he found so interesting about me. I wasn’t dealing with any more transfer bullshit.
    Fate rose beside me and straightened to his full height, suddenly taking some interest in the situation. He took a step slightly in front of me and I had to shove Luck farther down the table so I could see around his broad back. It was nice that he thought he could protect me from possible danger but all he was doing currently was blocking my view.
    “Harold has retired,” the man said, his voice sounding as refined as his appearance, and he turned his gaze on the whole of the group again.
    Bernie the leprechaun, all three and a half feet of him, walked over and stood in front of the newcomer. “Who the fuck are you?”
    Bernie was especially cranky today because some woman had found three four-leaf clovers in the period of one week.
    The man looked down, unfazed, and then looked back up as if Bernie were of no consequence. Hands resting loosely on his hips, he said to the group, “Harold retired. I’m Knox, his replacement.”
    No one spoke.
    Just like that, Harold was gone. And who had given him his pink slip? Was it Paddy or the others? And was Knox going to be useful or was he just for show, like Harold had been?
    Knox’s chin edged up slightly. “Do you have any questions?” he asked.
    Fate inched closer, drawing Knox’s gaze.
    “I do,” Fate said.
    Knox made a single nod, acknowledging Fate before he spoke. “I’ll be in my office.” He turned around and walked back into what used to be Harold’s office and left the door open. I watched as he settled in behind the cluttered desk and started to sort through papers.
    Fate stepped forward, heading toward the office, and I followed. There was no way I wasn’t going to be a part of this conversation. I was hoping Knox wasn’t going to be another paper pusher. We needed help. Hands on, feet grounded, walking beside us help.
    I bumped into Fate’s back as he stopped short of what was now Knox’s office.
    Knox raised his gaze and gestured Fate in. Fate didn’t move.
    “You know where to find me,” Fate said.
    “Yes,” Knox replied.
    “Twenty minutes.”
    Knox nodded.
    I stepped outside the opening of the door and made mad gesturing motions towards the inside.
    Fate shook his head.
    I moved forward.
    Fate blocked.
    What are you doing? I mouthed, having no idea what kind of hearing the new kid had.
    Our terms, not his, he replied silently.
    I threw my hands up. Seriously? We can’t just go talk to the guy?
    He didn’t have to shake his head or nod. The resounding no was written all over him, punctuated by his arms crossing and his feet braced apart.
    I shook my head and waved for him to lead the way to wherever this meeting was to take place, rethinking my choice of partners the entire time. Maybe I would’ve been better off with Luck. Oh wait, that’s right, Fate had chosen me.
     

Chapter Three
     
    “Why couldn’t we just chit chat with him right then and there?” I asked as I followed Fate down the hall towards the stairs. Why was I following him? And where? I hoped it wasn’t because he smelled particularly good today and his jeans fit oh-so