“That’s a load of garbage!” Rihlia’s eyes shot sparks as she sat forward, gesturing angrily. “She might be a little shy with men, but Jasmine has always been a pretty girl. I don’t think it’s fair of you to blame some mythical pheromone just so you can have an excuse for being attracted to a human!” “What I feel, what Fallon feels, what Knightin feels,” he answered with grim conviction. “What every unattached male above the age of puberty will feel whenever she is near.” He leaned forward, determined to make her understand. “She's pretty, and it doesn’t help, but it wouldn’t matter if she were fat and bald and covered with boils, men would s

Keilor stepped back while he still had the will. It took strength to straighten her bodice, tucking her away from his sight. His hand fell away, and for a tortured moment, neither could move. “Your hair is loose,” Jasmine observed from where she sagged against the wall. He gave her a rakish smile and ran both his hands through it, smoothing it back. “So is yours.” 

Keilor frowned at Fallon. “Your mother does want you to wed.” There was a silence as they considered just how far the manipulative Portae would go to secure a daughter-in-law. Considering the lengths she’d gone to in the past to manage her only son’s life, there was no telling what she was capable of, and Jasmine was the first woman he’d ever shown a serious interest in. “Had the drug been in your dessert, Keilor, I would have suspected Urseya.” Jayems smiled faintly. “Under the circumstances, I can’t see her wishing to inflame Jasmine, lest she be forced to toast the pair of you at your wedding feast.” 

She lowered her gaze. “You Haunt men must take lessons in charm. Thank you. I will enjoy it.” He leaned back and gave her a lazy grin. “Of course, I have to admit the thought of you wearing it may cause me to loose sleep...” he laughed and caught the pillow she tossed at him, “but the gift of your smile makes the sacrifice worth while.” She wagged a finger at him and he chuckled. “I will call for Rihlia. She will wish to help you prepare to meet your admirers.” He kept the pleasant expression on his face un

“Here it is a matter of honor for a man to speak honestly to a woman who asks his feelings for her. I know my cousins. They would not lie to you.” He frowned at her thoughtfully. “I don’t think you realize what your position is. Rihlia claimed you as a sister, and I accepted her claim. You became my family. No one would dare treat you lightly.” He slanted her a mischievous look. “Nor will they court you without my permission.” She eyed him. “You approved all the men who sent me gifts?”