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Rasmus shook his head. “No, I had to be celibate for my work. Connections of any sort were forbidden to me. I know you said that’s a planted memory, but it feels true.”

Given the history of the guardians mating with humans, I could see it being true. “Well, ya’re free of those constraints now.”

“I’ve been waiting ages for you, Aran. I knew that the moment I saw first you. It was love at first sight for me. I hope we can become more than friends.”

“I’m in a whole different place with ya, Rasmus. Ya’ll get tired of waiting for that one day.”

“Maybe. We’ll see who caves first. But for the record, I’m interested in sharing your body, not your power. I’ll take whatever you have to give me, but your power is not my motivation.”

“Of course, it isn’t. You’re thirty-two. Everything inspires lust in a man your age.”

Rasmus grinned at me and shook his head. “Lust wasn’t a problem I had before you found me. I was too busy running for my life.”

All fake memories, but I wasn’t reminding him of it again. He’d either recall his true memories over time or he wouldn’t.

“Good night, Rasmus.”

“Good night, Aran.”

ChapterNineteen

The next morning, Mulan was sitting at my kitchen table when I stumbled into it. Her plate was empty, and her mug of tea was dry. I saw another plate in the sink when I got a coffee cup from the cabinet.

“Conn off already?”

“No. High demon is sleeping his life away.”

I’d never known Conn to sleep more than six or seven hours. He was disgustingly prompt about bounding out of bed. I envied him sleeping in this morning. I also envied him the reason he slept so soundly.

“Did Rasmus leave for work?”

“Boy-toy has not shown his pretty face. Is he still here?”

I poured coffee into one of the largest mugs we had, dropped an ice cube in to cool it, and then walked to the table with my precious brew. “I was just guessing whose plate was in the sink.”

“Daughter left early. She was ranting about some school meeting. I wasn’t paying attention.”

I laughed as I sipped. “I don’t blame ya for that. Fiona’s been ranting all week.”

I waited a heartbeat to give her a chance to talk. Mulan had yet to look at me since I sat down. “How are ya?” I finally asked.

“Satisfied... and depressed.”

I saluted her with my coffee. “Congratulations. Ya’re now a full-fledged member of the Contrary Women Club.”

She didn’t laugh, but I heard the snort. Still not meeting my gaze, she rose and carried her dishes to the sink. “I will make you breakfast. Consider it friendship reward for trying to cheer me up.”

“I’m going to have to remember to be especially nice to you in the mornings. I can see we’re kindred souls.”

She fixed me a perfect omelet and carried it back to the table. This time when she sat, she looked at me directly. “Time away did not solve my problem. I must conclude solution will show itself in time. Patience is not my best quality.”

“At least ya got a break from dealing with him. Two days after I got the shock of my life, I let Rasmus move into the garage... and for free. I’m not even charging him rent.”

She giggled at my story. “Why is your guardian not sleeping in your bed? Was that not his main reason for big change?”

I ate in silence for a moment or two. “He’s not in my bed because I’mpresidentof the Contrary Women Club. I couldn’t run the club if I wasn’t the most contrary woman of all.”

Her laughter filled the kitchen. I smiled as I finished my delicious food. “Thank you for the omelet. It was wonderful. Why don’t ya give up yer house and come live with us? Conn and I both would love to have ya here.”