Unfortunately for Laurent, Damen still couldn't take him at face value. Laurent seemed to delight in upending his heart, turning on him in an instant, after he'd yielded body and soul to the seemingly honest affection and desire that Laurent swore he gave him.

He touched the laces at Laurent's neck. "You have the freedom. But do not think me made of stone." For someone with such power and sheer physical capability, Damen knew his heart was his weak spot. And Laurent knew it too. Break it, and Laurent would find himself in a far less desirable place than he was now.

The flattery made him uncomfortable, though the kisses were sought-out. "I..." He exhaled, like he was about to confess something very secret. "I would like to sleep beside you tonight. Hold you even. Whatever we do, that seems to me an admirable goal." He placed a hand over Laurent's thigh as he tugged loose the tightly laced tunic. "Even I grow tired of constantly holding you at bay, Laurent."