Vulnerable, he knew already. But used... Damen didn't know how to absorb this new information. Restraint. Mark. Claim. Whore. The images flashed in a series of increasingly disturbing visions of himself, as Laurent must see him.

He frowned, troubled by the knowledge. His first instinct was to defend himself against the allegations - but no, that wouldn't do any good, and besides it wasn't about him. Laurent's feelings and reactions to his own actions were at the forefront here. And he had a clear responsibility to try and make it right, if he could.

"I am - sorry, Laurent." The words did not come easily to his lips. But they must. Damen sat up, hands in his lap where the sheet pooled over him. "I seem to misstep at every turn when it comes to you. I thank you for your honesty. I - didn't know."

He spoke haltingly, trying to choose his words carefully. "I would like to be honest as well. To have the chance to explain my own intentions, if they might ease your hurt at all. If you will stay and listen."

Laurent seemed on the verge of fleeing; he had already fled the bed, and Damen didn't know how they were ever going to move past this if one or both of them kept running away.