Damen could hardly believe that Laurent wasn't running as fast as he could. Amazed and relieved, he stayed very, very still as Laurent settled back on the bed and - oh - kissed him, lightly but deliberately.

He watched his husband's movements closely, unsure of what Laurent wanted from him now. It seemed safest to let Laurent make the first moves when it came to touching or proximity. Damen folded his legs into a more comfortable sitting position. "I'm going to get lots of practice at it, I think," he said, a wry look at Laurent. "On mornings where there is nothing scheduled early, this would be - nice." His hubsand's favorite word.

Laurent was so good at lounging. Damen arranged a pillow awkwardly behind himself and leaned against the headboard in suit. "What is your morning routine in Vere?"