Damen was almost sorry that all of the beneficial effects of their kisses were instantly reversed by his request. But their respective heights and positions meant exploring Laurent any further while in his lap would be nearly impossible anyways. He would just have to un-tense Laurent all over again.

He hovered over him, another kiss bestowed on Laurent's mouth, as a sort of peace offering or reward for his yielding. He stroked a wayward lock of blond hair back. "So that I may taste more of you," he explained. "Is that all right?"

It was true, their amorous encounters had more often than not ended in disaster, but this morning was different, Damen thought. He kept his gaze on Laurent's face as he bent to touch his lips below the line of collarbone, over a swath of pectoral. More, only if Laurent wished him to.