The cadence of Laurent's fingers and nails was both soothingly hypnotic and the sort of playful affection that warmed Damen from within. He sank into it, rumbling again with pleasure with the first touch of wet tongue across his nipple. This was -

His body jerked in surprise, still not used to the assault of teeth on his skin. Eyes wide open once more, Damen forced himself not to pull away. He would deliberately give himself over to Laurent's attentions, even if his instincts perceived them as something that needed defending against. After all, he didn't mind seeing the proof of them lingering for days, the way the mark on his neck had, and Laurent's mouth was soft and warm and pleasurable.

And then the pressure of those nails was another point of vulnerability, placed just so, right beside the scar Kastor had left on him. Damen tensed. He was keenly reminded that the last time he'd trusted someone to have only the best intentions towards him, he'd almost lost his kingdom and his life for it. He watched Laurent closely, his muscles taut and hand stilling to a crawl.