Laurent nipped him for asking, even though he appreciated it. It was easier to be sharp and teasing than to be vulnerable, and Damen made him so vulnerable. He nipped again and again, leaving a deeper bite mark on Damen's shoulder, and kissed the mark to soothe it.

"You can move a little," Laurent murmured, shoulders and back tensing with his nerves as he said it, but he ignored that, refusing to indulge his own weakness.