With one hand still tangled in Damen's hair, Laurent kept the other pressed against his back, nails still sharp against Damen's skin but no longer digging in.

He gave a soft little groan as Damen claimed his mouth. Yielding to it without any fight this time, Laurent returned the kiss with deep affection and warmth.

He'd never felt this sort of intimacy before. He didn't want Damen to move, and didn't plan to let him. Thighs tight on either side of Damen's hips, Laurent savored the warmth and trust of the moment. His husband. They'd finally succeeded in their lovemaking, and Laurent felt completely undone by it. He had no remaining defenses against Damen. The Akielon king had won him in every way.