"As some petty, fickle, stupid thing," Laurent answered, knowing that the image of himself was one that he carefully cultivated. He'd thought that Damen had seen past it, and was horrified that Damen had let himself believe it after Laurent had given so much of himself to Damen. "Who does things lightly and without purpose. And who would give himself cheaply. And, simultaneously, as some cruel and vile tempter who toys with your heart for amusement."

Laurent felt sick as he described the impression Damen seemed to have gotten. His stomach clenched. Keeping his back turned, Laurent curled a little tighter into himself.