Laurent yielded to it, surrendering the kiss to Damen as fairly won. He kept it soft, chaste, heart pounding with nerves that Damen would think it an invitation to more, would feel that he had a right to expect more.

Laurent wanted, but his nerves and doubts were too strong after the day they'd had, and giving himself to Damen had been difficult enough before. Laurent could still feel the strain of it in his muscles.

One day, he thought--he hoped--it would be easy. This affection between them. Their shared desire.