"A fitting place to feast upon you, don't you think? I have not yet dined, and Prince is on the menu tonight." He snagged one claw on the laces up Laurent's wrist and delicately tugged. At what point would Laurent back down...or break down? Damen could almost feel sorry for the brave young man before him. He had no way of knowing the Beast had a few reins on his appetites left.

"Would a bed make you happy to spread, little princeling? That can still be arranged." The loop spilled free, the bound laces pulled apart by the slightest of motions. There was hardly any skin even revealed, but the curved edge of his claw caressed the barest sliver of wrist.