"So that I can entertain you with my fear and disgust for years to come?" Laurent asked.

He believed the Beast's explanation, and appreciated it. He appreciated, especially, that the Beast was making an effort to be civil. Laurent was making no such effort.

So the monster was lonely. Wanted a companion who wouldn't hate him. He'd picked the wrong one for that. Laurent was willing to hate him for years.

"What's stopping you, then?" Laurent arched a perfect golden brow in challenge. "If I'm your possession, why bother with courtesy? Why not simply make use of me, as you threatened?"