"You mean, as compared to monsters?" Laurent arches a brow. "I can't say I've ever met one before. You may be assured, Beast, that my lack of diplomacy has nothing to do with your appearance or anatomy, and everything to do with the fact that I am your prisoner and you threatened to rape me. Of such things are monsters made, not any flaw of your visage."

His lip curls, and a tremor of rage goes through his body. "Would any degree of diplomacy win me my freedom? For if not, then it would only serve to flatter your vanity, and I have no desire whatsoever to please you, Beast."