The wine must have taken hold, for Laurent found himself twisting sideways to face Damen, his cheek resting lightly against the cushions once at his back. The traitorous smile on his lips remained as Damen made his list.

'By you,' he answered, feeling the warmth that had crept down his throat in his cheeks now. He cared for very few of these possible gifts, but it was the manner in which they were given that was important, and Laurent set each item to memory. He would like to give Damen items he might cherish in turn.

He said, 'I am particularly intrigued by what books you might select to tempt me. Are you a very avid reader?'