Once again, Damen's gaze fell to Laurent's lips and lingered. Would it be so surprising now, he wondered, if he were to ask and Laurent were to say yes? Despite all Laurent had told him, all he had admitted, Damen felt it would still shake him to his core.

And he wanted it. Undeniably.

'These bonds have been nothing more than jewelry for months,' he said then, his fingers still light upon Laurent's shoulder, soaking up the warmth of him through one layer of fabric. His voice was quieter, the warmth of the wine heavy in his veins.. 'And yet I feel, in this moment, that I'd do anything you asked.'