Laurent had anticipated a yes, yet his heart raced when he received it. He gave a small nod of his own as his eyes journeyed the length of Damen, curled as he was on the chaise. They swept over ankle and knee, broad hands and broader shoulders until they landed once more near Damen's throat.

Laurent lifted a hand, which hovered for a moment before it pressed forward, carding into Damen's loose curls. Warmth exploded against his palm, and Laurent drew in a breath. 'I have never done this,' he admitted, lest Damen think it all a pantomime of what transpired before. He moved Damen's hair from that place where it curled against his throat, dragging his fingers along the spot after. Damen's pulse thrummed against the pads of his fingers.

'After all that I can recall between us, it is strange for me to think what we have not done.'