Laurent had been called beautiful more times than he cared to number, the most beautiful nearly again as much. It was not the words or even the sentiment, but the way that Damen said it that caught his breath. When Damen laughed, Laurent's eyes widened, but it was pleasure that thrummed through him to see all that he was feeling there in the curl of Damen's own overwhelmed smile.

'Take the wine,' he said, reaching between them to capture Damen's hand. He lifted it, hesitating for only a moment before he pressed his lips to the center of Damen's palm in a single closemouthed kiss. 'I have enjoyed it but drink will not become a habit.'