Laurent's smile grew less hidden as his feet left the ground, and though it was only a small distance, he couldn't resist a short bark of laughter when Damen released him back to earth.

'I don't know,' he said, studying Damen's slightly flushed face. It was a lovely sight, and the expression close enough to Damen after a tumble that Laurent felt a tightening low in his gut. He said, 'You look worn out already. You ought to spend more time with these machines.'