He entertained the brief thought of working Damen through one of these machines, but Laurent knew so little about them - he had no desire to cause harm to Damen or to his own pride. Instead, 'Perhaps I can supplement your training,' said Laurent, pulling up one leg so that he could sit astride Damen's hips. He answered the tug of Damen's fingers to his waistband by hooking his own beneath the hem of Damen's shirt, pulling it up to lift over his head.

'Get this thick, Akielon blood moving, yes? How much so will depend on whether you've locked the door behind you.'