“What are you doing?" Damen's breathwas shaky."What am I doing? You are not veryobservant.""You're not yourself," said Damen. "Andeven if you were, you don't do anythingwithout a dozen motives."Laurent went very still, the soft wordshalf bitter. "Don't I? I must wantsomething.”

“Damen to Jord about Laurent: 'He needs me,' said Damen. 'I don't care if you tell the world.”

“Contrary, aren’t you,’ said Damen softly, thumbing over Laurent’s cheek.‘Fuck me,’ said Laurent.‘I want to,’ said Damen. ‘Can you let me?”

“Damen bridged the nine chilly inches at the first opportunity. 'What are you doing? You were the one who warned me about Nicaise.' He spoke in a low voice.Laurent went very still; then he deliberately shifted in his seat and leaned in, bringing his lips right to Damen's ear. 'I think I'm out of stabbing range, he's got short arms. Or perhaps he'll try to throw a sugar plum? That is difficult. If I duck he'll hit Torveld.'Damen gritted his teeth. 'You know what I meant. He heard you. He's going to act. Can't you do something about it?''I'm occupied.''Then let me do something.''Bleed on him?' said Laurent.”

“Why? Do you want to spar? We cankeep it friendly," Damen said."No," said Laurent.”

“I should make you watch, said Laurent, while he's stripped down for every man in the troop to have him."Damen stepped forward. "You don't mean this. You need him as a hostage.""I don't need him continent," said Laurent.”