Any thought Damen had to ducking free and disarming her evaporated at the press of another sharp blade to his throat. Muscles drawn tight, Damen hissed in a breath and pushed back against the cushions, glaring up at Dutch.

Her words had little effect; whatever Laurent's reasons for leaving, they had nothing to do with her, he was certain. And it would only be a matter of time before he returned. That notion did like to comfort, however, given that Laurent would return unarmed; as skilled as he was, he would certainly struggle against two blades.

Keeping still, Damen considered his options and refused to show any bit of weakness as he breathed carefully. 'Yes,' he said, his voice quiet and even. 'He'll return to the sight of you dead upon the floor. Is that your plan?'