'Indeed,' said Laurent mildly. 'You have been skulking after him for weeks, yes? You must have seen his back by now. If I will strip the skin from a lover, imagine what I will do to you.'

He stepped closer. He trusted Damen's skill - and bulk - to keep her in check, but the woman was remarkably confident for a prisoner with already broken bones. He would not like to underestimate her. Neither did Laurent answer Damen's question. Let the woman think he lied, that there was no one else to help them. It was preferable to keep surprise on his side, and the pair of them near a window.

'Is that all that you desired of him?' he asked. 'To apply your knife for sport and then be gone?' Laurent's eyes narrowed - he thought very little of sadists, and even less of their motivations. 'And now you have broken bones for the sake of entertainment. Was it worth it?'