“Wait,” said Laurent, as though he forced the word out, and hated saying it. “It’s too dangerous. Leaving now would be seen as an admission of guilt. The Regent’s Guard wouldn’t hesitate to have you killed. I can’t . . . protect you, as I am now.” “Protect me,” said Damen, flat incredulity in his voice. “I am aware that you saved my life.” Damen just stared at him. Laurent said: “I dislike feeling indebted to you. Trust that, if you don’t trust me.” “Trust you?” said Damen. “You flayed the skin from my back. I have seen you do nothing but cheat and lie to every person you’ve encountered. You
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