Laurie

“All right. Give me some coin. I want to play that man at cards.’
Laurent rose, leaning his weight against the table. Damen reached for the purse, then paused.
‘Aren’t you supposed to earn gifts with service?’
Laurent said, ‘Is there something you want?’
His voice was sinuous with promise; his gaze was steady as a cat’s.”
― C.S. Pacat, Captive Prince

“Wanting to be liked can get in the way of truth.”
― Delia Ephron, Sister Mother Husband Dog: Etc.

“I want your best room,' said Laurent, 'with a big bed and a private bath, and if you send up the house boy, you'll find out the hard way that I don't like sharing.'
He delivered the innkeeper a long, cool look.
"He's expensive,' said Damen to the innkeeper, by way of apology.”
― C.S. Pacat, Captive Prince

“There is something very old and odd and quite unpleasant about this house."
"Yes, its Graham."
Stephan grinned and followed him into the long room.”
― K.J. Charles, The Magpie Lord