"It was necessary to maintain the illusion that I was Rashid," Armand confirms. He caresses the scar on Daniel's neck with his thumb, then drifts his hand lower, tangling his fingertips in the front of Daniel's shirt. He could tear it from his body with barely any effort; for now, he just toys, flirtatiously, with a button. The excited flutter of Daniel's heartbeat is sweet music in his ears.

"In all ways, I was the willing servant. I didn't mind." His smile curls, secretive and suggestive, remembering. He slips his hand inside the collar of Daniel's shirt, cool against his warm skin. "Louis does drink from me, occasionally. It is restorative, for him. The blood of the elder, a more powerful vampire, imparts certain gifts to the younger. An increase in strength and endurance. Certain advantages in power."

"And," he adds, "I drink from him, occasionally. Though that is more.." Another lazy, evocative smile. "For fun."