Thomas didn’t react at all to Lenore’s narrowed eyes. He kept the eye contact with a stoic expression on his face. That stoic expression disappeared for a moment when the lord chuckled lightly as Lenore accused him of sounding like the leader of Zion. Perhaps, he was guilty of that, as she had accused. However, he had chosen that particular wording on purpose. What he was offering her was not quite what she already had. It was different, and perhaps, it was a subtle difference, but it was a difference still. It was up to her to figure out.

“Manipulate?” he said innocently as the golden haired woman caressed his cheek with one soft finger. “A business dealing is more preferable.” A small jesting smile alighted on his face. “Many have lusted, but few have succeeded. Which path do you choose?” He paused as her hands wandered, invading his chest. “However, I do wonder how many of the city’s recruits you have taken from me ...”