He'd expected Mike to stall or hesitate. Something to avoid answering either way. But in his answer, he gave so much more than he actually said. That resignation, that honesty. It made Liam realize just how deeply he'd gotten his hooks into this one. He was used to them fighting, breaking, and giving up. They became hollow and useless. Mike wasn't just resilient. He'd broken and he was filled with something else, now. Something that was a mix of both of them. It kept Mike whole but made him Liam's more than he could fathom. Just how deep did it go?

"That's right. I'm keeping you safe from filth like Kelly. Stick with me, and you'll never have to deal with them again." With only one arm through the strap, he didn't go for the second. Instead, he shifted so he was almost beside Mike instead of behind him. His fingers gently touched the junkie's chin, turning his head to look at him. "I'll take care of you."

He leaned down to kiss Mike. This wasn't the teasing brush of lips he'd given before, nor was it the bruising force he usually used. Instead, it was just what Mike had been wanting. Firm, deep and intense. The sort of kiss that was only traded between lovers, brimming with passion and need. The sort of kiss that stole breath away. A rare gift from the likes of Liam.