Liam checks the vital buckles, making sure all of the straps are properly tight. He knows they are, but it adds a little extra emphasis as he tugs at each one. A reminder of just how secure Mike is in this thing. The sight of Mike's panic alone is soothing his irritation. There was such delight in ripping away a solace someone assumed to be a sure thing. Watching them reach for a support that was never there. It leaves them so unbalanced.

"Perhaps after we're done, you'll be less confused." He ran his fingers through Mike's hair, before grasping a handful and forcing his head back. Making Mike look up at him, backward and upside down. "Maybe you'll remember this the next time you try to disobey the rules." Stern, firm, ominous. As if this were Mike's last chance.

Using that grip, he forced Mike's head forward down, so he could access the back of the junkie's neck. He grabbed the belt that was still wrapped around Mike's neck, slowly pulling it tighter while keeping his grip on his hair. "Do you understand?"