While that is precisely what Liam wanted to hear, it went against what he was trying to teach Mike. He let the begging go on for a moment, savoring it. No one begged quite like Mike, so desperate and pathetic. Just the right balance that made it sound like he genuinely meant it, and wasn't just saying it all of Liam's benefit.

With a snarl, he pulled back, needing to put some effort into it to make it sound convincing. He grabbed Mike by the shoulder and twisted him over onto his back. In one swift move, he straddled the man's hips and picked up the cane again. He used both hands to press it to Mike's throat. A threat without applying any real pressure.

He looked pissed in that quiet, cold way that meant he was beyond livid.

"And here I was willing to give you a reprieve for good behavior." He didn't sound angry, he sounded disappointed. "But it's clear we must do something about your mouth. And we start back at one."