Rewards were supposed to be something he chose, sure, but an ultimatum like this seemed to him like another game of Liam's--and it most definitely was, he thinks. A game. Everything was to Liam and Mike is under his thumb, unable to properly move out of it. Unable to do a damn thing. And that hand, so promising on his neck--coupled with the one on his cock, both of them unmoving, a flicker of something comes over his face.

Was this another lesson? Something nestled in Liam's voice, and he has to read between the lines? He's far too paranoid now, far too mentally--and physically--exhausted. He does want that high--he craves it--that's no secret.

But he wants Liam. His eyes rake over him, chest heaving. He's well aware that the clause is 'once he's earned it,' too.

Fuck.

Eventually, he settles on the shortest route. He still doesn't know if it's a test, and he hopes not, but at the end of all of this he's going to want Liam.

"Yes, sir," he confirms, breathing rough and ragged. He can experiment with belts on his neck another time.