That shift in Mike was all Liam needed for confirmation. Like pulling treats out in front of a dog. Immediately alert and nothing else matters. There wasn't even anything in it. It was just a small bit of glass in a very specific shape. The way Mike looked, he didn't want to ruin it. That tension and uncertainty. Wanting it but knowing he shouldn't ask for it. Wanting to beg but knowing it would get him in trouble. He'd finally learned. And Liam wanted to take his time to savor that tension and conflict.

Slowly, he closed his fingers around the hitter as a sly smile curved his lips. This is right where he'd wanted Mike. Desperate beyond reason on every possible level. This was his own personal high. Satisfied, he slid off the bed, leaving Mike completely alone. He moved to a spot he knew he couldn't be seen unless the little junkie strained hard enough. And even then, he had his back to the bed as he used the night stand to slowly crush a pill. Making sure to reduce every small piece to uniform dust.