Liam just watched Mike, unconcerned, as he took another drag off the cigarette. Those harsh words. Not even an apology for any of it. It had been too long since he'd put Mike properly in his place, that's what this was. It wasn't just a remaining spark of defiance. He'd let his control slip. Mike needed a reminder. Even if he didn't know something didn't mean he could talk like that.

Exhaling the smoke, he dropped the remaining stick in the glass Mike had been using for an ashtray. The thing had barely left his fingers when he twisted around all at once and back-handed Mike hard across the cheek.

Fingers still stinging, he gripped the junkie by the chin, forcing the man to look at him. "What makes you think you have any right to speak to me in such a way?" He knew that letting Mike get comfortable would lead to letting something slip.