Page 34 of A Mistake of Worth
He felt the tension bleed out of Henri’s body at those two simple words.
“Yes,” Henri said softly. “The toy that arrived last night...” His voice wavered. “I’m meant to wear it during my meetings.”
“No.” Michael’s tone left no room for argument. “You will not be wearing it.”
Henri laughed, but there was no humor in it. “I don’t have a choice.”
“You do have a choice.” Michael’s arms tightened around him. “You can leave Marc.”
“I can’t leave Marc.” Henri’s voice took on a desperate edge. “What would he do without me? He needs me. I’m the only one who understands him, who can handle what he needs. Who else would put up with...” He swallowed hard. “Who else would see past his differences? Take what he has to give? He trusts me. Only me.”
“Listen to yourself,” Michael said patiently. “Marc is an abusive asshole who doesn’t deserve you. You’ve spent long enough suffering for him.”
Henri jerked away from Michael suddenly, pushing off the couch. His whole body was trembling. “You don’t understand. I can’t—the idea of being away from him...” His voice cracked. “What would I even do without him? I don’t know how to...” He wrapped his arms around himself, shaking harder.
Michael was on his feet immediately, pulling Henri back into his arms. He felt the moment Henri broke, felt his shirt growing wet with tears as Henri collapsed against him.
Michael held him tighter, one hand moving in steady circles on his back. “Stay here. Let me take care of you.”
“You don’t even know me,” Henri choked out. “Why would you do that?”
“Because I want to.” Michael’s voice was soft but firm. “Because you need someone to. And because I like you, Henri. I like your passion when you talk about new technologies, the way your eyes light up discussing advancements that could change the industry.”
Michael continued to hold Henri until his trembling subsided. When Henri finally spoke, his voice was rough. “Could you... could you get my phone from upstairs? I should check my messages.”
Michael hesitated, his arms tightening fractionally around Henri.
“Please?” Henri looked up at him. “I need to at least check my calendar for tomorrow.”
“Alright.” Michael pressed a kiss to his forehead before reluctantly releasing him. “Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”
When Michael returned downstairs, Henri was sitting on the couch, staring at nothing. Michael crossed the room and held out the phone. Henri took it with slightly trembling fingers, immediately checking his notifications.
“Just a calendar reminder,” he murmured, then scrolled through his schedule. “Ten with EcoSphere’s board, then lunch with their CFO, afternoon with the technical team...” His fingers tightened around the device. “I should... I should do what Marc asked. He’ll know if I don’t.”
“No.” Michael settled beside him, gently taking the phone and setting it on the coffee table. “You’ll go to your meetings without it. You’ll be brilliant, because you know this acquisition inside and out. And if Marc asks...” He pulled Henri back against his chest. “You’ll tell him the truth. That I wouldn’t let you.”
“He’ll be angry.”
“Let him be angry at me.” Michael’s arms tightened protectively. “I can handle Marc Saint-Clair.”
Henri was quiet for a long moment. “You barely know me,” he whispered finally. “Why would you risk making him angry?”
“Because you deserve better than this. Because I want to protect you.” Michael pressed his lips to Henri’s temple. “Because I think you’re worth standing up to Marc Saint-Clair.”
Henri slumped against him, emotional exhaustion evident in every line of his body. “I’m scared,” he admitted softly.
“I know. But you’re not alone anymore.”
Michael reached for the remote on the coffee table, careful not to jostle Henri too much. “Let’s put something on. Something mindless.”
He scrolled through his streaming services before settling on a popular action film, something with enough explosions and car chases to not require much thought. Pure escapism.
Henri settled more comfortably against Michael’s chest as the opening credits rolled, his breathing gradually evening out. Michael kept one arm wrapped securely around him, his other hand stroking gentle patterns through Henri’s hair.
About twenty minutes into the film, Henri’s body grew heavy with exhaustion. His eyes drifted closed, head tucked against Michael’s chest, and his breathing deepened into the rhythm of sleep.
Michael continued to hold him as the movie played on, barely registering the action on screen. His mind was already planning the rest of their day. Something easy, relaxing. A lazy Sunday to help Henri decompress before his meetings tomorrow.
