“No!” The single syllable is barked out, his tone brooking no argument. Lee can’t get anywhere without Michael right now; the decision to keep them here is his. Ultimately, though, their words give them equal power over him. They know they can’t go, and they must know that giving him this ultimatum will force him to do what they want. Hurting them is the last thing he wants to do.
A thick knot of frustration burns in his throat. “I don’t like this,” he says, pulling away. “I don’t like this at all.”