At Caden's words, Mel's face lost all color. He...dear god. He'd contemplated jumping out of a window. Mel knew the boy was well off but guards? Cameras? Were they to keep people out or Caden in? Mel suspected the latter and it made his stomach roll. Why would his parents put him through all that? Didn't they care what kind of damage they could do to him? How hurt Caden could get in an attempt to escape? Whatever Mel had thought before the reality was shaping up to be several times worse.  And with the way he was behaving it made Mel's unease worse. He was now sure it wasn't a matter of 'if' Caden was abused it was 'how'. Not just that but he was worried that whatever he said would change how Mel thought of him. As though he'd think poorly of him because of exactly what Caden was suffering through. He could never do that. Whatever Caden said he was still the sweet boy who came to his shop to order coffee. Who was friendly and respectful to his staff even after he'd had sex with one of them. A boy who believed that he didn't have a way out. That he was stuck where he was. Suffering and alone and...Mel couldn't stop himself. He got up out of his seat and walked around to the other side of the table. Once there he knelt down and wrapped his arms around the taller man. Pulling Caden's head so it rested on Mel's shoulder.<br/><br/>"First off there is nothing you tell me or that'll find out that will make me think less of you," Mel started running his fingers through Caden's hair in a comforting gesture, "If you're worried about me finding out something and wanting something from you don't. I know it's easier said than done, and it might be hard to believe, but money isn't incredibly important to everyone. It's not to me. Nor is your name, or assets, or inheritance, or whatever you're worried about people wanting from you. Yes, I'm not rich, but I have everything I need. I'm not going to exploit or take advantage of you. Whatever you have is yours and I'm much more interested in you as a person and making sure you're safe. If possible safe and happy,"<br/><br/>Mel pressed his cheek into Caden's hair, it was so soft. And whatever soap Caden used smelt amazing, much better than Mel who just smelt like coffee and his too many house plants. He shoved the thoughts away. It really wasn't the time for that. Caden needed help and Mel needed not to get distracted by his inappropriate infatuation.<br/><br/>"Second, nothing you tell me will leave this room. If it'll make you feel better we can go to my office and lock the door," Mel tightened his hold on Caden. When was the last time someone hugged him? Let him know they were there for him? That they'd do whatever they could to help him? Though Caden had probably said it as a joke Mel felt bad for not organizing a search party. For not finding him before and doing whatever the hell he could to get Caden out of there, "But you have to know that legally they can't keep you locked up. It's a crime. I don't give two damns what they say,"<br/><br/>The normally sedate blonde growled the words, but he didn't raise his voice. His fingers still sliding through Caden's hair, his hug still warm and gentle, to let the boy know he was not mad at him. Never that. Even when Caden did things that Mel saw as reckless he wasn't angry with him. Worried yes, but not angry, "I don't care who their lawyers are or what excuses they use, they can't keep you imprisoned if you want to leave. You are not a child. You are an adult capable of making your own decisions,"<br/><br/>"Third if it's about money, if you're scared of having nowhere to go, I just want you to know you can come and stay with me. My house isn't large but I have an extra room that's just a home office," Mel pulled back just enough to meet Caden's gaze, "And don't worry about putting your problems on my shoulders. I want to help you. I'll worry about you regardless. I'd rather do what I can to help you then stand aside and watch you suffer. Then watch you be exploited and used. You don't deserve that, never that,"<br/><br/>With that said Mel let go of him and moved back, just a little as he cupped Caden's cheeks to make sure their gazes met, "So tell me what you want, what you feel you can, and I'll do everything in my power to help you. Everything and anything, alright?"<br/><br/>Mel then let his hands fall and moved back a bit, though he didn't reclaim his seat. Staying nearby in case Caden needed anything.