The flinch when he tried to touch him, followed by the attempt to explain away someone’s volatile treatment of someone solidified Andreas’ suspicions of abuse.  Those were learned reactions of a long history of physical assault, not ones picked up from a single instance in the club’s bathroom.  As infuriating as it was, it could also be of some use.  Being the one to empower Alex would earn him some serious trust points, thus a better chance of getting into the house to finish his work.<br/><br/>“Don’t,” he said, the word quick but his voice soft.  “Don’t make excuses for him.  For anyone.”  That was as far as he dared to push that topic, at least for now.  He’d have to revisit it in the future.  However, there was hope for Alex at the end of this, no matter what.  So long as Andreas finished the job, this sweet little blond was going to be free from that tyranny.  He’d even burn down the damned club, if he had to.<br/><br/>He could tell that his small gestures of affection were having an effect on Alex, just as he could tell that the young man was in danger of fleeing from him like a startled deer.<br/><br/>“It’s okay.  I’m not going to hurt you,” he whispered, taking the other’s hand and guiding it up onto his shoulder.  “And I’m not going to force myself on you.  That’s not the way I do things.”  And really, how many times had he failed to convince someone they wanted to climb into bed with him?  Those were few and far between and largely consisted of men who were straight or trying really hard to be, so he hardly counted those.  “So, I’ll leave it in your hands.”  He nodded to Alex’s hand on his shoulder.  “You can either push me back, or you can pull me closer.  I’m not going to lie, I’ve wanted to kiss you since I first saw you.”