Adam didn't meet Ronan's eyes in return. He kept his gaze on Ronan's throat, face impassive while Ronan talked. The bags weighed on his aching arms, but he refused to set them down.

It meant a lot that Ronan cared at all, even if it hadn't occurred to him that Adam's position had been entirely dependent upon Ronan's presence. He wished, achingly, that Ronan would take him along, wherever he went, but the deal Ronan offered was the best thing that could happen to him, and it was fair, which meant Adam could accept it. Ronan wasn't offering charity. He was offering a job that Adam deserved, and a ticket out of this place.

"Yes," Adam said, eyes flicking up to Ronan's only briefly and then dropping away. A few months. At least he'd have that much time at Ronan's side, safe and with a measure of authority. He could actually stretch his wings a little and test out his skills in a position with some real responsibility. "It would be my pleasure. Thank you, sir."