Adam’s sides tingled where Alec had helped him down, and his heart flip-flopped. He stepped back as Alec did, just as awkward. His blood was racing and his sides felt warm with the memory of Alec’s touch. Touch-starved, he told himself, hating that he had a vulnerable and human need like that, though it made sense. He had so rarely been touched with kindness. It was possible that he needed kind touches more than he realized.

“Okay,” Adam said, ducking his head and heading for the door. He glanced back once, but Alec just looked gentle and protective and confused, maybe, and Adam went quickly down the hall to his room.

He finished his essay quickly, with time to spare. Glad to be done, he went to find Alec. He only dimly remembered the training room as part of the tour, but he heard the sounds of what sounded like sparring, and he followed that.