"You're not my assistant, you're my partner," Adam argued. His jaw clenched and his nostrils flared, trying hard not to fight about this. He didn't know how to explain it without offending Alec or hurting his own pride, and he didn't want to insult Alec with the implication that he wouldn't understand.

"No," Adam said, very simply. He put down his fork. "I have to go. I have homework."

Not looking at Alec, Adam got up and headed for the door.