Adam rose to his feet the moment James struck him, hating himself for how his ready obedience must look, particularly given the circumstances. But whatever else lay between them, they shared at least a deep-seated concern for her, and it was clear even to them that they shared the blame for this quite equally. A pace behind James he moved closer to Alex, feeling foolish all the while; it looked to him as if they thought they might somehow herd her back to the table, as if she were a disobedient puppy. Having nothing to say James did not already express, Adam merely stood meekly by, his hands in his pockets, his tongue flicking restlessly against his labret.
After a moment or two of this useless standing about, he realized something, anything at all, simply must be said. His cheek still pulsing from James' well placed blow, he looked up to Alex, meeting - and by some miracle, holding - her gaze. The regret written plainly in his black eyes was no farce; it was more of himself than he cared for James to see, and he had no doubt he would later answer for its appearance, but now he had more pressing concerns. "C'mon, Alex. Please stay. I'm sorry."