His shoulders, tense as a bowstring, relax just a little when he hears that. Gansey might doubt him, and Ronan probably does too, but Adam knows that if Ronan backs him he does it with all of himself. Doubt or no, if he's decided he believes Adam, that's that.

And he knows, too, that if he fails - it's unthinkable, but if it happens, Ronan will be there. Ronan's loyalty to Gansey is unwavering, and he'll make the right choice if it comes down to it. Adam doesn't think there is anything that could possibly turn him against Gansey, not like that - but he doesn't know everything that exists out there. And it might be something else, an accident, a mistake. Either way, Ronan will be there to stop it if Adam isn't able to.

"Please don't tell him." Adam looks away, at that. It's not fair to ask Ronan to lie for him again, but - "He already distrusts me enough. He doesn't need another reason."

It's selfish, really. Adam already feels like Gansey has put distance between them. He doesn't know why, and he doesn't know if there's anything he can do about it, especially not after this. But he can at least try not to make it even worse. He can at least try not to give Gansey another reason to step away from him.