Ian McEwan. Cars like me (№ 403415)

Adam spoke in the kindest, most penetrating voice:
- We love one woman. And we can talk about it in a civilized way, as you just said. Which convinces me that we have passed that stage in our friendship when one of us has the power to suspend the consciousness of the other.
I didn't say anything, and he continued:
- You and Miranda are my oldest friends. I love you both. It is my duty to be open and careful with you. I express this when I say how sorry I broke a piece of you last night. I promise this will never happen again. But the next time you reach for my switch, I'll be incredibly happy to rip out your hand entirely, in the spherical joint.
He said it so kindly, as if offering help in a difficult matter.