Page 175 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Fuck you.”

“No. Seriously.”

“Fuck you.”

“You threaten Dylan, then somebody starts stalking him. You threatened Lucas with exposure. You threaten people who touch me. At some point, maybe recognize how that looks.”

Elliot stepped backward. Ronan immediately knew he'd crossed something. Again.

“I'm not saying you did anything.”

“You don't need to.”

“Elliot.”

“You've gotten really good at that.”

“What?”

“Making me guilty without saying the word.”

“That isn't what I'm doing.”

“You told Vance.”

“I told her the truth.”

“Congratulations.”

Elliot turned. Ronan didn't touch him this time. He let him take two steps. Then said, “Aaron.” Elliot stopped. Ronan swallowed.

“You want to know something fucked up?”

Elliot looked back.

“If Aaron grabbed you again tomorrow, I'd hit him again.”

Silence.

“I know.”

“I wouldn't think about it.”

Ronan stepped closer.

“I'd see his hand on you and I'd fucking do it again.”

Elliot's anger shifted. Ronan continued.

“So I understand saying shit when you're angry. I understand wanting someone hurt because they touched somebody you love.”

Elliot swallowed.

“That doesn't make you a murderer.”

His eyes dropped.

“It makes me look like one.”