Page 181 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“I'm not.”

“You are.”

“Then ask.”

Ronan stepped forward until almost no space remained between them.

“Where were you when Mason screamed?”

Elliot looked directly into his eyes.

“Home.”

Ronan grabbed his shirt. Elliot's back hit the wall. Hard enough to rattle the framed photograph hanging beside them. Neither moved. Ronan's fist remained twisted in the fabric over Elliot's chest. Elliot's heartbeat slammed beneath it. There. That was familiar. Anger. Pressure. Ronan close enough that Elliot could feel his breathing. Anything except that fucking doubt.

“Don't lie to me.”

Elliot swallowed.

“Then don't ask questions you don't want answered.”

Ronan went still. Elliot realized his mistake. Again.

“What does that mean?”

“Nothing.”

“Fuck that word.”

Ronan released him abruptly. Elliot almost hated the loss of contact. Ronan backed away.

“Tell me something.”

“What?”

“Did Mason scream?”

Elliot's stomach dropped. He said nothing. Ronan stared.

“How would whoever sent that know?”

“I don't know.”

“Did the news say he screamed?”

“No.”

The answer escaped automatically. Ronan froze. Fuck. Elliot closed his eyes.

“How do you know?”

“I read everything.”

“Was it reported?”

“I don't remember.”

“You just said no.”