Page 182 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“I assumed.”

“No.”

Ronan shook his head.

“You didn't assume.”

Elliot pushed away from the wall. Ronan moved between him and the stairs. Not threatening. Blocking. Elliot noticed anyway.

“Move.”

“No.”

“Ronan.”

“Did Mason scream?”

Elliot stared. The memory arrived before he could stop it. Mason beneath him. Blood. Hands slipping against wet pavement. The mask narrowing Elliot's vision. Mason realizing nobody was coming. Then the sound. Not dramatic. Not cinematic. Human. Terrified. Elliot had expected to enjoy it. He hadn't. That had surprised him.

“Elliot.”

He blinked. Ronan was watching him. Too closely.

“Yes.”

Silence. Ronan's face changed. Elliot immediately corrected.

“He probably did.”

“No.”

“What?”

“You weren't guessing.”

“I was.”

“No, you fucking weren't.”

Ronan stepped backward. That was worse than coming closer. Elliot felt panic sharpen beneath his ribs.

“Where are you going?”

“Away from you for five fucking minutes.”

“No.”

Ronan laughed.

“Excuse me?”

“No.”

“Move.”

“You're the one blocking me.”

Ronan looked toward the stairs, then back.