Page 272 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Because I don’t know what the rules are anymore.”

Ronan’s chest tightened. Neither did he. That was the problem. He reached across the space and took Elliot’s hand. Elliot stared down at their fingers. No violence. No sex. No desperate kiss designed to make either of them forget. Just a hand. Elliot squeezed. Ronan let him.

“I meant what I said downstairs,” Elliot whispered.

“What?”

“Very.”

Ronan looked over. Elliot stared ahead.

“How serious.”

Ronan swallowed.

“Yeah.”

“I wasn’t lying.”

“I know.”

“Good.”

Silence. Then Ronan said:

“I still might turn you in.”

Elliot’s fingers tightened.

“I know.”

“Tomorrow.”

“I know.”

“Next week.”

“I know.”

“Stop saying that.”

“Sorry.”

Ronan laughed softly. Elliot did too. Then the laughter died. Ronan looked at their joined hands.

“Are you scared of me doing it?”

“Yes.”

“Would you stop me?”

Elliot didn’t answer. Ronan turned.

“Elliot.”

His face had changed. There was the answer. Ronan’s stomach tightened.

“How?”