Page 392 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

Elliot looked toward him.

“What?”

“Confess.”

Nathan’s voice had changed. No smile. No control.

“You weren’t supposed to confess.”

Elliot stared. Then something clicked. Ronan felt it too. Nathan didn’t want Elliot arrested. Saint didn’t either. The murders were leverage. The secret only mattered while Elliot protected it. Confession destroyed something. Saint’s control. Nathan’s game. Elliot smiled. Small. Not golden. Not murderous. Free.

“Good.”

Nathan’s face hardened.

“You ruined it.”

Elliot squeezed Ronan’s hand.

“No.”

His eyes remained on Nathan.

“I ended it.”

The door opened. Two officers entered. Vance moved toward Elliot. Ronan’s grip tightened. No. Too fast. Elliot looked at him. There was the fear. Finally. Ronan stood too. Vance said, “Ronan.”

“I know.”

He didn’t. Not really. Elliot released his hand. Slowly. It hurt. Vance stepped closer.

“Elliot Mercer, stand up.”

He did. Ronan’s chest felt like someone had opened it. Elliot turned toward him. No mask. No lie. No golden boy. Just Elliot.

“Promise.”

Ronan understood. He swallowed.

“I’m not leaving.”

Elliot’s eyes went wet.

“Promise?”

“Yes.”

Ronan stepped closer before anyone could stop him. He touched Elliot’s face. One second. Two. Then kissed his forehead.

“I promise.”

Elliot closed his eyes. Vance waited. Maybe mercy. Maybe professionalism. Ronan didn’t care. Then Elliot stepped away. Turned. Held his hands behind his back. The cuffs clicked. Ronan nearly broke. But he stayed standing. Nathan watched everything. His expression had become furious. Because Saint had wanted Elliot secret. Wanted him ashamed. Wanted him dependent. Wanted Ronan corrupted enough to protect the secret forever. Instead Elliot had destroyed the entire structure with one word. Yes. Vance led him toward the door. Elliot looked back once. Ronan was still there. He would keep being there. Nathan whispered:

“Saint is going to hate this.”

Ronan slowly looked toward him. For the first time since entering the room, he smiled.

“Good.”