Page 405 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“There.”

Elliot almost smiled.

“They told you I understood something you didn’t.”

“Shut up.”

“They made you watch me.”

Nathan’s face hardened.

“You liked being watched.”

“Yes.”

Bell looked toward Elliot. Not relevant. Nathan’s breathing changed. Elliot continued.

“Then when I chose Ronan, you thought if you could make yourself part of the story Saint would choose you again.”

“Stop.”

“Did they?”

Nathan’s eyes flashed. Elliot knew. No. Saint had used him too.

“Where is Ronan?”

Nathan stared. Then smiled again.

“Ask Saint.”

“Saint isn’t here.”

Nathan laughed.

“You’re sure?”

The hallway speaker crackled. Saint’s voice.

“Careful, Nathan.”

Nathan froze. There. Fear. Immediate. Elliot saw it. Saint continued.

“You’re becoming emotional.”

Nathan looked toward the ceiling.

“I brought him out.”

“You were told to wait.”

“He asked about Ronan.” Silence. Nathan’s face changed. Too late. Elliot understood. Saint had not told Nathan where Ronan was. Nathan was improvising. Good. One less variable. “Where is Ronan?” Elliot asked again. Nathan looked at him. “Safe.” That word meant nothing now. “With who?” No answer. Saint spoke. “Elliot.” He looked toward the ceiling. “You wanted a choice.” “No. You did.” Silence. Then Saint laughed softly. “Still learning.” Elliot’s jaw tightened. “You lost.” Nathan looked at him. Bell did too. Saint went quiet. Elliot continued. “You wanted me to choose red.” “Yes.” “I didn’t.” “You chose your mother.” “Yes.” “Because Ronan asked.” “Yes.” Another silence. Elliot smiled faintly. “You hate that.” Saint’s voice changed. Barely. “Do I?” “Yes.” “You think this is jealousy?” “Yes.” Nathan laughed. Saint did not. Interesting. Elliot continued. “You wanted me to need your approval.” “I gave you freedom.” “No.” “I gave you permission.” “I didn’t need it.” “You took it.” Elliot stared. That was true. Partly. Fine. He could survive truth now.

“Yes.”

Bell glanced at him. Elliot ignored it.

“But I stopped.”