Page 422 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“You’re impossible.”

Elliot leaned forward.

“Please.”

There. Fuck. Ronan stared. He had expected an argument. Not that.

“Please don’t go.”

His chest tightened.

“Elliot.”

“I know it’s irrational.”

That was new. Very.

“I know Vance will be there.”

Ronan remained silent.

“I know Caleb is probably not dangerous.”

“Probably?”

“Sorry.”

Elliot looked down.

“But I’m sitting in here while Saint is still out there, and every person Saint touches somehow becomes another way to get to you.”

Ronan wanted to reach across the table. Couldn’t. He settled for moving his hand to the edge. Elliot noticed. Moved his own close. Not touching. Almost.

“Hey.”

Elliot looked up.

“I’m not going today.”

Relief. Immediate. Ronan held up a finger.

“Today.”

Elliot’s expression tightened.

“I’m not promising never.”

“Why?”

“Because Caleb might know something that gets Saint caught.”

“Vance can talk to him.”

“Maybe he only talks to someone who understands.”

Elliot stared.

“You.”