Page 93 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“You were going to.”

“I was going to tell you not to start shit about Dylan today.”

Elliot stared.

“Wow.”

“That came out wrong.”

“No, I think it came out exactly how you meant it.”

“Elliot.”

He pushed past Ronan. Ronan caught his arm.

“Stop.”

“Let go.”

“No.”

Elliot looked down at Ronan's hand. Then up.

“Good morning.”

Ronan sighed.

“Don't be an asshole.”

“You opened with a lecture about your ex-hookup.”

“He isn't my ex anything.”

“Congratulations.”

“This is what I mean.”

Elliot laughed softly.

“What? That I dislike him?”

“That everything with him becomes territorial.”

“He slept with you.”

“Months ago.”

“He still wants you.”

“That isn't relevant right now.”

“It is to me.”

Ronan's grip loosened. His expression changed. Not anger. Concern. That was worse.

“Why?”

Elliot stared. He knew the answer. Because Dylan had touched Ronan. Because Dylan looked at him like he remembered what Ronan's skin felt like. Because Dylan had entered their home and sat at their table and accepted comfort from Ronan as though none of those things belonged to Elliot. Because Ronan had told him he couldn't decide who remained in his life. Because technically Ronan was right. Elliot hated technically.