Page 94 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Because I love you.”

The sentence came out quietly. Ronan stopped. Elliot regretted it immediately. Not because it wasn't true. Because truths were more dangerous than lies when they escaped at the wrong moment. Ronan's face softened.

“Elliot.”

“What?”

“That isn't supposed to mean nobody else can exist.”

“I know.”

“Do you?”

Elliot smiled without humor.

“Apparently not.”

Ronan released his arm. For several seconds, the only sound was the bathroom exhaust fan humming above them. Then Ronan touched Elliot's cheek. Gentle. Too gentle. Elliot's irritation cracked.

“You're impossible,” Ronan murmured.

“So you've said.”

“And exhausting.”

“Also said.”

“And fucking insane.”

“Repeatedly.”

Ronan's thumb brushed beneath Elliot's eye.

“Still here.”

Elliot looked at him. There. That was the reassurance he wanted. Not promises about Dylan. Not rules. Just that. Still here. Elliot leaned briefly into Ronan's palm. Then his phone started vibrating again. The moment disappeared. Ronan glanced toward it.

“Probably Claire.”

Elliot checked. Detective Vance. Not a text. A call. His stomach tightened. Ronan saw the name. His expression changed instantly.

“Why is she calling you?”

“I don't know.”

“Answer.”

Elliot looked at him.

“Obviously.”

He accepted.

“Hello?”

“Mr. Mercer?”

Vance's voice was crisp despite the hour.