Page 131 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

ELLIOT: why

CLAIRE: asking about ronan

Elliot's body went still. He typed:

ELLIOT: who

CLAIRE: people who were at halston

CLAIRE: apparently they're asking if he was there

Elliot looked at Ronan. He hadn't been. Good.

ELLIOT: he wasn't

CLAIRE: i know

Then:

CLAIRE: elliot they're asking about how he acts with you

The room seemed to narrow.

ELLIOT: what does that mean

Her answer took longer.

CLAIRE: protective

CLAIRE: jealous

CLAIRE: controlling

Elliot's jaw tightened.

ELLIOT: who said controlling

Pause.

CLAIRE: idk

Lie. Elliot recognized Claire's lies. They contained too many abbreviations.

ELLIOT: claire CLAIRE: people talk ELLIOT: who No answer. Ronan looked up. “You're doing the face.” “What face?” “Murder face.” Elliot stared. Ronan smiled. Bad wording. Terrible wording. Elliot almost laughed anyway. “Claire says police are asking about you on campus.” Ronan put the knife down. “What exactly?” “Whether you were at Mason's party.” “I wasn't.” “I know.” “What else?” Elliot hesitated. “Us.” Ronan's shoulders tightened. “Again.” “Apparently.” “Great.” “Someone called you controlling.” Ronan laughed. That wasn't the reaction Elliot expected. “What?” “Are they wrong?” Elliot stared. “Yes.” “Elliot.” “You're not controlling.” “I tell you what to do constantly.” “I ignore you constantly.” “Fair.” “You don't control me.” Ronan looked at him. Something warm entered his expression. “Good.” Elliot hated that word in this context. He crossed the room. Ronan watched. “What?” Elliot stopped between his knees. “You're not going to let them arrest you.” Ronan blinked. “What?” “If this gets worse.” “That's generally not something you get to veto.” “I'm serious.” “So am I.” Elliot's hands settled on Ronan's shoulders. “You didn't do anything.” “I know.” “Then don't protect anyone.” Ronan's expression changed. “Who?” “Dylan.” There it was. Immediate irritation. “Jesus Christ.” “I mean it.” “You think I'm going to confess to murder for Dylan?” “No.” “Then what?” “If there's anything you haven't told police because it makes him look bad, tell them.” Ronan stared. Elliot continued. “Anything.” “You're suddenly very pro-police.” “I'm pro-you.” Silence. Ronan's irritation weakened. Elliot leaned closer. “They're building something around you.” “You don't know that.” “Yes, I do.” “How?” “Because that's what I'd do.” Ronan frowned. Elliot realized the sentence had come out wrong. “If I were investigating.” “Right.” Ronan studied him. Elliot smiled faintly. “Psychology homework.” “Bullshit.” The word was affectionate this time. Almost. Ronan wrapped one arm around Elliot's waist. Elliot relaxed slightly. “You're scared,” Ronan said. “No.” “Liar.” Elliot looked down at him.

“Maybe.”

Ronan's hand tightened.

“There it is.”

“I don't like people thinking you're dangerous.”

Ronan smiled.

“I am.”

“Stop saying that.”