Page 183 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“I'm going outside.”

“No.”

“Stop telling me no.”

“I don't want you outside.”

“Why?”

Because somebody is watching. Because somebody knows. Because somebody wants you alone. Because I can control what happens inside this house and I can't control what waits beyond it.

“Because of the messages.”

Ronan's anger faltered. Elliot continued.

“We don't know who's sending them.”

“I'll stay on the property.”

“No.”

“Elliot.”

“Please.”

The word changed everything. Ronan stopped. Elliot hated using it. He hated needing anything enough to ask. Ronan's expression softened by a fraction.

“Fine.”

Relief came too quickly.

“Thank you.”

“I'm going upstairs.”

Elliot nodded. Ronan started toward the staircase. Then stopped. He looked back.

“Give me the mask.”

Everything inside Elliot stopped.

“What?”

“The mask.”

“I don't have it.”

“Where is it?”

“I don't know.”

Ronan laughed once.

“Of course.”

“You've searched my room.”

“I searched part of your room.”