Page 185 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“I told you.”

“That doesn't prove anything.”

“No. Apparently nothing does.”

Ronan stood. Elliot remained in the doorway. Neither moved. The room suddenly felt too small. Ronan looked tired. Elliot could handle anger. He could handle interrogation. He couldn't handle that.

“Do you actually think I killed Mason?”

Ronan's eyes met his. Long silence.

“Tell me no.”

“What?”

“Tell me you didn't.”

Elliot's throat tightened. Ronan stepped closer.

“One sentence.”

Elliot knew exactly what he wanted. He could give it to him. He had lied thousands of times. Small lies. Large lies. Useful lies. Cruel lies. Why did this one feel different? Ronan stopped in front of him.

“Tell me you didn't kill Mason Kerr.”

Elliot looked at him.

“I didn't kill Mason Kerr.”

Ronan searched his face. Elliot didn't blink. Seconds passed. Then Ronan exhaled. The tension in his shoulders loosened. He believed him. Elliot felt sick. Not guilt. Something worse. Relief. Ronan touched his face. Elliot closed his eyes.

“You're a fucking nightmare.”

“I know.”

“I hate this.”

“I know.”

“I hate doubting you.”

Elliot opened his eyes.

“Then don't.”

Ronan laughed quietly.

“You make that difficult.”

“I'll try harder.”

The promise was worthless. They both pretended otherwise. Ronan's thumb moved across Elliot's cheek. Elliot leaned into the touch before he could stop himself. Ronan noticed. Of course.

“You scared?”

“No.”

“Liar.”