Page 186 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Yes.”

The honesty surprised both of them. Ronan's hand moved to the back of his neck.

“Of whoever's sending the messages?”

Elliot looked at him.

“No.”

Ronan frowned.

“Then what?”

“You.”

His hand stilled.

“Me?”

Elliot nodded.

“Losing you.”

Something in Ronan's expression broke. Not completely. Enough. He pulled Elliot forward. The kiss wasn't soft. It wasn't supposed to be. Elliot grabbed Ronan’s shirt and kissed him harder, all the fear and anger and frustration collapsing into something physical because physical things were easier. Ronan backed him toward the bed. Elliot bit his lower lip hard enough that Ronan made a low sound against his mouth. That sound changed the room. Ronan’s hand tightened in Elliot’s hair.

“Don’t start something because you’re scared.”

Elliot looked at him.

“I’m not.”

“Bullshit.”

“Then make me stop.”

Ronan stared. Elliot could see the decision happening. The hesitation. The concern. The want.

“Tell me what you want,” Ronan said.

Elliot’s pulse jumped.

“You.”

“That’s not enough.”

“Since when?”

“Since right now.”

Ronan’s hand remained at the back of his neck. Elliot understood. After the accusations. After the fear. After everything. Clear. Deliberate.

“Yes.”

“Yes what?”

“I want you.”

Ronan searched his face.