Page 188 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“You like me.”

“Unfortunately.”

“Love me.”

Silence. Elliot opened his eyes. He hadn't meant to say it. Or maybe he had. Ronan's hand stopped. The room changed. Elliot stared toward the closed blinds. He could feel Ronan looking at him.

“Elliot.”

“Forget it.”

“No.”

“Please forget it.”

Ronan rolled him onto his back. Elliot resisted for half a second before allowing it. Ronan looked down at him.

“What did you say?”

“You heard me.”

“I want to hear it again.”

Elliot laughed nervously.

“Absolutely not.”

“Coward.”

“Fuck you.”

“Already handled.”

Elliot shoved his shoulder. Ronan caught his wrist. This time Elliot laughed. Real. Brief. Then Ronan's expression softened.

“I do.”

Elliot stopped.

“What?”

“You said I love you.”

His heartbeat changed. Ronan continued.

“I do.”

No joke. No qualifier. No dramatic speech. Just that. Elliot stared. Something unfamiliar tightened in his throat. He hated it immediately.

“That's embarrassing.”

Ronan laughed.

“Fuck you.”

Elliot smiled. Ronan leaned down and kissed his forehead. Even worse.

“Don't do that.”