Page 269 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

Ronan looked over. Elliot stared ahead.

“How serious.”

Ronan swallowed.

“Yeah.”

“I wasn't lying.”

“I know.”

“Good.”

Silence. Then Ronan said:

“I still might turn you in.”

Elliot’s fingers tightened.

“I know.”

“Tomorrow.”

“I know.”

“Next week.”

“I know.”

“Stop saying that.”

“Sorry.”

Ronan laughed softly. Elliot did too. Then the laughter died. Ronan looked at their joined hands.

“Are you scared of me doing it?”

“Yes.”

“Would you stop me?”

Elliot didn’t answer. Ronan turned.

“Elliot.”

His face had changed. There was the answer. Ronan’s stomach tightened.

“How?”

“I don't know.”

“Would you hurt me?”

“No.”

Immediate. Certain. Ronan believed it. That frightened him for an entirely different reason.

“You’ve hurt people you cared about?”