Page 317 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“You broke your phone for me.”

Ronan groaned.

“Are we doing this again?”

“You didn’t have to.”

“I panicked.”

“You lied.”

“Yes.”

“Then broke your phone.”

“Yes.”

“Then lied again.”

“Are you keeping score?”

“Yes.”

“That is deeply unhealthy.”

“I know.”

Ronan looked at him.

“Why?”

Elliot frowned.

“Why what?”

“Why does it matter so much?”

Elliot stared. Because nobody had ever chosen him after seeing everything. Because everyone loved the edited version. His mother loved the son she believed she had. Claire had loved the boyfriend he performed. Friends loved whatever part of him fit comfortably into their lives. Professors loved the polite student. Bellweather loved the golden boy. Ronan knew. Five murders. The mask. Dylan. The jealousy. The ugliness. Everything. And he was still here.

“It means you chose me.”

Ronan’s expression changed.

“I lied to Vance.”

“Yes.”

“That isn’t the same thing.”

“It is to me.”

“That’s concerning.”

“Probably.”

Ronan sat up. Elliot watched the sheet fall toward his waist before forcing his attention upward. Ronan noticed. A tiny smile appeared. Elliot glared.

“Don’t.”