Page 324 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Nothing.”

“Stop saying that.”

Apparently the entire fucking world had banned the word. Elliot looked away. Rebecca stepped closer.

“You don’t have to tell me everything.”

Yes, he did. That was exactly the problem. There was no safe fraction anymore.

“But tell me whether I need to help you.”

Elliot almost laughed. Help. What would she do? Hide the mask? Lie to Vance? Visit him in prison? Ronan’s promise came back. If you ever do turn me in… visit me. His throat tightened. Rebecca saw.

“Oh, honey.”

“No.”

She reached for him. Elliot stepped backward. Her hand stopped. That hurt worse.

“I’m okay.”

“You are very clearly not okay.”

“I will be.”

“How?”

He didn’t know. So he gave her the only answer he had.

“Ronan.”

Rebecca went still. Elliot immediately regretted saying it. Not because it was false. Because it was too true. Her expression softened.

“That serious.”

“Yes.”

“Even after everything happening?”

Especially after.

“Yes.”

Rebecca looked toward the stairs. Then back.

“I meant what I said last night.”

Elliot waited.

“I don’t understand this yet.”

His stomach tightened.

“But I’m trying.”

He looked down.

“Okay.”