Page 337 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Explain.”

Elliot hesitated. Ronan’s patience snapped.

“Stop protecting them.”

“I’m not.”

“You still are.”

“No.”

“Yes. Every time I ask what Saint did, you rush to make sure I understand you chose the murders.”

“Because I did.”

“That doesn’t mean Saint didn’t manipulate you.”

Elliot’s face hardened.

“I am not Nathan.”

“I didn't say you were.”

“You’re treating me like I got brainwashed into murder because someone on a forum called me good.”

Ronan stared.

“That isn’t what I said.”

“It’s what you mean.”

“No. What I mean is you were already fucked up enough to kill Tyler, and then someone saw exactly what part of you needed feeding.”

Silence. The words came out harsher than intended. Elliot’s face closed. Ronan immediately hated himself.

“Fuck.”

“No.”

“Elliot.”

“No, finish.”

“I shouldn’t have said fucked up.”

“You think it.”

“That’s not—”

“Stop apologizing.”

Ronan closed his mouth. Elliot stared. Then his voice softened.

“I know there’s something wrong with me.”

Ronan’s chest tightened.

“Don’t.”