Page 340 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

Elliot went still. Ronan glanced at him. Saint continued. YOU’RE DIFFERENT. Then:

YOU LIKE BEING NEEDED.

Ronan stared at the words.

“No shit.”

Elliot almost laughed. The phone vibrated. THAT’S WHY YOU’LL BE BETTER FOR HIM. Ronan’s amusement died. He pulled out the temporary phone Thomas had given him that morning and photographed the screen. Elliot watched. Another message.

NATHAN WANTED TO BE HIM.

Another.

YOU ONLY WANT HIM.

Ronan felt Elliot move beside him. Closer.

“Don’t.”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“You’re enjoying that.”

“No.”

“Liar.”

A tiny smile. Fuck. Saint had understood exactly how to hook Elliot. Now apparently they were trying Ronan. Another message.

ASK ELLIOT WHAT I GAVE HIM AFTER TYLER.

Ronan looked over. Elliot’s smile vanished. There. Again.

“What did Saint give you?”

“Nothing.”

The phone immediately vibrated.

LIAR.

Ronan stared. Elliot went pale. Saint could hear them. Again. Maybe the phone itself. Ronan crouched and leaned toward the container.

“You’re listening?”

Immediate response.

ALWAYS.

Ronan looked at Elliot. His jaw had tightened. Ronan typed into his temporary phone first, then stopped. No. If Saint could hear, no need.

“What did you give him?”

The response took several seconds. Then a photograph appeared. Ronan stopped breathing. A knife. Black handle. Short blade. Photographed against red fabric. Elliot’s entire body went still. Ronan slowly looked at him.

“What?”

Elliot stared at the image.