Page 352 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“You don’t get to decide that.”

“I absolutely fucking do when the alternative is you walking into a serial killer’s trap.”

Elliot laughed bitterly.

“Interesting.”

“What?”

“You keep forgetting what I am.”

Ronan’s stomach tightened.

“No.”

“I know traps.”

“That does not make you bulletproof.”

“I didn’t say—” “No.” Ronan moved closer. “You are not going alone.” “Claire said they’ll know if police come.” “They already know police are involved.” “You don’t know that.” “Vance is standing in our kitchen.” “That’s not the same.” Vance stepped between them verbally before Ronan physically did something stupid. “Mercy Storage has exterior cameras.” Elliot looked at her. “Live?” “Yes.” “Can Saint see them?” “Possibly.” “Then if cruisers roll up—” “They won’t.” Elliot stopped. Vance continued. “Plainclothes. Unmarked vehicles. Perimeter first.” Ronan looked toward her. “You’re actually considering letting him go?” “No.” “Good.” Elliot glared. Vance ignored both. “But Saint expects Elliot.” “So?” “So if nobody resembling Elliot approaches, Claire may be at greater risk.” Ronan felt his stomach drop. “No.” Elliot looked at him. Vance continued. “I am not sending him inside.” “Then what?” “We use him.” Elliot almost smiled. Ronan did not. “Absolutely not.” “Ronan.” “No.” “You’re not his attorney.” “No, apparently I’m the only person in this fucking house who remembers Saint wants him to react.”

Elliot stared. That was the point. Ronan continued.

“Everything Saint has done is about getting Elliot to prove something.”

Vance went still. Ronan could see her thinking.

“Tyler,” he said.

Elliot’s eyes snapped toward him.

“Good boy.”

Vance’s attention sharpened.

“The knife.”

Ronan kept going.

“Nathan. Dylan. The bedroom. Claire.”

Vance stared.

“They reward and punish him.”

Elliot’s jaw tightened.

“Ronan.”

“No. She needs to hear it.”

Another thread leaving their hands. Dangerous. Necessary. Ronan forced himself onward.

“Saint doesn’t just want Elliot at that storage unit.”

“What do they want?” Vance asked.

Ronan looked at Elliot. Then said it.