Page 354 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

Pain crossed his face. Ronan hated himself.

“But I’ll stay outside the unit.”

Elliot stared.

“Ronan.”

“That’s my compromise.”

“You’re impossible.”

“Yes.”

“You could get hurt.”

“So could you.”

“That’s different.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

Ronan caught the back of Elliot’s neck.

“Stop deciding my life matters more because you love me.”

Silence. That hit. Elliot swallowed. Ronan continued.

“I’m scared too.”

His expression softened.

“But I’m going.”

Several seconds. Then Elliot nodded.

“Fine.”

Ronan almost smiled.

“Was that genuine?”

“No.”

“Good enough.”

Vance sighed.

“Great. Since apparently I’m negotiating a hostage recovery with a married couple who aren’t married—”

“We’re not—” Ronan began.

Elliot said simultaneously, “Yet.” Ronan turned. Elliot’s eyes widened. He had not meant to say it. For one impossible second, everything stopped. Claire tied to a chair. Saint. Police. Five murders. And Elliot had just said yet. Ronan stared. Elliot looked away. Vance rubbed her forehead.

“I am going to pretend I didn’t hear that.”

Ronan pointed at Elliot.