Page 365 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

Ronan said nothing.

“I said no.”

“She’d still help you.”

“That’s not the point.”

“No.”

Elliot swallowed.

“What if she gets hurt because I couldn’t tell her?”

Ronan’s hand tightened around his.

“That wouldn’t be because you didn’t confess over breakfast.”

“It’s because of me.”

“Saint took her.”

“Because of me.”

“Yes.”

The direct answer hurt. Ronan continued.

“But Saint still made the choice.”

Elliot looked at him.

“You don’t have to steal every bad thing somebody else does just because you’re guilty of your own.”

Silence. That sentence sat uncomfortably. Elliot hated it. Maybe because part of him needed it. Vance’s radio crackled.

“Vehicle turning southbound.”

She grabbed it.

“Maintain distance. No stop until units are in position.”

Elliot’s chest tightened again. Ronan squeezed his hand.

“Still here?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

Elliot looked toward him. Ronan caught it.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Banned.”

Elliot almost smiled. Then Vance said: