Page 398 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Saint has been moving everything around that park.”

“Yes.”

“Mason.”

“Yes.”

“Lucas.”

“Yes.”

“Dylan.”

“Yes.”

“They wanted police there.”

“Or wanted you thinking about it.”

Elliot stopped. The old behavioral-health facility. Abandoned. Hidden rooms. Records. Tunnels maybe. Perfect. Ronan saw his expression.

“No.”

“What?”

“You are not escaping police custody to investigate an abandoned psychiatric hospital.”

“I wasn’t planning that.”

“Liar.” “Maybe a little.” Ronan rubbed his face. “Jesus.” Elliot stepped closer. “You go.” Ronan froze. “What?” “If Vance lets you.” “No.” “You need to.” “Why?” “Because Saint expects me.” “And?” “I’m unavailable.” Ronan stared. “That sounded way too casual.” “I’m trying.” “Poorly.” Elliot continued. “If Saint built everything around controlling me, my confession changed the game.” “Yes.” “They lost leverage.” “Yes.” “So what do they do?” Ronan’s expression tightened. “Shift to me.” Exactly. Elliot’s chest went cold. “No.” “What?” “You don’t go.” Ronan laughed. “You just told me to.” “I changed my mind.” “In six seconds.” “Yes.” “Why?” “Because you’re the next target.” Ronan stared. Elliot stepped closer. “Saint already wanted you corrupted.” “Yes.” “They predicted you’d protect me.” “Yes.” “Now I confessed.” “Yes.” “So you’re the only thing left.” Silence. Ronan’s face softened. “That is deeply romantic in the worst possible way.” “I’m serious.” “So am I.” Elliot caught his shirt. “Don’t go anywhere alone.” Ronan’s eyes dropped toward Elliot’s hand. Then back. “You’re in custody.” “I know.” “You cannot physically stop me.” Elliot’s jaw tightened. “Don’t make me regret confessing.” Ronan went still. Wrong. Elliot immediately heard it. “That sounded—” “Manipulative.” “Yes.” “Very.” “I’m sorry.” Ronan stared. Then touched his cheek. “I’m not going alone.” Elliot exhaled. “Promise.” “Promise.” Good. Then Ronan’s expression changed. “What?” “Vance wants me with them when they search the old facility.” Elliot’s hand tightened. “No.” “Called it.” “Absolutely not.” “Elliot.” “No.” “You just told me I should go.” “I was stupid then.” “That was thirty seconds ago.” “Growth.” Ronan laughed. Elliot did not. “I mean it.” “So do I.” “Why do they need you?” “Nathan said Saint talked about me specifically.” “That makes it worse.” “They think there may be something addressed to me.” “Absolutely fucking not.” Ronan smiled faintly. “There he is.” “Ronan.” “I’ll have Vance. Officers. Tactical if needed.” “Saint got past all of them already.” “And you?” Elliot froze. “What?” “You promised no more murders.” “Yes.” “You confessed.” “Yes.” “You chose your mom.” “Yes.” Ronan stepped closer. “Now choose to trust me.” Fuck. Elliot looked away. Unfair. Effective. “I hate you.” “No, you don’t.” “I could.” “Work on it while I’m gone.” Elliot’s chest tightened. Ronan saw. The joke died. “Hey.” “What?” “I’m coming back.” “You can’t promise that.” “No.” Elliot looked at him. Ronan smiled softly. “But I can try really fucking hard.” That was somehow worse. More honest. Elliot swallowed. “Visit me first.” Ronan froze. “What?” “If they move me.” His voice came quieter.

“If you leave for Saint Augustine’s before they decide where I’m going…”

Ronan stared.

“Visit me first.”

There. The request he had made in bed as hypothetical. Not hypothetical anymore. Ronan’s face changed. He touched Elliot’s jaw.

“I’m not disappearing on you.”

“Promise?”

“Yes.”

Elliot closed his eyes. Ronan kissed his forehead. Same place as before. The first promise. The cuffs. Everything.

“Visit me,” Elliot whispered.

Ronan’s forehead rested against his.

“Every fucking chance they give me.”

Elliot opened his eyes.

“You’ll get bored.”

“I’ve tolerated you for years.”