Page 409 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“They said you were becoming perfect.”

Elliot’s stomach turned. Perfect. Golden boy. Again. Always someone needing him to be something. Saint. Bellweather. Family. Everyone. Except Ronan. Ronan knew he was terrible and somehow wanted him without asking him to pretend otherwise. That mattered. Nathan’s voice cracked.

“They said once you were ready, we’d all be together.”

Elliot stared.

“All?”

Nathan froze. Too much. Saint’s speaker crackled.

“Nathan.”

Nathan looked upward. Fear. Again. Elliot caught it.

“All who?”

Nathan said nothing.

“Nathan.”

Bell whispered, “Elliot.” No. This mattered.

“Who else?”

Nathan’s breathing quickened. Saint spoke.

“Don’t.”

Elliot smiled. There. Finally. A real boundary. Good. He stepped toward Nathan.

“Who else?”

Nathan looked toward the hallway. Could run. Wouldn’t get far. Elliot softened his voice.

“You’re not special either.”

Nathan’s face crumpled. Not completely. Enough. Elliot hated himself for using it. Necessary.

“Saint did this before us.”

Nathan shook his head.

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“How many?”

“Stop.”

“How many projects?”

Nathan’s eyes filled. Bell stared. Saint’s voice hardened.

“Nathan.”