Page 68 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Comforting choice of words.”

Something flickered across Elliot's face. Then disappeared.

“Sorry.”

Ronan set the mug down. The irritation remained, but the sharpest part of it dulled.

“You could've left a note.”

Elliot blinked.

“A note?”

“Yes.”

“I'm twenty-one.”

“Congratulations.”

“I don't need permission to leave the house.”

“I didn't say permission.”

“You're acting like I escaped.”

“You vanished after we spent half the night talking about a missing fucking student.”

There. That landed. Elliot's expression softened.

“Ronan.”

“What?”

“I'm fine.”

“I can see that.”

“So?”

“So don't do stupid shit.”

Elliot pulled the hood over his head. The gesture made him look younger. Almost irritatingly so.

“You worried about me?”

“No.”

Elliot smiled.

“Liar.”

Ronan hated that word when Elliot used it. Mostly because Elliot was usually right.

“Go shower.”

“Yes, Dad.”

“Call me that again and I'm throwing you outside.”