I got on my knees and took his hand. “Elias,” I said, my voice hoarse with emotion. “I’m sorry this decision has to be so hard for you. You’re right. It isn’t fair, but you never know—maybe with time and distance you’ll be in a better position to change things. You should be so proud of yourself. It’s a huge accomplishment.”

He was starting to smile, his hand tightly holding mine. I was desperate to relieve the tension of the last few minutes, so I went with something I knew would at least amuse him. “Betam Gobez.”

Elias chuckled at my horrible attempt at telling him he was clever in Amharic. I looked down, trying not to make too much of the change in the mood. Trying not to ruin it by doing something that was unwelcome.

Then I felt Elias’s fingers caress the side of my face. I pushed into his touch, almost ready to sob from the contact. I missed his hands on me. His warmth. The way he was firm and gentle at the same time. Elias’s touch made everything so much simpler.

“Elias,” I said, breathlessly as our eyes locked.

“Can I kiss you, konjo?”

I didn’t answer, just stood and climbed onto his lap. He immediately grabbed me roughly.

“Desta.” My name coming out of his mouth sounded like a prayer. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too.” I pushed my body against his, holding his face between my hands before going in for a kiss. Our tongues tangled together, bodies pressed tightly. I rocked my hips against him, and I could feel him harden. I reveled at being able to touch him like this. To run my hands over his warm skin. To feel him react to me.

I shuddered out a breath as I pulled back for some air. Elias’s fingers were digging into my flesh like he never wanted to let me go. I laid my head on his shoulder, pressing my lips to his neck. “I’m sorry I pushed you away.”

He shook his head as he moved us, dislodging me from his lap for a moment so we could move farther up the bed. He sat with his back to the headboard and I climbed right back on his lap, huffing as I got comfortable again. “This is where I want to be.”

He laughed, but then his face got serious again. “Konjo, next time you’re feeling like you want some distance, please tell me what you’re thinking first. At least give me the chance to decide for myself.”