No, they couldn't. He should stay away from Elijah entirely. But he couldn't relinquish the hand now and tell him to go. Instead, he wanted to pull the man close and feel him against himself.

"We shouldn't," he finally managed to whisper. But the words seemed to have no effect on his body. He brought Elijah's hand up to his mouth and planted a tender kiss on the knuckles. Then, still leaning his face against the hand, he closed his eyes. "God help me."