"I don't think I'll survive a life where I have no fingers to touch you," he responded immediately. There was no teasing and it wasn't due to how tired he was. Maybe being tired was something like a truth serum. "Punish me however you see fit." The end did have a slight tone of humor to it.

A part of Diego used the separation to stay motivated. It was the way a fighter wouldn't have sex before a big match. Yet he couldn't stand the idea of not seeing Jessica, as if he might lose her forever if too much time went by without her. He relished the kiss that she initiated on that note and returned it with fervor.