Always in his mind, but not real, she's telling him. He thinks she's telling him. It doesn't matter. She feels real, just as what he felt for Moriarty when she was Irene Adler he felt was love. Whether it was or wasn't is irrelevant, the result is the same. He wants her.

He moves his mouth forward, pressing his lips to her exposed thigh. Her waist feels warm and firm under his hands. Were she not the woman who consistently appears and vanishes in his life, he would not doubt his senses. But then again...

"Stay."