She had been about to bolt, ready for whatever he said to cut her down. Not that he would have meant to. But she had been so braced for the pain that what he said froze her in confusion. It kept her still long enough for the hug. Her hands, full, hung to either side, but he'd feel the tremor running through her.

"Axel..." she whispered, starting to cry. Not that he could have seen that, even if he wasn't hugging her. But no way he could miss it anyway.