I hugged him.
Axel stiffened like I'd thrown a bucket of cold water on him, but then he melted into it, arms wrapping around me, one hand on the back of my head, the other curling around my waist like he was trying to memorize how I fit.
I squeezed tighter. "We'll figure this out," I whispered.
It's weird that I, the weaker one, was the one giving the reassurance, but it made me feel good. To know that I could offer him something even if it was just a little reassurance.
He didn't demean it too. Axel was sweet like that.
He pulled back slightly, searching my face. "Promise me something."
"Anything."
"Next time you meet a random stranger outside a pigsty, punch them in the face first, then ask questions."
My jaw fell open. "What?" I blurted, stifling a laugh.
"Swear it, María."
"I swear. First a punch. Then a polite introduction."
"That's my girl."
