Maia ghosted his stare. Telling that to his face with confidence wasn't her game and she wasn't ready to be that straightforward with him. She twisted her fingers, pressing into them and savoring the little jolt of her bone when it cracked. It kept her going. It kept her brain functioning while she prepared for the roar Axel would let out. He certainly seemed like he was about to shove those words down her throat so she could never say them again.
She guessed it was that part where he liked her playing its role. He was into her, concerned and he needed reassurance that she was actually okay. She told herself that, at least. He meant well, she was aware of that.
Axel kept quiet, though, rubbing his temples while he edged closer to her and slung an arm over the back of the couch like las
