I went so still that it felt like my heart stopped for a couple of seconds.

He… he hated me? How could he say that? What was I going to do now?

I tried to pull away so I could see his face—I would know if he was serious just by looking at his eyes—but Axel’s arms tightened around me, keeping me glued to his chest.

“Axel…” I whispered, still struggling to be free from his grip. I just needed to look at his face, that was all I needed.

But Axel didn't relent, he didn't stop stroking my hair either. He was calm, too calm and it was making...