Kapitel 174: Chapter 174

No one with a heart, even a mechanized one, could resist that plea. "You never have to be alone again. Not while I'm around." He opened his arms, only belatedly wondering if she'd even recognize the comforting gesture.

Even given her lack of social blending and skills, she understood the offer of a hug when she saw it. She stepped into the circle of his arms, stiff at first. He folded his limbs around her, bringing her gently into the folds of his body until her head rested upon his chest. Tentatively, her hands crept around his waist until she returned the embrace.

This close to her, he couldn't stop his body from reacting.

She noticed. "You are aroused."

And embarrassed. "I am. I told you, Lilith, you are attractive. Enough that I cannot seem to control myself around you. A lingering result of my recent defectiveness."

"You think there is something wrong with your attraction to me?"