She could feel his tension for a moment and she was worried that he might actually pull away. But he didn't and she released the breath she hadn't even been aware that she'd been holding. Taking another risk, she curled her fingers around his.
"I'm happy to hear that." She looked over at him, smiling softly even though he's not looking at her. "I think you're a strong person, Mal. Perhaps one of the strongest people I've ever met."