He said nothing but let his eyes do as they pleased. She recalled what Evelyn had said about him goading Kisolm.
"It would really upset Kisolm," she added. "If you escaped. You could get back at him for whatever it is you're fighting about."
"No," he said, though his eyes fell to the band around her forearm in consideration.
Surprised, she fell speechless. Even a prisoner on this planet was unwilling to associate with her! Yet another embarrassing event to add to her day's tally! Face flaming, Kiera turned to go. She waved her wrist before the access pad, but once more, the warrior prevented the door from opening. She tensed and waited for him, too, to insult her or boss her around like Romas did before she walked away.
"No, I will not do this to bait Kisolm, as much as I enjoy it," he clarified. "I will help you on three conditions."
"Isn't your freedom enough?" she asked.
"Not for onset of war," he responded, and waved his own wrist in front of the access pad. To her surprise, the door nudged her back. He closed it again. She turned to face him.
"Why would you stay if you don't have to?"
"You are not from here," he observed. "I am honor bound to stay."
He was too close again. She pressed herself against the door, almost wishing Romas would discover them. The warrior before her had an intensity that made her breath catch, and the energy between them made her insides tingle. His movements were smooth and controlled, his emotions hidden, his dark, dark eyes alone enough to keep her immobile.
"What are your conditions?" she asked. Her body was doing funny things, like growing warm in places it should not and scattering her thoughts like confetti in a stiff breeze.
"One, your arm band."
She glanced down at it and nodded without a second thought. She hadn't thought to use it as a bribe; if it were gold, it might be worth something. She held up her arm, uncertain how to release it.
"You give it willingly?" he asked.
She searched his gaze and responded with irritation, "If coercion is willing, then yes."
He stared at her with his head cocked, and she judged the words had not translated.
"Yes, I do," she clarified.
He dropped his arm from the door and took her forearm. At his touch, the band loosened enough to slide over her hand. Kiera watched as he slid the band over his right hand to settle it at his wrist before stripping his own band off his left arm. He slid it over her opposite hand, and she looked up at him.