Lonan was staring at me intensely. “What is wrong with you?”
“Nothing.” I answered too quickly and he noticed. But before he could comment, I added, “What about mine?”
“What about your what?”
“My—my favour.” I twisted my fingers together. “I can’t… do that. What you just did.”
He paused, black eyes darting down to my throat and back up again.
“You’ll just have to give me your word.” His dark gaze bored into mine. “I trust you won’t break it.”
I gave him a sarcastic, not-quite grin, making him narrow his eyes at me.
“I won’t.” I paused. “But the favour will be within reason. Just like yours.”
I added the caveat because I knew there was no way I was going to win this. Part of me considered just telling Lonan he’d won the moment we started, so I didn’t embarrass myself even trying. But that felt… weak. Like giving up. And I was pretty sure he’d think less of me for it.
For some reason, I didn’t want that. I’d never be his equal, but I could at least try my best.
I stiffened my shoulders and stared at him. “Let’s do this.”