She hid in the room most of the day to prevent any more run-ins with cats or models and to think. It wasn't until dusk, when Evelyn had said she'd come back, that she forced herself up. She sat on the bed and watched the sunset through the window. It was just as spectacular as those on earth, a brilliant mix of pinks, oranges, burnt yellows, reds, and purples. She raised her bracelet to the light, watching the colors reflect off of it and turning it pinkish-gold, like the prisoner's bracelet.
And then it hit her. She needed someone who could sneak her out of Romas's reach and to a spaceship.
Prisoner… personal issues … hazing … just got caught this time. He wasn't a criminal, a thief, or murderer but someone who happened to have a bone to pick with Romas's brother and managed to get caught. Freeing a man should put him in her debt, and he was the last person in the house who would rat her out to Romas's family!
Maybe this was how their fates were tied?
Kiera tossed the thoughts around in her head, guilty at the thought of ditching Evelyn yet offended that Evey thought to keep her here without telling her. She'd lost complete control of her life overnight!
She bristled, angry again. What did it matter if she decided to leave and went about doing it her own way? Why was she worried about upsetting her friend when her friend hadn't given her the same consideration?
She felt more guilty about thinking badly about Evelyn. She could not-- would not-- hold Evelyn responsible for everything. If not for Romas, there would be no distant planet, spaceships, or tarantula-like cats!
Her thoughts drifted to the prisoner, the memory of his touch and the strange energy making her blood quicken. There was something about him … she didn't know what. Another memory crossed her mind, and her face grew warm for a different reason.
Short and fat. As if she needed another reason to want to escape!
"K-K?"
Evelyn's voice preceded her entrance by only a second. Kiera jerked out of her thoughts and twisted on the bed to face her. Evelyn was splendidly dressed in blues and greens, her elegant shape clad in a very earthly, off the shoulder dress.
"You're not ready!"
Her eyes strayed to the closet, as if wondering if Kiera found the boxes. Kiera pretended not to notice and rose.
"I've been sleeping," she said. "You look great!"
"Thanks." Evelyn smiled. "You'll have to go in their clothing since you're not ready yet." She strode to the clothing unit in the corner and ordered her a set.