[ Erik hums, understanding this better than most. He doesn't pull away as he once would, but still regards her with interest, more of her to be intrigued by. ]

People are guarded when it comes to their minds, understandably so. We don't like to know when someone could take away our free will.

[ Just to say that he would understand that kneejerk reaction towards her, even if they would be wrong. ]

I'll keep it to myself, if that's a concern of yours.