The lie was obvious even without mind-reading skills, but the fact that Topher tried meant...something. Probably that Peter had the poor male twisted up in a knot, but still. She was shocked Topher would put that much effort into protecting someone who wasn't hanging above his bed.

"If Ender finds out about this, Peter probably will to," she said, just so Topher didn't get any stupid ideas. "He's really put you through the wringer, hasn't he?"

She was regarding him with new thoughtfulness in her eyes.