Page 44 of Secret Paths

Hunter grimaces. “I have attended those meetings.”

“Then you know.”

Alexandra’s grip on his arm tightens. “Do you want either of them?”

For a moment, Peter locks eyes with me.

Then his gaze drops.

“No.”

Only that.

No joke. No flourish. No Peter-shaped attempt to make it sound less serious.

Alexandra lets out a breath. “Then we will sort something else.”

“There it is.”

“What?”

“The royal we.”

“You are my brother.”

“I had noticed.”

“You should have told me.”

“You would have worried.”

“I am worrying now.”

“Yes, but with less time to create a spreadsheet.”

Hunter clears his throat. “She already has a spreadsheet planned out in her head.”

Alexandra turns on him. “Not helping.”

“I did not say what it was for.”

“You do not need to.”

Peter huffs a laugh, but it fades before it becomes anything useful. He rubs his thumb along the edge of his glass, back and forth, as if the condensation has personally offended him.

Alexandra watches the movement. “Are you all right for money?”

Peter stills.

“I am not destitute, Lexi.”

“I did not say you were.”

“I have savings.”

“How long will they last?”

“Depends how committed I am to eating.”