It's a damn shame that she hadn't told him just now; he'd have leaped at the explanation. As it is he's weaving dangerously close to the truth, trying to lie as little as possible without actually tipping over the edge. Much harder when he's thoroughly tipsy. Some part of him is tempted to just confess all and see what happens. Would she think him crazy? Drag him to Piotr? Maybe.

So he looks at her searchingly at her aborted question. Wondering for a moment if Byerly has told her. That's a possibiliy too. On the eve of their mission no less ... Ah, well.

"Maybe," he allows reluctantly. "But I could not return with you if I did. If I go back to the Dendarii, I would not set foot on Barrayar ever again."