Alexi stands his ground, but I can tell by his posture there’s a subtle change in him. He’s no longer in charm mode but poised and stiff, like he’s ready for something more physical, and I begin to feel claustrophobic behind him, stuck by the wall. I’m scared, hating that I am the centre of what’s happening, and he is all that stands in front of me if this goes badly. I want to get out of this corner.

I note security moving closer without drawing attention, and Alexi’s ...