Alexi gazes at the floor, frowning. A look of shame is washing over his face in a flicker, and then it’s gone.

‘I need you in the club, at work. That’s all I am asking for. I will keep my distance, give you space and control, and you can negotiate the terms you want. You won’t be mine anymore … You will be a business partner and can leave whenever you please. I will stay the fuck away if that’s what you need me to do. I won’t cross the line where you are ...