I’m not trying to rile him; I’m voicing a dislike of his manner towards me. Making it clear from the get-go, this isn’t acceptable this time—inner peeking of irritation that he’s already throwing demands around, and it’s been less than twenty-four hours back in his domain.

‘I don’t need a shadow; I’m not you. I also do not happen to want one either,’ I point out starchily.

‘No, but you’re now my partner, so you will do as you’re told and like it.’ That ...