‘He’s busy.’ The closed tone and way he avoids my eye hit me immediately, and I instantly know what he’s doing as a light bulb flips on in my head. He’s being evasive and guilty.

‘Oh my God! Are you keeping him away from me—because you’re jealous? You think there’s something there?’ I laugh at its stupidity, and Alexi at least has the grace to remain silent. He flexes his neck, trying to conceal a reaction, but I am slowly learning the tiny Carrero tells on this ...