‘We don’t work … you and I … this is how it starts. Sex ruins everything, and I can’t do it again. I won’t survive you a second time.’ My hands shake as I cling to my shoes and force them against myself so harshly that they start to bruise and hurt my breasts. Gripping, so my knuckles turn white, and I can’t keep my eyes on his. Boring into me intensely, I start to falter, my body turning weak as I get dizzy.

Alexi’s face crumbles, and he loses all hints of Carrero ...