This dog is going to eat me, I’m sure of it. I’m the competition, and he is a fly little fucker, attempting to take my guard down until I least expect it.

I realise Alexi is silent and still, glancing up to catch him staring at us weirdly. Frowning with a hint of surprise and yet that tiny smile of amusement. His eyes fixated on my hand on his dog’s head, and I glance down in case he thinks I’m smacking him or something absurd.

“What?” I ask defensively and put more ...