I slide my arm in Alexi’s, needing him to be more typical for me right now, aching for his touch as my heart rate still pounds erratically through my body, silently clinging on, but he continues talking. Too aware we are on show, and he can’t let that mask drop yet, not even for me while in public.

“Good. I’ll call my father and tell him it’s done. He can inform the family that Santagato chose his own repay. Carrero didn’t issue any orders. Can’t be pissed if I obeyed ...