For a moment, neither Alex nor I move. I think we're both too stunned - and I'm still gasping for breath. When I begin to feel the pain in my side, though, I twist, and that only makes things worse. I end up on my back, with him still on top of me.

Instantly, thoughts of the Night That Shall Never Be Mentioned - which, I suppose, should now be called the Night We Had to Talk About but I'd Like to Forget Now - come rushing back. He was on top of me just like this. His muscles ...