13

The curtain is due to go up at any second as we take our seats back in the box, Alexi guiding me to sit between him and Mr Demagio, and as I do so the older man slides a concealed stroke over my thigh out of Alexi's viewpoint with his thumb. I do not react at all, just keep my cool and plaster a smile on my face but my skin is recoiling across my body and my insides are clenching up on me.

I have been out of this game too long it would appear, and my short stint working in Alexi’s club has dampened my immunity to unsolicited male groping. I have a lost a little of my edge and not as immune as I used to be.

His young friend on the other side sits forward to peer over the balcony, completely oblivious to her dirty old escort and I hope for her sake it is her father and their relationship is innocent. I don’t see any facial similarities that suggest this is her Daddy, but you never know.

‘‘You’re a charming creature Miss Walters, most