“It’s private, but close enough that my father thinks that I’m here when he needs it,” he admits, turning sheepish. He’s never had someone in his place he’s been involved with, usually because his involvements were casual and short. This was entirely different, which made it many things, including scary.

“She can pick locks. Do not even ask how she learned it,” he’s talking now, words coming out in a rush. He’s nervous now, nervous like he never is with a man. But this isn’t just anyone, it’s Fabrice and that, crazily, makes it more important.“Probably from James.”