There is a sudden shout. I sit up, and for a moment I do not know if the sound is real or if it is inside my head. I hear a thud and another shout and then another. I pull the cover from my bed and run to the door. It is dark on the landing and I stand and listen. The shouts are coming from the room at the far end. I push open the door. On the floor, many-limbed and monstrous in the candlelight, are the naked writhing bodies of Duncan and Bunny.

“I’ll teach you!” There is a suppressed howl as Bunny forces himself on top of Duncan. The bodies interlock.

“You bastard!” Duncan’s voice is tight with pain. I see Bunny’s fist flail blows on Duncan’s chest. I take the cover from round my shoulders and fling it over the two men. My action has the desired effect.

“Get up.” I pull the cover away. “Now.”

Bunny stumbles to his feet, sweating and defensive, blood oozing from a cut on his lip. Duncan remains motionless on the floor. I can hear the strain of his breathing. Slowly he pulls himself into a sitting position. I help him to his feet. He puts his arm round my shoulder, swaying as he tries to regain his balance. I lead him back to my room.

I know better than to ask what the fight was about. I climb into bed alongside Duncan and cradle him in my arms. He weeps as he buries himself in my flesh. When his seed pumps into me I wonder if it is me or Bunny he is thinking of.