ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOUR.

I run my hands through my hair as I exhale. I have no idea what is going on and am completely bewildered.

Riccardo tells me this is Alessandros’ method of submitting to me as he drapes an extremely thick coat with weights over Alessandros’ shoulders.

His face distorts in anguish as he attempts to maintain his calm and stance.

“Tell him what's bothering you and what you expect from him.” Riccardo shares with me.

I nod my head, looking around the yard, and I become well aware that we have an audience on our hands.

Part of me wants to tell them all to piss right off, but then the other part of me wants them to stay. So they can hear what I've said straight from my mouth, rather than the gossip that spreads through the thin walls like wildfire.

I return my attention to Alessandro.

His head is bowed as he continues to kneel before me.

Swallowing my pride, I lower myself onto my knees.

“You hurt me,” I declare in an even tone. “I know you have been driven by wrath to find Mrs D