Chapter 48

I slump down when I am finally free and end up in a heap on the floor, my body unable to hold my weight with the way I’ve completely lost the use of my limbs and turned into a shaking mess. Alexi doesn’t attempt to catch me either, not that I expected he would. I let out a sob as I curl into a childish defensive ball and turn my eyes to the ground in complete humility. Ashamed of myself and my lack of strength when faced with a simple punishment that other women would take in their stride. I’m pathetic and fragile when it comes to this one thing, and once again, I showed him how effective it is. His feet turn at my eye level, and he walks away after a moment, much to my relief. He leaves me here crying and shaking, unable to get up, but it’s what I would rather have than be back on that cross.

He gets a few steps and then stops. My heart stops too. I stop crying and hold still, afraid he maybe hasn’t finished with me yet, and recoil against the wooden stand when he walks back