THE PUNISHMENT WITHOUT ... 2.0 (8)

- Bring it, stupid - Ferrara snatches the belt from Federico -. I should have seen it coming. You're not even good for a few poorly given blows.

Fede doesn't respond. He doesn't even have time to react when Ferrara positions himself slightly behind him and strikes him on the buttocks.

- Ah! - Federico complains more because of the unexpected lash.

- Look, weakling, learn - Ferrera gives him only two, but two lashes to 'the rat' that Federico feels the pain in himself and the administration for the silence with which 'the rat' resists.

- See? It's not that hard, dummy - Ferrara tells him with enormous restraint -. Well... let's see if you're better at giving a few good kicks in the butt to 'the disgusting rat'.

Federico agrees, trying to overcome his poor performance earlier. 'The rat' arches his back, accusing the blows but barely making a faint whimper.

- Come on, piss on it - Ferrara indicates. And Fede starts urinating on 'the rat's' back -. You, little rat, spread your legs well, so your cunt gets wet.

- Now, on your knees in that corner - Ferrara orders him. Fede moves away as far as possible.

The "Cien-octanos" seems satisfied. He pulls up his pants and says to himself, but loud enough for Fede to hear - I thought it was going to be more fun...

He finishes his whiskey. 'The rat' crawls on all fours to the back and Federico kneels, his head against the wall, near the door of the private room.

Ferrara crouches down until his mouth is at the height of Federico's ear.

- Listen, stupid. You thought you could deceive me - Ferrara sounds calm but his tone is forceful -. You've served me well, yes, but I always knew that...

Federico feels a sudden cold sweat. He lifts his face with absolute incomprehension.

- That's not 'the rat' of Don Aurelio - Ferrara holds Federico by the chin and forces him to look him in the eye -. Haven't you recognized your little friend yet? It's Miss Venezuela, Gonzaga's bitch...

Federico's eyes widen like plates and the truth floods his head like a recently burst dam. How did he not realize who was under that hood?

- With me, one mistake is enough - Ferrara adds coldly.

Federico can't hold back tears. Now he understands. His behavior justifies Ferrara's right. A knot in his throat prevents him from speaking and Ferrara won't listen to apologies.

- Don't you dare ever contact me again. This will remain a secret forever. I can be inflexible if I know you've talked about this with someone. Is that clear?

- Yes, my Master - something breaks inside Fede, who tries to hide his tears in vain.

- Forget me. Erase me from your head and your life. Follow your path. I wish you the best, but remember: I know where you live, where you work. And it doesn't make sense for you to come here, does it? - Ferrara speaks with glacial coldness -. The doorman is warned. Neithe...