As if my humiliation of nearly falling wasn't enough he insisted on getting me ice himself. He pushed me down onto the couch, forcing me to stay there. His methods so far are: insist, and threaten to kill or murder or worse until the person agrees.

I see a familiar head outside, smoking. And just as I was about to go to Matteo he arrived back to my couch. "I'll do it myself," I say, holding my hand out for the ice-pack.