Those pleas might as well have fallen on deaf ears.  Richard was just too angry.  He was angry at whoever that man was who had sweet talked his son into disobedience, he was angry at his son for betraying him, and he was even angry at himself for letting it all happen.<br/><br/>“You won’t leave me?  Just like you won’t see him again?” he accused.  It was clear as day in his mind that it was the same person, the one who had dared defile Alex’s pretty mouth.  “I won’t stand for any more lies, Alex!”<br/><br/>He let go, but only so he could straighten and remove his belt.  If he couldn’t make sure Alex wasn’t going to leave by loyalty and fear alone, then he’d make sure he wouldn’t be able to walk out of that house for the next few days.<br/><br/>“Take your clothes off,” was the simple command, cold and cruel.  When his son didn’t obey as fast as he would’ve liked, Richard swung the folded up belt hard and it cracked across the boy’s thigh.  “Now.”