It started like every other argument, sharp words, rising tempers, neither of you willing to back down. The HQ was empty, everyone else long gone, and the sound of your voices echoed off the metal walls.

Aiden stepped in close, eyes dark. “You think you can just give orders and I’ll follow? You’re not in charge of me.”

You scoffed. “When you’re in my settlement, yeah, I am.”

He shoved you first. Not hard enough to hurt, just enough to make your blood boil. You pushed back. Then it escalated, a shove turned into a grab, a grab into a scuffle. The two of you slammed into the table, papers scattering, breath heavy, adrenaline high.

“Go on,” he hissed. “Show me who’s in charge.”