The party had been over for hours, but the most surprising gift was yet to come. My father, as always, had a way of overstepping his bounds. He entered my room with a satisfied smile, followed by a young man with sharp eyes, messy hair, and an expression of pure irritation.

“Happy birthday, my dear!” he announced, as if he were handing me a rare jewel. “This is Izaiah. Now, he’s yours.”

My heart gave an uncomfortable leap. Mine? He had bought a person?

“Dad, this is ridiculous! I don’t want to…” my voice trailed off as Izaiah’s eyes met mine. He looked… defiant, even though he was in a submissive position.

“I don’t care what you want. It’s already paid for,” my father snapped, ignoring me completely as he left the room, leaving Izaiah and me alone.

I sighed, rubbing my temples. This wasn't right, but before I could organize my thoughts, Izaiah spoke:

"Don't think I'm going to obey you," he said in a firm voice, crossing his arms. "I'm not a pet."

A smile formed on my lips. Despite the absurd situation, I couldn't help but be interested. He wasn't the type to lower his head, even when he seemed to have no choice.

"Oh, really?" I asked, tilting my head to the side. "So you think you have a choice?"

He stared at me, without looking away, and something in his stubbornness stirred within me. An idea took hold of my mind, something that had never occurred to me before.

"You know, Izaiah..." I began, approaching him slowly. "Maybe I even like the idea of you being so... disobedient."

His eyes narrowed, but he didn't say anything.

"It just means I'll have more fun putting you in your place," I finished, a mischievous smile forming on my face.

He snorted, turning his face away, but the tension in the air was palpable. Maybe my father was right to bring Izaiah to me, but not for the reasons he thought.