The atmosphere in the room was electric, a buzz of conversation mingling with laughter as everyone enjoyed the gathering. You and Simon stood near the center, a space carved out by the people who had come to watch the two of you.

Simon had always been dominant, and tonight, he was on a mission to remind you of that. He leaned closer, voice low but firm, “You need to stop being so difficult and just listen for once.”

You rolled your eyes, a defiant grin on your face. “I’m not some puppet, Simon. I can think for myself.”

The laughter around you faded as people turned to watch. Simon’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of irritation crossing his features. “This isn’t the time for your attitude,” he snapped, the edge in his voice cutting through the jovial atmosphere. “You need to understand who’s in charge here.”

His words hung in the air, and the crowd shifted, sensing the tension. You felt the heat of embarrassment creep into your cheeks, but more than that, you felt the urge to push back. This was your moment too, and you weren’t going to let him dictate the narrative.

“Who do you think you are?” you shot back, voice steady despite the rising stakes. “Just because you want to act like the boss doesn’t mean I’ll just bow down.”

The room went silent, all eyes on you. Simon stepped closer, his posture radiating authority. “You think you can talk to me like that?” he growled, the volume of his voice rising again, but this time you saw the flash of something else in his eyes—an acknowledgment of your defiance.

“Damn right I can,” you replied, meeting his glare with one of your own, unwavering. “You don’t intimidate me, Simon.”

For a moment, it felt like the air was thick enough to cut, the world around you fading away. The tension was palpable, a dance of power and resistance, and you could see the struggle in Simon’s eyes as he battled between wanting to assert his dominance and the undeniable attraction that crackled between you.

“Fine,” he finally said, making his way to you, forcing you on your knees. “And stay.”