A sub can always say no, but (given that this domme’s elbows would be in tighter and her forearms would look stronger if she did close-combat martial arts) I’m sure that this sub could easily overpower her. Yet he remains in her control either by conscious choice or, more deeply, because she’s got his mind right now. No threats, no ropes.
This is one of the things I love about D/s that male heterosexual dominants often miss completely. In my opinion, too many doms overuse the implication of their physical strength. Bad behavior is challenged with a “You’ll obey because we’ve agreed that I may punish you if you don’t, slut!” attitude (which can be hot, of course) without developing “softer” skills that entice, seduce, and encourage good behavior.
Or maybe this is my own arrogance showing and it’s just a matter of personal preference? I’m not sure. All I know is, most times, if I’m holding your chin and you struggle, I will loosen my grip, hold my open hand in the air even as you back away, and smile as if to say “Your struggle is a game and we both know it. Either you want to be here and suffer for me or you don’t. Choose.”
I know, for me, if you don’t have a strong hold on my mind, you have nothing. All the threats and displays of strength and “Remember I’m the one in charge” will never make me submit, truly. That’s why only one person has ever been able to do it.