Dangerous black ties

Card

The next morning was quiet and peaceful, with my alarm waking me up. I felt warm with the blanket draped over my body.

I chuckle at myself before I start getting dressed; there is a knock on the door. Before it was opened without leaving me time to say come in.

I immediately see Edison with his beautiful captivating blue eyes through the crack of the door.

He looks over me as I'm finishing getting dressed.
His eyes seem to confidently roam my body.
"Good morning, Bellissima," Edison says with a smile dressed in a striking black suit and black tie.

God, he was so sexy he could see some tattoos peeking out of his shirt.

As though he knew the thoughts that were going through my head, he smirked.

"Got something on your mind, bellissima?" he asked me in a slightly teasing voice.

I feel the heat rushing to my cheeks as I throw my blouse on,

he says, watching my every single movement.


I clear my throat. "Nothing," I say, trying to hide my blush.


He looks amused but his face is still stern.

He softly grabs my chin forcing me to meet his eyes.
"Tesoro, I find the skyness adorable, though if I were you wouldn't try lying again, Principessa." He says softly brushing my hair behind my ear.


I finally was dressed. I picked up my brush and ran the brush roughly through my hair.

"Wow. Bambina, what are you doing?" He asks softly, taking the brush from my hands. His eyes are wild.

Shaking his head in what appears to be amusement.

He softly brushes my hair, getting the tangles out much more gently.

"Perfect," he says, setting my brush down on the deck.

Softly kissing my forehead.
He leans back and his fingers begin to braid my hair.

"There," he says, leaning from behind my back and kissing my cheek.


I smile softly.
"You can braid hair?!" I ask excitedly.

He gives me an amused look that turns almost cocky instantly.


"Yes. We all can," he replies with a small chuckle.


I gasp. "You will have to teach me," I say with a smile.

"Perhaps, but I'd much rather do it myself. It gives me reason to be able to touch you and care for you. Pamper you. That's what we do. You are just really complicated; you don't ask for anything even when we offer. So I will take what I can.." he tells me his voice kind of defensive in a way.

"God, I'm going to miss this on my 3--- day-long trip," he says, softly brushing his hand over my face.

The gentle touch is still very foreign to me. I have to fight my own body not to flinch immediately.

They don't scare me. Though oddly they probably could some people.

"What are you talking about?" I ask him as confusion runs through me.

"Well, just a trip some of the showmen industries have to have to go to; it will only be three days. It's a little bit away, but I'm already dreading it," he says as he runs his hand through his perfect hair.

His wandering gaze back to me.

"Well, it shouldn't be too bad, only 3 days," I try and say positively.

"3 days of not seeing you would be very much bad," he says, "almost painfully bad."


I scoff, fighting the urge to roll my eyes at the theatrics.

"You ready, Tesoro?" Edison asked me to as he straightened up his back.

I nod. "Edison?" I ask hesitantly, looking at the ground. Ground.

"Yes, bambina?" he asks me as he softly tilts my chin to look at him.

I bit my lip nervous.

His eyes darken at the action slightly before the pad of his thumb lightly pulls my lip away.

"You know you aren't allowed to bite your lip that still hasn't changed," he says slightly sternly.

I look into his pricing eyes once again. Trying to steady myself.

"Edison, you know in the rules how you had put names you liked to be called," I ask him carefully, and if I'm being honest, humiliated.

"Yes, Principessa," he replied with a slight smirk. As if happy with where this is going.

"How does that all work? Do any of you have preferences? Or just any of the names on the list?" I ask him, still looking at his eyes as his hand still holds my jaw in place.

His thumb softly brushed against my jaw, and a hint of a smile played on his lips.

"Each of us has our preferences," he said softly. "Names like 'Daddy,' 'Sir,' and 'Master' aren't just about labels. They carry different meanings and expectations."

I looked up at him, curiosity mingled with a hint of anxiety. "Do you have a favorite among those names?"

Edison's expression was thoughtful. "For me, 'Daddy' is about care and affection, 'Sir' conveys authority, and 'Master' is reserved for more intense moments. 'Master' is generally used when you're in trouble or need to be reminded of the boundaries and control within our dynamic. It's not a term used lightly. Especially with someone like Alex or Dexter, who can be more...sadistic, 'Master' is used to remind you of the control and structure in place."

I involuntarily shifted slightly, feeling the weight of the question I wanted to ask. I looked up at Edison, my eyes searching his for just a moment before I finally spoke.

"What do you like to be called?" I asked my voice coming out barely above a whisper.

Edison paused, his blue eyes locking onto mine, a slow smirk forming on his lips. "Between 'Daddy' or 'Sir,' and you mean?" he replied, his tone laced with a teasing edge.

I nodded waiting for his answer.

Edison stepped closer, his hand gently brushing his hands over my head. "I like 'Sir,'" he said, his voice firm yet soft. "But if you ever feel like calling me 'Daddy,' I wouldn't mind that either."

I felt my breath get caught in my throat slightly; my heart began pounding as I looked up at him. "Okay, sir" I whispered.

Edison's smirk widened, satisfied with my response. "Good girl," he murmured, his thumb grazing my cheek before he stepped back slightly.

"Now, are you ready to face the day?" he asked as he straightened up his back.

I took a deep breath. I'm ready. Let's go."

As we walked towards the door together,

Driving to work, work, Edison kept his hand on the shifter and his eyes on the road.


Once at work


As we entered the elevator, Edison pressed the button for his floor. I tried to mask my unease, but the tight space and the unease of the machinery were too much. Edison's easily caught my discomfort.

"You seem tense," he said softly, his voice laced thick with concern. "Is everything alright?"

I forced a smile, though it didn't reach my eyes. "It's just a little uncomfortable. I've never been fond of elevators."

Edison's gaze was intense. "Can you tell me why?"

I hesitated, feeling my chest tighten.
. "The first time I felt this way was years ago," I began, my voice starting to tremble slightly. "It was after we had to pull the plug on my mom. Heading home, we were in the hospital elevator, and... my dad hit me for the first time. The small space made it all feel so much worse."

Edison's expression softened intently and was lined with deep empathy, and he took a step closer, placing his hand gently on my shoulder. "I'm so sorry you went through that. You are safe. I would never let anything happen to you."

I nodded, tears pooling despite my efforts to stay strong. "It is just hard for me sometimes, especially sleeping. The elevator just became a reminder of that day; I just relive it every time I step in here, and I guess I've never really gotten over it yet."

Edison's eyes were filled with understanding. "Thank you for sharing that with me. If you ever need to avoid elevators, that might be an option, though.
I honestly might suggest some anxiety medication. I might talk to all your doms and see if they agree."

"That's not necessary," I replied.

His eyes turn even more stern. "Baby, every decision we make medically and beyond is for you. I think it will help. Maybe just try it. If you feel any kind of bad way, we will discontinue, but I still haven't even talked to everyone yet. I just want to help. Or maybe you could try talking to someone."

The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, and Edison guided me out his arm on the small of my back.

I see Dexter sitting at his deck, already working on his computer.

Looking equally as handsome, intimidatingly so.

"Meredith," he finally said, his voice low and commanding yet tinged with warmth. "Come here."

I looked at Edison, who lightly pushed me in Dexter's direction. When I reached him, I stopped just a breath away, my eyes lowering in deference.

I felt Dexter's hand cupped my chin, tilting my face up, so I had no choice but to meet his gaze. "How's my girl today?" he asked, his tone softening.

"I'm good, sir," I replied, my voice steady, though I couldn't help the slight flutter in my chest.
He nodded approvingly, his thumb brushing over my bottom lip before he released my chin. "Good. I expect nothing less," he murmured, his hand trailing down to rest on my shoulder slowly and delicately. A touch that felt like both a claim and a reassurance.

"You know the rules. We expect you to behave today even when we are at work." Decter says

"Yes, sir," I respond.

Dexter leaned in, pressing a firm but tender kiss to my forehead. "Good girl," he whispered the praise settling warmly in my chest.

Later in the afternoon, as Dexter and Edison were finishing up their work, I walked to them slowly finishing up the task Edison gave me. "Hey, would you two like some food? I was thinking of picking up something from that Italian restaurant."

Both of them looked up, their expressions brightening once they saw me. "That sounds great," Dexter said. "Grab us a couple of their specials."

Edison nodded in agreement. "And make sure to get something for yourself too. Use one of our cards for the meal."

They hold out their cards.

"Of course," I said, I'll be back soon."

At the restaurant, I ordered 3 specials. As I waited for the food, my eyes caught a colorful flyer on a nearby bulletin board. It advertised Italian language classes, and an idea struck me. I'd surprise Dexter, Edison, Alex, and Jeremy by learning Italian.

I fold up the flyer and slide it into my back pocket. Using my card to pay for my food. I didn't like people paying for stuff for me; it felt weird.

Then I paid for the food each of their food with their card and left the restaurant, feeling excited about my idea.

When I returned to the office, Dexter and Edison were waiting in the breakroom. "So, which card did you end up using?" Dexter asked as he noticed I was back.

I hesitated for a moment before responding. "Oh, I used the card you gave me, Dexter."

Dexter frowned slightly. "You didn't use mine; they have itemized receipts," catching me in a lie.

I felt a knot form in my stomach. "Oh, I used my card to pay for my food."

Edison's eyes narrowed. "We specifically asked you to use one of ours. Why did you even have your card out?"


I bit my lip, feeling a surge of guilt. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause any trouble. I just—"

Edison cut me off gently but firmly. "Lying about it isn't the way to handle things. We need to be able to trust each other. We need you to understand that honesty is crucial in our relationship. When you lie, it damages the trust we're building. We need you to respect our boundaries and our expectations."

Dexter's expression softened a bit, though his disappointment was evident. "We just want to be able to take care of you; that's what we do as your doms. When we give you our cards, it's part of our way of supporting you and being involved in your life."

I nodded, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I understand. I'm sorry; I'm just not comfortable with someone taking care of me quite yet when I've done it by myself for so long."

Edison sighed but offered a reassuring smile. "It's alright. Just be honest with us next time. We'll sort this out later."

Dexter nodded in agreement, his expression softening. "Thank you for understanding. Now, let's enjoy the food, and we will deal with this later."

As we sat down to eat, I couldn't help but feel relieved that the matter was resolved, though the lesson was clear. I was determined to make things right and keep the surprise of learning Italian a joyful addition to our lives.


Deal with this later?