Jordan nodded.
“I heard Master and Sir talking last night. Apparently, they’re kicking that into high gear starting this week. From the sound of it, we’ll have people in and out for a while.” Luci’s attention shot over to me. “Normally, we don’t have many visitors in the office. The big bosses tend to meet outside of this place, so it’s awkward when people are traipsing through.”
“So what’s the plan?” Jordan asked.
“Well, right now, I need the caterers to hurry up,” she said with a strained grin.
Jordan’s back straightened. “Caterers?”
“Yep. They aren’t wasting any time. Master asked me to have fruit and coffee brought in every morning. We’ve got five people coming in today alone.”
Five didn’t seem like an unreasonable number.
“Shit. Do you know who they are?” Jordan appeared sincerely worried.
Based on Luci’s sly grin, I figured he had reason to be.
“Not this group, no. But let’s just say, it appears Dichotomy is about to converge on our office.”
That got my attention, my eyes widening as I focused on her.
“I know for a fact Mistress Jane will be here at some point,” Luci said, eyeing both of us as though waiting to see our response. “And Master Harris…” She seemed to be racking her brain for more. “I know Master Edge’ll be here on Friday the thirteenth.” Luci thumped her finger against her chin. “And I’m pretty sure they mentioned”—her eyes widened—“Master Zeke.”
Holy.
Shit.
“Zeke?” Jordan appeared skeptical.
I found it funny that the only name Jordan seemed concerned with was Zeke. Hell, just thinking about Mistress Jane had my heart beating a little harder. That woman was hardcore. Then again, Master Zeke was a sadist, so I probably had more to worry about from him.
Not that there was anything to really worry about. This was an office. If they were coming here, it wasn’t to scene with a submissive. Right?
“There were several more, but those are the only names I recognized.”
“So, what? Do they only hire Doms here?” I asked, the words blasting out of my mouth.
Jordan shook his head. “Not necessarily, no. However, it makes sense because the circles we run in are wrought with some highly successful individuals. It’s understandable that they’d reach out to the people they knew and trusted.”
“Oh,” Luci said, her hand coming out to land on Jordan’s arm. “And they mentioned your name, too.”
Jordan’s eyes narrowed on her face. “Really?”
“Yep. Care to tell me what that’s all about?”
He shook his head. “Not yet, no.”
“Then the three of us can do lunch today and gossip.”
Jordan appeared somewhat hesitant, but then he nodded. “Definitely lunch.” He turned to me. “At one o’clock, the big boys leave for lunch. Luci and I generally go at that time.”
I hadn’t considered what I would do for lunch. “I was…uh…”
“You were going to go with us,” Jordan said, his tone firm. “No arguments.”
The submissive in me instantly nodded. “Okay.”
I didn’t have money for lunch, but it wouldn’t hurt to sit with them while they ate.
“With that settled, let’s get some stuff done, shall we?” Luci asked, linking her arm with mine. “It’s going to be an interesting week to say the least.”
I was hesitant, but I followed her lead, allowing her to guide me through the reception area and past the double doors that led to the offices.
“This week is going to be hectic,” Luci warned as we sat down in her office. “Since the quarterly meeting took place last week, we’ll have quite a few people following up on things, so expect a lot of phone calls. And with the interviews taking place, I doubt anyone will be available.”
“Is there anything specific I should say to these people if they call?” I asked, feeling a tad nauseous at the thought of having to deal with so much and not knowing what I was doing.
“I’m going to have all the calls sent to me today,” she informed me. “I want you to be my shadow, see how it’s done. I won’t throw you to the wolves, I promise.”
Well, that made me feel a little better.
Last night, when I’d been unable to sleep, I’d given considerable thought to everything that had happened since Saturday night. Mostly, I’d thought about Mr. Snowden’s warning from that first morning I’d woken up in Mr. Parker’s apartment. He wanted me to be grateful for this opportunity. I decided he was right. And in an effort to do that, I wanted to show them that I was here to work.
I’d also decided to give Luci the benefit of the doubt. The woman was open and honest and genuinely kind, from what I could tell, so I didn’t really see a reason to keep her at arm’s length. I needed her help and it appeared she needed mine. Therefore, I wanted to be part of the team.
“Then consider me your shadow,” I said with a smile.
It was time I was grateful for the positive turn my life had taken. And I fully intended to prove to them all that I was worth it.
Because I was.
Sixteen
JUSTIN
“LUCI IS VERY IMPRESSED,” BEN informed me when he walked into my office a little after four.
“With?”
“Addison. She cornered me in the break room, said Addison wasn’t going to need much training because she’s already answering the phones herself, plus she identified a way to sync the calendars to make it easier for the two of them to track.”
“That’s good news,” I stated. Smiling, I added, “What were you sneaking from the break room?”
I knew my pup had a candy addiction that he thought was a carefully guarded secret. It wasn’t. In fact, the entire office knew he was the one who stole the Twizzlers week after week, yet no one ever called him on it.
“I grabbed a cup of coffee,” he said.
“Coffee and…?” I knew there was more.
His smile was sheepish. “Fine. I went in there to pilfer some candy, but it turns out our little rebel is quite fond of Twizzlers as well.”
Interesting.
“Please tell me that wasn’t what she had for lunch,” I stated.
“No. I took care of that. I ordered sandwiches and had them delivered. The three of them ate in the conference room. Until she gets a paycheck, I plan to ensure she eats lunch and dinner every single day.”
My pup was one of the most considerate men I knew. Another thing I admired about him.
“Where is she now?” I asked.
“In her office. I told her she could spend the rest of the day getting familiar with her laptop and the programs. She’s a little hesitant with the video chat.”
I wasn’t particularly fond of it, either. I grabbed my phone and dialed her extension.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Parker,” she greeted sweetly.
“Would you mind coming into my office? And bring a copy of the contract, too.”
“Of course. I’ll be right there.”
“You want to go over it now?” Ben asked when I hung up the phone.
“No better time than the present. After this morning, I think it’s safe to say we’ve immersed ourselves in this. Might as well get the logistics out of the way so we can move forward.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” His expression turned inquisitive.
“What is it?”
“I was just wondering why she’s so adamant about a contract.”
That was a good question, one I wanted an answer to as well. It had surprised me when she’d insisted that we have one.
A minute later, there was a light rap on the door before it opened and Addison walked in. She looked stunning in the outfit she was wearing, which, I had learned, was something Ben had selected for her today. I’d also learned that after my departure this morning, he had indulged himself a little. I couldn’t deny that the information he relayed had me eager t
o get this out of the way. I had a few things in store for our little rebel. I fully intended to break her in right.
“Have a seat, Miss Hayes,” I urged, motioning toward the chair in front of me.
She was carrying a copy of what I assumed was the generic contract I’d drawn up. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it would give us a decent starting point.
When she took a seat, I noticed there were notes in red ink across the entire first page. That made me smile. I did like a submissive who was interested in negotiating.
“Since the contract was your idea,” I prompted Addison, “then we’ll let you go over it.”
“I’d be happy to,” she said amiably, then glanced down at the papers in her hand. “I think section one and two are relatively straightforward, defining the roles of you and Mr. Snowden as Dominants and me as the submissive.” She peered up at me. “I think to avoid confusion, since this is my contract, that works.”
“I agree. My pup should not be listed as a submissive. Go on.”
Addison’s gaze dropped to the paper and she skimmed it with her finger. “Section three refers to punishment.” Her eyes lifted to mine. “And I agree that you and Mr. Snowden have full authority to determine punishment. Section four outlines punishment restrictions. Punishments must not incur permanent bodily harm, and so forth. I agree with the items that are listed here.”
I nodded. “However, I want you to note that we will not engage in punishment using implements or methods that violate your hard limits.”
“Good point.” She made a note with her red pen before she continued. “Section five refers to others.” Once again, her attention turned to me. “This is the section I’d like to discuss.”
“Acceptable. What questions do you have?”
“I assume that should a scene specifically be designed to include other submissives or Dominants, you and Mr. Snowden would have the ultimate authority.”
“That’s correct.”
“Other than that…can you perhaps specify what this means?”
I leaned back in my chair. “Basically, you are not to engage with another Dominant unless specifically instructed by Ben or myself.”
“Understood.”
“And to elaborate on that, you are not permitted to go to Dichotomy, or any other club in the area, without our express permission. Even on the nights you work. Should you need to go, talk to one of us first. We’ll accompany you.” I leaned forward, ensuring she heard my insistence on this next part. “But I hope I’m very clear when I say I will not permit you to play with another Dom.”
The skin on her forehead tightened and I would’ve bet money the girl was biting her tongue.
“Are there any questions related to that?” I asked.
Her eyes remained locked on mine. “No, I don’t have any questions. But I do have a request.”
“Voice it.”
She glanced between the two of us, then stared at me. “I’ll accept this rule without issue. However, if I’m not allowed to play with another Dom, then I’d like to have it amended to state that the two of you are not allowed to play with another submissive.”
Yep. There was that feistiness again.
I glanced over at Ben. He nodded his affirmation.
“Agreed. During the life of the contract, Ben and I agree not to engage with another submissive.”
“Thank you.” She started writing.
“However…”
Her eyes flew up to mine.
“Should Ben or I feel it’s appropriate for you to scene with another submissive, that will be permitted.”
“Male or female?” she asked.
“Does it matter?”
Addison shook her head. “Actually, no. It does not.”
I noticed the way her cheeks turned a rosy red.
“Please continue.”
“Section six refers to secrecy of the relationship.”
“As far as I’m concerned, that should be omitted from the contract,” I told her. “Neither Ben nor I have an issue with people knowing that we’re in a Dominant/submissive relationship with each other as well as with you. It’s not something that we hide, so I don’t feel the need to have that clause. Unless you have any issues with that?”
“No, Mr. Parker. I don’t have an issue with people knowing.”
“I do think that we need to add a clause that states play will exist at the location and time of the Dominants’ choice,” Ben noted. “Which includes within the office.”
“I agree,” Addison stated. “But I would also like a clause that states at no time can the play cause issues with my current job.”
Huh. Funny that she would mention that.
I decided to add my two cents. “I can assure you that any playtime that occurs between the three of us will not interfere with your performance. That is held entirely separate. So, yes, I agree, that should be noted in the contract.” At the very least, I knew it would make her feel better to have it in writing.
She jotted something down, then continued, “The last two sections refer to alterations and termination. I think that’s fairly standard. I don’t have any questions or concerns with those.”
“Also, I’d like you to add a section that refers to the limits list. I’m going to request that your limits are openly discussed at a minimum of every three months. And I’d like it noted that at any time you can amend them with discussions with the two of us.”
“Of course, Mr. Parker.”
“Anything else you’d like to add, Ben?”
“Regarding rules,” he said, his focus on Addison. “You can add a section that states rules will be delivered weekly. There will be a standard set, which we can add as an amendment if you’d like. Plus, additions that will vary each week. Some will be removed as time goes on.” He smiled at Addison. “I simply enjoy giving you something to look forward to.”
Addison’s answering smile was full of heat. “Thank you, Mr. Snowden.”
From my recollection, that was the gist of the contract, with the exception of the signatures.
A second later, Addison confirmed that.
“I’d like you to go back to your desk and type up the corrections, then print it out and bring it in here for us to sign,” I instructed.
“Yes, Mr. Parker.”
Feeling rather eager, I added, “But you only have ten minutes to do so.”
Launching from her chair, Addison bolted from the room, pen and paper in hand.
I couldn’t help but smile after her.
*
BEN
THAT WENT FAR BETTER THAN I’d anticipated, I would admit. And surprisingly, I liked the fact that we had a contract to build upon. I was starting to think that Addison felt it was necessary more because she needed structure and rules than because of her fear of us taking advantage of her. At least I hoped that was the case.
“Pup, while she’s doing that, I’d like to discuss with you any expectations you have for the three of us.”
When he referred to me that way, it put me in a submissive mindset, so I realized that I was going to have to figure out a way for the two sides to coexist. Especially since I had a deep desire to put my dormant Dominant traits to good use in the very near future.
“I have no expectations,” I admitted.
He sighed. “I’m going to need something. We’ve been together for almost a decade and I’ve spent all that time dominating you as I see fit. Never have I had to consider anyone else. Even when we’ve topped submissives, we’ve done so together. I understand that’s not going to be the case with Addison.”
No, it wasn’t. Not always. This morning was proof of that. The second Mr. Parker left Addison’s apartment, I’d been unable to resist touching her. Even as I thought about it now, my dick twitched to life.
“I’d like to say that I can take this one day at a time,” he went on to say. “However, that won’t be fair to you. When the two of you are in the room, it’s my natural inclination to want to be the Al
pha Dom, as Addison so kindly referred to me.”
I smiled, remembering that exact conversation.
“It’s going to take some time,” I informed him. “I can’t simply turn it off and on. And I don’t want to have every move either of us makes premeditated.”
“Agreed.”
“I will say this…” I took a deep breath and locked my eyes with his. “Whenever you feel the need to dominate me, you should know that I’m always going to be your submissive first.” I felt it was necessary to admit that. “At no time will I defy you.”
He seemed to consider that for a moment. “Thank you, pup. I know there will be changes in our…relationship and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t concern me. The thought of losing you…”
“That’ll never happen,” I stated adamantly. “Never.”
Before Mr. Parker could say anything more, there was a knock on the door. It opened a second later and Addison’s beautiful face appeared.
“I’ve prepared the contract as we agreed.”
“Thank you, pet,” Mr. Parker said, leaning forward and grabbing a pen from his desk. “Pass it over and I’ll sign it.”
“Do you want to read through it one more time?” she asked, concern ringing in her tone.
With sincerity in his eyes and his tone, Mr. Parker shook his head. “No need, little rebel. I trust you.”
I could see the way those words impacted Addison. I seriously doubted she’d ever had a Dom who had told her as much. Since she had never engaged in a serious D/s relationship, it was understandable.
“Thank you, Mr. Parker,” she whispered and passed over the sheet of paper.
While Mr. Parker signed it, I got to my feet to wait my turn. When he passed over the pen, I took it and scribbled my name beneath his.
We both turned to Addison. Within seconds, she had added her name as our submissive.
“Now that that’s out of the way,” Mr. Parker said, his voice deep, an air of command taking over, “I want you to strip and present yourself to me.”
I was under the impression Addison had expected something, which was the very reason she smiled, then slowly stripped out of the sexy outfit I’d picked out for her today. Had I been the one to instruct her, I would’ve had her keep the shoes on. Those damn red heels were sexy as hell on that girl.
Their Rebellious Submissive (Office Intrigue Book 3) Page 17