Safe words are fundamental to any healthy kinky relationship. Ben Ballard *knows* this. So why can’t he bring himself to *use* his? Safe Word is a 10,000-word extra exploring the first time Ben called ‘Odyssey’ on Xander Romano…and why it took him so long. Note: This story is set early in the series and takes place during the period of Taken by Him: Rough Love Part 2. They’re not officially going out yet; it’s pre-subspace; and Xander has yet to discover the deliciousness of cookie things.