Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

I’m crossing the floor of the lobby, thinking about the ongoing groundworks of D-site and trying to decide whether to tackle the east or the west side first. I’m not truly paying attention to my surroundings.

“Morning, Kirstie.”

“Good morning Mr Alexanders.”

*Jab elevator panel*

Lay land drains first to the east side?

Enable access via the west?

Or wait for the circular route to connect from the bridge?

Where’s that damn lift?

…

…

Reverse mental gears….

Kirstie…

Too much make-up…

Swollen eyes…

Trying not to be too obvious about it, I turn to take a better look at her. Even from the rear…

… slumping in her seat…

Not like her…

The elevator bings, but I ignore it, strolling back to the desk.

“Kirstie, is everything alright?”

“I'm fine, Mr Alexanders. Thank you for asking.”

She's painted on her business face, but as she speaks, she doesn’t look at me, keeping her eyes turned down. One thing I like about Kirstie is that she looks you in the eye…

Usually…

I take her chin in thumb and forefinger. “I expect you to look at me when I speak, Ms Jamieson...” But I cut myself short. Under the makeup she's caked on, her eyes are puffy.

“I’m sorry, sir. I’m fine.”

“No, you're not. You look terrible. Is it something I can help with?”

“No sir, it's... personal…”

I wait, giving her a silence to fill.

A flush rises up her neck, vanishing under the makeup line before it hits her face. “My sister, Erin is falling out with Ben....”

Not Ben again….

He really doesn't have the hang of people…

Why would that upset Kirstie so much?

“... so I have her crying on my shoulder and Ryan...” She stalls.

“Yes? Ryan…?”

Staring down at her desktop, “Nothing.”

wait a little longer, but

business if she doesn’t

I'll find a stand-in for you if you

I'd rather be

“As you wish.”

*****

an hour later, Francis pops her head around my office door. “James, I have Kirstie on from

Aaahhh…

up now if she wants to.

course, James.” Francis fixes

to decide if I’m the cause of

*****

there is a timid tap at my door. I left it standing open, but she knocks

“Come in, Kirstie.”

with her face down. “Thank you for making the time to

I close the door behind her. “Kirstie, we’re friends. And I have

she nods, winding her

What now?

good at this sort of

sit down. Start at the beginning, whatever it is.” I

Nope…

Wrong…

then correct myself, instead waving her across to the low seating by the

opposite her, pour the coffee, try to make

Should I call Charlotte?

Kirstie

of course. You always seem so happy together. And,

As she knows…

eyes slant

How we met…

threesome at the

And you know the rules. How

“Get it?”

you really

where this might

Ryan…

again. I try a gentle

He's new to this. He... He thinks he's completely in charge and

required to do anything you are unwilling to; that you haven't agreed to. That's not the rules of the game.

that, but Ryan... Could you maybe talk to

between a Dom and his sub? That's

she nods.

he is requiring that upsets

swallows, squirming. “It's...” But her words

Crucified with embarrassment.

Kirstie?

tears running furrows through what’s left

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

met, there can't be too many taboos in what we can say to

sweating, she says, “He gets off on having sex

him. He

mean really in public. Parking lots, elevators. Places we could be caught. He's

if he's taking you too far, you simply

up and her eyes red-rimmed,

Shit…

can't be used isn't

thinks… James, you and Charlotte have been together for a while. Was there ever a time, maybe in your early days when…?” Her hand rises