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,

she doesn’t

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

sir. I'd rather be

“As you wish.”

*****

door. “James, I have Kirstie on from downstairs. She's asking if you could spare

Aaahhh…

if she wants to. Can you make coffee for

James.” Francis fixes

if I’m

*****

there is a timid tap at my door. I

“Come in, Kirstie.”

you for making the time to see me, Mr

as she leaves, I close the door behind her. “Kirstie, we’re friends.

hanging, she nods, winding her fingers

What now?

good at this sort

down. Start at the beginning, whatever it is.” I gesture to the chair opposite

Nope…

Wrong…

the low seating by the coffee

and gulps, then hoots into a handkerchief. I sit opposite her, pour

Should I call Charlotte?

but Kirstie starts

You're a Dom, Charlotte's Dom and... and there’s Michael of course. You always seem so happy together. And, well, you've been doing

As she knows…

slant up

How we met…

threesome at

rules. How it works. You really get

“Get it?”

you really understand the

begin to see where this might be

Ryan…

I

He... He thinks he's completely in charge

do anything you are unwilling to; that you haven't agreed to. That's not the rules of the game. If something upsets you, or if you find it distasteful… you’re the sub.

know that, but Ryan... Could

in the relationship between a Dom and his sub? That's

she nods.

me what he is requiring that upsets

“It's...” But

Crucified with embarrassment.

life here, Kirstie? Or are we in

tears running furrows through what’s left of

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

“Come on Kirstie. Considering how you and I met, there can't be too many taboos in what we can say to each

gets off on having

are just right for him. He can

really in public. Parking lots, elevators. Places

taking you

up and her eyes red-rimmed, meet mine. “He gets

Shit…

word that can't be used

been together for a while. Was there ever a time, maybe in your early days when…?” Her hand rises