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,

my business if she doesn’t

you like to go home? I'll find a stand-in for you

I'd rather

“As you wish.”

*****

around my office door. “James, I have Kirstie on

Aaahhh…

if she wants to. Can you make coffee for two,

course, James.” Francis fixes a gimlet eye

to decide if I’m the cause of

*****

a timid tap at

“Come in, Kirstie.”

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

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

she nods, winding her

What now?

no fucking good at this

sit down. Start at the beginning, whatever it

Nope…

Wrong…

instead waving her across to the

and gulps, then hoots into a handkerchief. I sit opposite her, pour the coffee, try to make

Should I call Charlotte?

but Kirstie

and there’s Michael of course. You always seem so happy together. And,

As she knows…

eyes slant

How we met…

threesome at the

know the rules. How

“Get it?”

you really understand the

where

Ryan…

dries up again. I try a gentle prompt.

to this. He... He thinks he's completely in

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. You

Ryan... Could you maybe talk

me to interfere in the relationship between a Dom and his sub? That's quite an ask,

she nods.

what he is requiring that

squirming. “It's...” But her

Crucified with embarrassment.

we discussing everyday life here, Kirstie? Or are we

tears running furrows through

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

you and I met, there can't be too many taboos in what we can say to each

she says, “He gets off on having

the clubs are just right for him. He can be as exhibitionist as

in public. Parking lots, elevators. Places we could be

you too far, you

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

Shit…

that can't be

understand. He thinks… James, you and Charlotte have been together for a while. Was there ever a time, maybe