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.”

a little longer, but no more

she

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

sir. I'd rather

“As you wish.”

*****

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

Aaahhh…

up now if she wants to.

fixes a

I’m the cause of Kirstie’s

*****

is a timid tap at my door. I left

“Come in, Kirstie.”

face down. “Thank you for making the

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

hanging, she nods, winding her fingers

What now?

no fucking good at

at the beginning, whatever it is.” I gesture to the chair opposite mine over

Nope…

Wrong…

across to the low seating by the coffee table, overlooking the

and gulps, then hoots into a handkerchief. I sit opposite her, pour the coffee, try to make myself busy while she gets

Should I call Charlotte?

Kirstie

Michael of course. You always seem so happy together. And, well, you've

As she knows…

eyes slant

How we met…

threesome at

How

“Get it?”

really

where this

Ryan…

I try a

thinks he's completely

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

know that and you know that, but Ryan...

interfere in the relationship between a Dom

nods. “I

he is requiring that upsets

But her words dry

Crucified with embarrassment.

we discussing everyday life here, Kirstie? Or are we in sexual

again, tears running furrows through what’s left of her

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

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

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

are just right for him. He can

lots, elevators. Places

you too far, you

eyes red-rimmed, meet mine. “He

Shit…

safe word that can't be used isn't

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