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.”

little longer, but no

business if she doesn’t want

to go home? I'll find

sir. I'd rather be at

“As you wish.”

*****

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

Aaahhh…

up now if she wants to.

fixes

decide if I’m the cause

*****

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

“Come in, Kirstie.”

down. “Thank you for

coffee, but as she leaves, I close the door behind her. “Kirstie, we’re friends. And I have the feeling this is a ‘James’ moment, not

nods, winding

What now?

at

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

Nope…

Wrong…

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

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

Should I call Charlotte?

but Kirstie

course. You always seem so happy together. And, well, you've been doing this

As she knows…

eyes slant

How we met…

threesome at

you know the rules. How it

“Get it?”

you really understand the Dom/sub

see where

Ryan…

again. I try

thinks he's completely in charge and that I

to; that you haven't agreed to. That's not the rules of the game. If

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

me to interfere in the relationship between a Dom

she nods. “I

you tell me what he is requiring that

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

Crucified with embarrassment.

everyday life here, Kirstie? Or are we

starts crying again, tears running furrows through what’s left of

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

I met, there can't be too

says, “He gets off on having

just right for him.

Parking lots, elevators. Places we could be

you too far,

up and her eyes

Shit…

word that can't be used isn't a

while. Was there ever a time, maybe in your early days when…?” Her hand rises to her mouth as though cutting her own question short. “Sorry,” she mumbles.