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 no more is

she doesn’t

go home? I'll find

I'd rather be at

“As you wish.”

*****

Kirstie on from downstairs. She's asking if you could spare her a

Aaahhh…

if she wants to.

Francis fixes a

to decide if I’m

*****

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

“Come in, Kirstie.”

her face down. “Thank you for making the

door behind her. “Kirstie, we’re friends. And

nods,

What now?

good at this sort

don’t you sit down. Start at the beginning, whatever it is.” I gesture to the

Nope…

Wrong…

the

into a handkerchief. I sit opposite her, pour the coffee, try to make myself

Should I call Charlotte?

Kirstie

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

As she knows…

eyes slant up

How we met…

threesome at

know the rules. How it works. You really get

“Get it?”

really understand

begin to see where this might be

Ryan…

dries up again. I try a gentle

thinks

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

know that, but Ryan... Could you

in the relationship between a Dom and his

nods. “I

what he is

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

Crucified with embarrassment.

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

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

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

“Come on Kirstie. Considering how you and I met, there can't be too many

says, “He gets off on having sex

for him. He can be

lots, elevators. Places we could be caught.

taking you too far, you simply

her eyes red-rimmed, meet mine.

Shit…

safe word that can't be used

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