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

if she doesn’t want to

home? I'll find a stand-in for

I'd rather be

“As you wish.”

*****

my office door. “James, I have Kirstie on from downstairs. She's

Aaahhh…

up now if she wants to. Can you make coffee

Francis fixes a

decide if I’m the

*****

a timid tap at my door. I

“Come in, Kirstie.”

enters, still with her face down. “Thank you for

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

hanging, she nods, winding her fingers

What now?

fucking good at this sort

the beginning, whatever it is.”

Nope…

Wrong…

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

handkerchief. I sit opposite her, pour the coffee, try to make myself busy while she gets her

Should I call Charlotte?

Kirstie

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

As she knows…

slant up to

How we met…

at

rules. How it

“Get it?”

really understand

see where this

Ryan…

again. I try a gentle

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

required to 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

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

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

nods.

tell me what he

“It's...” But her words dry

Crucified with embarrassment.

everyday life here, Kirstie? Or are

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

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

Considering how you and I met, there can't be too

gets off

just right for him. He can be

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

taking you too far, you simply

and her eyes red-rimmed,

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,”