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 is

my business if she doesn’t want to

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

sir. I'd rather be

“As you wish.”

*****

around my office door. “James, I have Kirstie on from downstairs. She's asking if you could spare her a few minutes sometime today? She

Aaahhh…

up now if she wants

Francis fixes a gimlet

decide if I’m the cause

*****

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

“Come in, Kirstie.”

face down. “Thank you for making the time to see me, Mr

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

nods, winding her fingers

What now?

fucking good at

whatever it is.” I gesture to

Nope…

Wrong…

then correct myself, instead waving her across to the

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

Should I call Charlotte?

Kirstie

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

As she knows…

slant up

How we met…

at

And you know the rules. How it works. You

“Get it?”

you really understand

see where this might be

Ryan…

I try a

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

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

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

a Dom and his sub?

she nods. “I

he is requiring

But her

Crucified with embarrassment.

here, Kirstie? Or are we in sexual

running furrows through what’s left of

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

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

gets off on

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

in public. Parking lots, elevators.

you too

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

Shit…

can't be used isn't

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 own question short. “Sorry,”