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

if she doesn’t

you like to go home? I'll find a

sir. I'd rather be at

“As you wish.”

*****

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

Aaahhh…

up now if she wants to. Can you make coffee

fixes a gimlet eye on

decide if I’m the cause of

*****

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

“Come in, Kirstie.”

still with her face down. “Thank you for

her. “Kirstie, we’re friends. And

hanging, she nods, winding her

What now?

at this

sit down. Start at the beginning, whatever it is.” I gesture

Nope…

Wrong…

across to the

opposite her, pour the coffee, try to make myself busy while she gets her

Should I call Charlotte?

but Kirstie

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

As she knows…

slant up to

How we met…

threesome at

And you know the rules. How it works. You

“Get it?”

mean, you really understand

where this might be

Ryan…

I

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

not 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 if you find it distasteful… you’re the sub.

and you know that, but Ryan...

want me to interfere in the relationship between a Dom and his sub? That's quite an

she nods.

me what he is requiring that upsets

But her words

Crucified with embarrassment.

we discussing everyday life here, Kirstie?

running furrows through what’s

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

Kirstie. Considering how you and I met, there can't be too many taboos in what

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

just right for him. He can be as exhibitionist

in public. Parking lots, elevators. Places

taking you

and her eyes red-rimmed,

Shit…

word that can't be used isn't a

thinks… 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