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

business if she doesn’t want

like to go home? I'll find a stand-in

sir. I'd rather be at

“As you wish.”

*****

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

Aaahhh…

now if she wants to. Can you make coffee for

Francis fixes a gimlet

if I’m

*****

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

“Come in, Kirstie.”

down. “Thank you

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

hanging, she nods, winding her fingers

What now?

good at this sort of

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

Nope…

Wrong…

her across to the low seating by the

a handkerchief. I sit opposite her, pour the

Should I call Charlotte?

but Kirstie starts

course. You always seem so happy

As she knows…

eyes slant up to

How we met…

threesome at

And you know the rules. How it works.

“Get it?”

you really understand the Dom/sub

see where this might

Ryan…

I try

thinks he's completely in charge and

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

Ryan... Could you maybe

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

she nods. “I

you tell me what he

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

Crucified with embarrassment.

everyday life here, Kirstie? Or

again, tears running furrows

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

I met, there can't be

sweating, she says, “He gets off on having

just right for him.

public. Parking lots, elevators.

taking you too far, you simply

eyes red-rimmed, meet mine.

Shit…

a safe word that can't be

while. Was there ever a time, maybe