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

business if she

like to go home? I'll find

I'd rather be at

“As you wish.”

*****

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

Aaahhh…

if she wants to. Can you

Francis fixes a gimlet eye on

if I’m the cause

*****

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

“Come in, Kirstie.”

still with her face down. “Thank you for making the time

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

she nods, winding

What now?

no fucking good at this sort

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

Nope…

Wrong…

the low seating by the

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

Should I call Charlotte?

but Kirstie starts

there’s Michael of course. You always seem so happy together. And,

As she knows…

eyes slant up to

How we met…

at the

rules. How it works. You

“Get it?”

you really understand the

to see where

Ryan…

again. I

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

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

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

relationship between a Dom and his

nods. “I

he

“It's...” But her words

Crucified with embarrassment.

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

running furrows through what’s

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

I met, there can't be too many taboos in what we can say

“He gets off on

are just right for him. He can be as exhibitionist

mean really in public. Parking lots, elevators. Places we could be caught.

you

looks up and her eyes red-rimmed, meet

Shit…

safe word that can't be used isn't a

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 as though cutting her own question short. “Sorry,” she