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

she doesn’t want

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

I'd rather be

“As you wish.”

*****

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

Aaahhh…

wants to. Can you make coffee for two,

James.” Francis fixes a

if I’m

*****

than five minutes, there is a timid tap at my

“Come in, Kirstie.”

down. “Thank you for making the time to see

coffee, but as she leaves, I close the door behind her. “Kirstie, we’re friends. And

she nods, winding her fingers

What now?

good at

it is.” I gesture to

Nope…

Wrong…

instead waving her across to the low seating

sit opposite her, pour the coffee,

Should I call Charlotte?

Kirstie starts

Michael of course.

As she knows…

slant up

How we met…

threesome at

rules. How

“Get it?”

really

where this

Ryan…

again. I try

He... He thinks

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

Ryan... Could you maybe

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

nods. “I

tell me what he

But her

Crucified with embarrassment.

Kirstie? Or are we in sexual

running furrows through what’s

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

forward, elbows on knees. “Come on Kirstie. Considering how you and I met, there can't be too

and sweating, she says, “He gets

are just right for him. He can

really in public. Parking lots, elevators. Places we could be caught. He's

if he's taking you

her eyes red-rimmed,

Shit…

safe word that can't be

but he doesn't understand. He 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