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

business if she doesn’t want

go home? I'll find a

sir. I'd rather

“As you wish.”

*****

“James, I have Kirstie on from downstairs. She's asking if you could spare her a few minutes sometime

Aaahhh…

wants

James.” Francis fixes

I’m the

*****

five minutes, there is a timid tap at my door. I left

“Come in, Kirstie.”

down. “Thank you for making

as she leaves, I close the door behind her. “Kirstie, we’re friends. And I have the feeling this is a

hanging, she nods,

What now?

at this sort

beginning, whatever it is.” I

Nope…

Wrong…

instead waving her across to the low seating by the coffee table, overlooking the

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

Should I call Charlotte?

Kirstie starts

Charlotte's Dom and... and there’s Michael of course. You always seem so happy

As she knows…

slant up to

How we met…

at

know the rules. How it works. You

“Get it?”

you really understand

begin to see where this

Ryan…

up again. I try

thinks he's completely in charge

haven't agreed to. That's not the rules of the game. If something upsets you, or if you find it

know that, but Ryan... Could you maybe talk to him?

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

nods.

he is requiring that upsets

squirming. “It's...” But her words dry

Crucified with embarrassment.

everyday life here, Kirstie? Or are we in

running furrows through what’s

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

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

and sweating, she says, “He gets off on

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

elevators. Places we could be caught. He's

you too far, you simply

and her eyes red-rimmed, meet mine. “He gets

Shit…

word that can't be used isn't 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.