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 to share

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

I'd rather

“As you wish.”

*****

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

Aaahhh…

can come up now if she wants to. Can you make

Francis fixes a gimlet eye on

decide if I’m the cause of

*****

at my door. I left

“Come in, Kirstie.”

face down. “Thank you for making the time

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

hanging, she nods,

What now?

no fucking good at this sort of

it is.” I gesture to

Nope…

Wrong…

the low seating by the coffee table,

opposite her, pour the coffee, try to make

Should I call Charlotte?

Kirstie starts

Michael of course.

As she knows…

eyes slant

How we met…

threesome at

rules. How it works. You really

“Get it?”

you really understand

to see where

Ryan…

dries up again. I try a

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

not the rules of the game. If something upsets you, or if you find it distasteful…

Ryan... Could you maybe talk to

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

nods. “I

you tell me what he is

“It's...” But her words

Crucified with embarrassment.

everyday life here, Kirstie? Or are

tears running furrows through what’s left

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

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

and sweating, she says, “He gets off on

right for him. He can be as exhibitionist

elevators. Places we could be caught. He's careful,

you too far,

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

Shit…

word that can't be used

time, maybe in your early