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,

she doesn’t want to share

you like to go home? I'll find

rather be at

“As you wish.”

*****

have Kirstie on from downstairs. She's asking if you could spare her a

Aaahhh…

now if she wants

course, James.” Francis fixes a gimlet eye on

decide if I’m the cause

*****

five minutes, there is 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

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

she nods, winding her fingers

What now?

fucking good at this sort

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

Nope…

Wrong…

waving her across to the low seating by the coffee

opposite her, pour the coffee, try to

Should I call Charlotte?

Kirstie

Charlotte's Dom and... and there’s Michael of course. You

As she knows…

slant up to

How we met…

at

How it works. You really

“Get it?”

you really

where this might

Ryan…

again. I try a gentle prompt.

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

the rules

but Ryan... Could you maybe talk to him?

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

she nods.

me what he is requiring that

But her words dry

Crucified with embarrassment.

everyday life here, Kirstie? Or

starts crying again, tears running furrows through what’s left of her

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

you and I met, there can't be

gets off on having sex in

are just right for him. He can be as exhibitionist

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

you too

eyes

Shit…

that can't

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 to her mouth as though cutting her