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.”

longer,

if she doesn’t want to

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

I'd rather

“As you wish.”

*****

on from downstairs. She's asking if you could

Aaahhh…

now if she wants to. Can you

Francis fixes

to decide if I’m the cause of Kirstie’s

*****

at my door. I

“Come in, Kirstie.”

enters, still with her face down. “Thank you

we’re friends. And I have the feeling this is

she nods, winding her

What now?

fucking good at

you sit down. Start at the beginning, whatever it is.”

Nope…

Wrong…

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

opposite her, pour the coffee, try to make myself busy while she gets her act

Should I call Charlotte?

but Kirstie starts

and there’s Michael of course. You always seem so

As she knows…

eyes slant up

How we met…

at the

rules. How it works. You really get

“Get it?”

you really

see where this might

Ryan…

dries up again. I try a gentle

He... He thinks he's

That's not the rules of the game. If something upsets you, or if you find it distasteful… you’re the sub. You

Ryan...

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

nods. “I

me what he is requiring that upsets

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

Crucified with embarrassment.

discussing everyday life here, Kirstie? Or are

crying again, tears running furrows

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

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

“He gets off on having sex in

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

I mean really in public. Parking lots, elevators.

he's taking you too far,

her eyes red-rimmed, meet

Shit…

that can't be used isn't a

Charlotte have been together for a while. Was there ever a time, maybe in your early days when…?” Her