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

my business if she doesn’t want to

to go home? I'll find

I'd rather

“As you wish.”

*****

“James, I have Kirstie on from

Aaahhh…

if she wants to. Can you

fixes a gimlet

to decide if I’m the

*****

five minutes, there is a timid tap at my door. I left it standing open, but she

“Come in, Kirstie.”

you for making the time

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

she nods, winding

What now?

at this

whatever it is.” I gesture to the chair

Nope…

Wrong…

the low seating by the coffee table,

into a handkerchief. I sit opposite her, pour the coffee, try to make myself busy while she gets

Should I call Charlotte?

Kirstie starts

Charlotte's Dom and... and there’s Michael of course. You always seem so happy together. And, well, you've

As she knows…

slant

How we met…

at the

How it works. You really get

“Get it?”

you really understand the Dom/sub

to see where this

Ryan…

I try a gentle prompt.

this. He... He thinks he's completely

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

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

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

she nods. “I

what he is requiring that upsets

swallows, squirming. “It's...” But her

Crucified with embarrassment.

discussing everyday life here, Kirstie? Or are we in sexual

again, tears running furrows through what’s left

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

and I met, there can't be too many taboos in

gets off on having sex

for him. He can be as

mean really in public. Parking lots, elevators. Places we

you too far, you

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

Shit…

word that can't be used

a while. Was there ever a time, maybe in your early days when…?” Her