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,

business if she

I'll find a stand-in for you if you

I'd rather be

“As you wish.”

*****

Kirstie on from downstairs. She's asking if

Aaahhh…

up now if she wants to.

fixes a gimlet

I’m the cause of Kirstie’s

*****

there is a timid tap at my door. I

“Come in, Kirstie.”

enters, still with her face down. “Thank you for making

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

she nods, winding

What now?

no fucking good at

you sit down. Start at the beginning, whatever it is.” I gesture to the chair opposite mine

Nope…

Wrong…

the low seating by the coffee table,

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

Should I call Charlotte?

Kirstie

course. You always seem so

As she knows…

eyes slant

How we met…

threesome at

the rules. How it works. You

“Get it?”

you really

begin to see where this might

Ryan…

again. I try

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

to. That's not the rules of the game.

but Ryan... Could you maybe talk

to interfere in the relationship between a Dom and his sub?

nods.

he is requiring

swallows, squirming. “It's...” But

Crucified with embarrassment.

life here, Kirstie?

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

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

Considering how you and I met, there can't be too many taboos

says, “He gets

just right for him. He

lots, elevators. Places

taking you too far, you

and her eyes red-rimmed, meet mine.

Shit…

safe 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