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

home? I'll find a

sir. I'd rather

“As you wish.”

*****

her head around my office door. “James, I have Kirstie on from downstairs. She's asking if you

Aaahhh…

can come up now if she wants to. Can you

fixes a gimlet

decide if I’m the cause of Kirstie’s

*****

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

“Come in, Kirstie.”

her face down. “Thank you for making the

close the door behind her. “Kirstie, we’re friends. And I have the feeling this is a ‘James’ moment, not a ‘Mr Alexanders’

hanging, she nods, winding her

What now?

good at this

don’t you sit down. Start at the beginning, whatever it

Nope…

Wrong…

the low seating by

hoots into a handkerchief. I sit opposite her, pour the coffee, try to make

Should I call Charlotte?

but Kirstie starts

there’s Michael of course. You always seem so happy together. And, well, you've been doing

As she knows…

slant up to

How we met…

threesome at the

know the rules. How it works.

“Get it?”

really

see where

Ryan…

dries up again. I try a gentle prompt.

thinks he's

that you haven't agreed to. That's not the rules of the game. If something upsets you, or if you find it distasteful…

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

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

nods.

he is requiring that upsets

squirming. “It's...” But

Crucified with embarrassment.

we discussing everyday life here, Kirstie? Or are we

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

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

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

and sweating, she says, “He gets

right for him. He can be as exhibitionist as

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

he's taking you too far, you simply

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

Shit…

a safe word that can't

time, maybe in your