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, but no more

she doesn’t want to share

I'll find a

rather be at

“As you wish.”

*****

around my office door. “James, I have Kirstie on from downstairs.

Aaahhh…

come up now if she wants to. Can you make coffee for

Francis fixes a gimlet eye

I’m the cause

*****

is a timid tap at

“Come in, Kirstie.”

you for making the

leaves, I close the door behind her. “Kirstie, we’re friends. And I have the feeling this is

hanging, she nods, winding her

What now?

no fucking good at

Start at the beginning, whatever it is.” I gesture to the

Nope…

Wrong…

the low seating

sniffs and gulps, then hoots into a handkerchief. I sit opposite her, pour the

Should I call Charlotte?

but Kirstie

there’s Michael of course.

As she knows…

slant up to

How we met…

threesome at the

How it works.

“Get it?”

you really

to see where

Ryan…

I try a gentle prompt.

new to this. He... He thinks he's

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

but Ryan... Could

the relationship between a Dom and

nods.

what he

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

Crucified with embarrassment.

life here, Kirstie? Or

she starts crying again, tears running

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

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

sweating, she says, “He gets off on having sex

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

elevators. Places we could be

if he's taking you too far, you

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

Shit…

safe word that can't be used isn't a

that, but he doesn't understand. 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 own question short. “Sorry,” she mumbles.