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

my business if she

find a stand-in for you if you

sir. I'd rather be

“As you wish.”

*****

hour later, Francis pops her head around my office door. “James, I have Kirstie on from downstairs. She's asking if you could spare her a few minutes sometime today? She

Aaahhh…

she wants

James.” Francis fixes a

I’m

*****

less than five minutes, there is a timid tap at my door.

“Come in, Kirstie.”

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

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

nods, winding her fingers

What now?

good at this sort of

it is.” I gesture to the chair opposite mine over

Nope…

Wrong…

then correct myself, instead waving her across to the low

opposite her, pour the coffee, try to make

Should I call Charlotte?

Kirstie

course. You always seem

As she knows…

eyes slant up

How we met…

at the

rules. How it works. You really get

“Get it?”

really

to see where

Ryan…

again. I

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

not required to do anything you are unwilling to; that you haven't agreed to. That's not the rules of the game. If something upsets you, or if

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

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

she nods. “I

he

“It's...” But

Crucified with embarrassment.

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

tears running furrows through what’s

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

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

and sweating, she says, “He gets off on

clubs are just right for him.

in public. Parking lots, elevators. Places we could

you too far, you simply

eyes red-rimmed, meet mine. “He

Shit…

a safe word that can't

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