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 share

go home? I'll find a stand-in for you if

rather be at

“As you wish.”

*****

have Kirstie on from

Aaahhh…

wants to. Can you

fixes a

if I’m

*****

less than five minutes, there is a timid tap at my door. I left it standing

“Come in, Kirstie.”

face down. “Thank you for

“Kirstie, we’re friends. And I have the feeling this

hanging, she nods, winding

What now?

no fucking good at this

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

Nope…

Wrong…

her across to the low seating by the coffee table, overlooking the

a handkerchief. I sit opposite her, pour the coffee, try

Should I call Charlotte?

Kirstie starts

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

As she knows…

slant

How we met…

threesome at the

know the rules. How

“Get it?”

really

to see where this might

Ryan…

again. I try

thinks

to. That's not the rules of the game. If something upsets

that, but Ryan... Could

between a Dom and his sub? That's quite

nods. “I

me what he is requiring that

“It's...” But her words dry

Crucified with embarrassment.

life here, Kirstie? Or are we in sexual

running furrows through what’s left of her

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

met, there can't be

sweating, she says, “He gets off

right for him. He can be as exhibitionist

I mean really in public. Parking lots, elevators. Places we could be

taking you too

her eyes red-rimmed, meet mine. “He

Shit…

can't

maybe in your early days when…?” Her hand rises to her mouth as though cutting her own question short. “Sorry,” she mumbles.