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, but no more is

if she doesn’t want to

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

rather

“As you wish.”

*****

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 make coffee for two,

Francis fixes a gimlet eye

decide if I’m the

*****

five minutes, there is a timid tap at

“Come in, Kirstie.”

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

close the door behind her. “Kirstie, we’re friends. And I have the feeling this is a ‘James’ moment,

she nods,

What now?

no fucking good at this

don’t you sit down. Start at the beginning, whatever it is.” I gesture

Nope…

Wrong…

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

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

Should I call Charlotte?

Kirstie

of course. You always seem so happy together. And, well,

As she knows…

slant up to

How we met…

at

How it works. You really

“Get it?”

really understand

begin to see where this

Ryan…

up again. I

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

rules of the game. If something upsets you, or

Ryan... Could you maybe talk to

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

she nods. “I

tell me what he is requiring that upsets

squirming. “It's...” But her words dry

Crucified with embarrassment.

life here, Kirstie? Or are we in sexual

tears running furrows through what’s left of her

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

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

gets

clubs are just right for him. He can be as

lots, elevators. Places we could

taking you too far,

eyes red-rimmed,

Shit…

that can't be used isn't

know 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.