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 doesn’t

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

sir. I'd rather be

“As you wish.”

*****

office door. “James, I have Kirstie on from downstairs. She's asking if you could spare her a few minutes sometime

Aaahhh…

if she wants

fixes a gimlet eye

if I’m

*****

five minutes, there is a timid tap at my door. I left

“Come in, Kirstie.”

with her face down. “Thank you for making the time to see

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

she nods,

What now?

no fucking good at this sort

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

Nope…

Wrong…

the low seating by the coffee

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

Should I call Charlotte?

but Kirstie

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

As she knows…

eyes slant up to

How we met…

at the

the rules. How

“Get it?”

you really understand the

where this might

Ryan…

again. I

thinks

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

Ryan... Could

interfere in the relationship between a

she nods.

you tell me what he is

squirming. “It's...” But her

Crucified with embarrassment.

Kirstie? Or are

running furrows through

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

knees. “Come on Kirstie. Considering how you and I met, there can't be

gets off on having

clubs are just right for him. He can be as

Parking lots, elevators. Places we could be caught.

you too far, you simply

her eyes red-rimmed, meet mine.

Shit…

that can't be used

understand. He thinks… James, you and Charlotte have been together for a while. Was there ever a time, maybe in your