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.”

little longer, but no more is

if she doesn’t want

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

sir. I'd rather

“As you wish.”

*****

have Kirstie on from downstairs. She's asking if you

Aaahhh…

wants to. Can you

Francis fixes a gimlet

to decide if I’m the cause

*****

there is a timid tap at my door. I left it standing open, but

“Come in, Kirstie.”

down. “Thank you for making the time to

“Kirstie, we’re friends. And I have the feeling this is a ‘James’

nods, winding her fingers

What now?

at this sort

down. Start at the beginning, whatever it is.” I gesture to the chair opposite mine over my

Nope…

Wrong…

correct myself, instead waving her across to the

her, pour the coffee, try to make myself busy while she gets

Should I call Charlotte?

Kirstie starts

Dom, Charlotte's Dom and... and there’s Michael of course. You always seem so happy together. And,

As she knows…

eyes slant up to

How we met…

threesome at

rules. How

“Get it?”

really understand

to see where this might be

Ryan…

dries up again. I try

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

are 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 find it distasteful… you’re the sub. You

but Ryan... Could you maybe

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

nods. “I

he is

But her

Crucified with embarrassment.

discussing everyday life here, Kirstie? Or are we

tears running

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

Kirstie. Considering how you and I met, there

says, “He gets off on having sex

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

mean really in public. Parking lots, elevators. Places we

you too far, you

and her eyes red-rimmed, meet

Shit…

word that can't be used isn't

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