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

she

I'll find a stand-in for

sir. I'd rather

“As you wish.”

*****

an 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

Aaahhh…

can come up now if she wants to.

James.” Francis fixes a

I’m the cause

*****

timid tap at my door. I left it standing open, but she knocks

“Come in, Kirstie.”

you for making the

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

hanging, she nods, winding her fingers

What now?

at

at the beginning, whatever it is.” I gesture to

Nope…

Wrong…

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

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

Should I call Charlotte?

Kirstie starts

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

As she knows…

eyes slant up to

How we met…

at

How it

“Get it?”

you really understand the Dom/sub

begin to see where this

Ryan…

I try

He thinks he's

not the rules of the game. If something upsets you, or if you

that and you know that, but Ryan... Could you

between a Dom and his sub? That's quite

nods.

he is requiring that

swallows, squirming. “It's...” But her words

Crucified with embarrassment.

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

tears running furrows

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

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

gets off

him. He

elevators. Places we could

you too far,

eyes red-rimmed, meet mine.

Shit…

word that can't be used

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