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

she doesn’t want to share

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

I'd rather

“As you wish.”

*****

“James, I have Kirstie on from downstairs. She's asking if you could

Aaahhh…

wants to. Can you

Francis fixes a gimlet eye

to decide if I’m the

*****

minutes, there is a timid tap at my

“Come in, Kirstie.”

her face down. “Thank you for making the time to see me, Mr

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

nods, winding

What now?

fucking good at this

beginning, whatever it is.”

Nope…

Wrong…

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

into a handkerchief. I sit opposite her, pour the

Should I call Charlotte?

but Kirstie starts

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

As she knows…

slant

How we met…

at the

you know the rules. How it works. You really get

“Get it?”

really understand the

where this might

Ryan…

dries up again. I try a gentle

He thinks he's completely in charge and that

you are unwilling to; that you haven't agreed to. That's not the rules of the game. If something upsets you, or

Ryan... Could you maybe talk

a Dom and his sub? That's quite

she nods.

you tell me what he is

“It's...” But

Crucified with embarrassment.

here, Kirstie?

tears running furrows

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

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

and sweating, she says, “He gets off on having sex

just right for him. He can be as exhibitionist

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

taking you too far,

her eyes

Shit…

word that can't be used

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