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.”

a little longer,

if she doesn’t want

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

rather be

“As you wish.”

*****

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

Aaahhh…

up now if she wants to. Can you make

fixes

to decide if I’m the cause

*****

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

“Come in, Kirstie.”

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

her. “Kirstie, we’re friends. And I have the feeling

she nods, winding her

What now?

good at

it is.” I gesture to the

Nope…

Wrong…

myself, instead waving her across to the low

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

Should I call Charlotte?

Kirstie

Michael of course. You always seem so happy together. And, well, you've

As she knows…

eyes slant up

How we met…

threesome at the

rules. How it

“Get it?”

you really understand the

begin to see where this might

Ryan…

I try

thinks he's completely in charge and that

the rules of the game. If something upsets you,

that and you know that, but Ryan... Could you maybe talk to

interfere in the relationship between a Dom and his sub? That's quite an ask,

nods.

he

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

Crucified with embarrassment.

everyday life here, Kirstie? Or are

again, tears running furrows through what’s left of her

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

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

“He gets off on having sex in

for him. He can be as

Parking lots, elevators. Places we could

you too

and her eyes red-rimmed, meet mine.

Shit…

that can't be used

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