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

she

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

sir. I'd rather be at

“As you wish.”

*****

“James, I have Kirstie on from downstairs.

Aaahhh…

now if she wants to. Can you make coffee for

fixes a

decide if I’m the cause

*****

at my door. I

“Come in, Kirstie.”

down. “Thank you

as she leaves, I close the door behind her. “Kirstie, we’re friends. And I have the feeling this

hanging, she nods, winding

What now?

at this sort

Start at the beginning, whatever it

Nope…

Wrong…

across to the low

handkerchief. I sit opposite her,

Should I call Charlotte?

Kirstie

Dom and... and there’s Michael of course. You always seem

As she knows…

slant up

How we met…

at

the rules. How it works. You really

“Get it?”

mean, you really

see where this

Ryan…

dries up again. I try a gentle prompt.

thinks he's completely in charge and that

you haven't agreed to. That's not the rules of the game. If something upsets you, or if you

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

me to interfere in the relationship between a Dom and

she nods.

he is requiring that upsets

“It's...” But

Crucified with embarrassment.

Kirstie?

crying again, tears running furrows through

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

on Kirstie. Considering how you and I met, there can't be too many taboos in what

gets off on having sex

him. He can be as exhibitionist

elevators. Places we could be caught.

he's taking you too far,

her eyes red-rimmed, meet

Shit…

a safe word that can't be used isn't

know 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