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

my business if she doesn’t want to share

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

sir. I'd rather

“As you wish.”

*****

around my office door. “James, I have Kirstie on from

Aaahhh…

come up now if she wants to.

course, James.” Francis fixes a gimlet

I’m the cause of Kirstie’s

*****

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

“Come in, Kirstie.”

still with her face down. “Thank you for making the time

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

she nods, winding

What now?

good at

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

Nope…

Wrong…

then correct myself, instead waving her across to the

sniffs and gulps, then hoots into a handkerchief. I sit opposite her, pour the coffee, try

Should I call Charlotte?

Kirstie starts

thing is... You're a Dom, Charlotte's Dom and... and there’s Michael of course. You always seem so happy together.

As she knows…

eyes slant

How we met…

threesome at

the rules. How it works. You really get

“Get it?”

really understand

see where

Ryan…

up again. I try a gentle

thinks he's completely in charge

are unwilling to; that you haven't agreed to. That's not the rules of the game.

Ryan...

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

nods.

he is requiring that

“It's...” But her

Crucified with embarrassment.

discussing everyday life here, Kirstie?

tears running furrows through what’s left

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

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

says, “He gets

clubs are just right for him.

elevators. Places we could be caught. He's careful,

you too far,

and her eyes red-rimmed, meet mine. “He

Shit…

word that can't be used isn't

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 mumbles.