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

my business if she doesn’t want to

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

rather

“As you wish.”

*****

on from downstairs.

Aaahhh…

up now if she wants

James.” Francis fixes a gimlet eye

decide if I’m the cause of Kirstie’s

*****

tap at my door. I left

“Come in, Kirstie.”

down. “Thank you for making

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

hanging, she nods, winding

What now?

good at this sort

the beginning, whatever it is.” I gesture

Nope…

Wrong…

correct myself, instead waving her across to the low seating by the

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

Should I call Charlotte?

but Kirstie

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

As she knows…

eyes slant up

How we met…

at the

know the rules. How

“Get it?”

mean, you really

to see where

Ryan…

again. I try a gentle

thinks he's completely in charge and

haven't agreed to. That's not the rules of the game. If something upsets you, or if you find it distasteful… you’re the sub. You set the

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

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

she nods.

me what he is requiring that

swallows, squirming. “It's...” But

Crucified with embarrassment.

everyday life here, Kirstie? Or are we in

tears running furrows through

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

forward, elbows on knees. “Come on Kirstie. Considering how you and I met, there

sweating, she says, “He gets off

just right for him. He can be

lots, elevators. Places we could be

taking you

up and her eyes red-rimmed,

Shit…

that can't be

James, you and Charlotte have been 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