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, but no more is

my business if she doesn’t

I'll find a stand-in

I'd rather

“As you wish.”

*****

Francis pops her head around my office door. “James, I have Kirstie on from downstairs. She's asking if

Aaahhh…

now if she wants to. Can you

fixes a gimlet eye on

decide if I’m the cause of

*****

less than five minutes, there is a timid tap at my door. I left it standing open, but she

“Come in, Kirstie.”

down. “Thank you for making the

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

nods, winding her

What now?

no fucking good at this sort

whatever it is.” I gesture to the chair opposite

Nope…

Wrong…

correct myself, instead waving her across to the low seating

hoots into a handkerchief. I sit opposite her, pour the coffee, try to make myself busy while

Should I call Charlotte?

but Kirstie starts

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

As she knows…

eyes slant up to

How we met…

threesome at the

rules. How it works. You

“Get it?”

you really understand the

to see where this might be

Ryan…

dries up again. I try a gentle

thinks he's completely in charge

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

Ryan... Could you maybe talk to him? Explain

in the relationship between a Dom

nods. “I

he is

“It's...” But her words dry

Crucified with embarrassment.

we discussing everyday life here, Kirstie?

she starts crying again, tears running

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

Considering how you and I met, there can't be too many taboos in what we can say to each

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

right for him. He can be as

I mean really in public. Parking lots, elevators. Places we could be

if he's taking you too far,

eyes red-rimmed,

Shit…

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

understand. He thinks… 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 mumbles.