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.”

little longer, but no more is

she doesn’t

home? I'll find a stand-in

rather be

“As you wish.”

*****

my office door. “James, I have Kirstie on from downstairs. She's asking if you could spare her

Aaahhh…

if she wants to. Can you make coffee

Francis fixes a gimlet eye

if I’m the cause of Kirstie’s

*****

tap at my

“Come in, Kirstie.”

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

behind her. “Kirstie, we’re friends. And I have the feeling this is a ‘James’

she nods, winding

What now?

at this sort of

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

Nope…

Wrong…

her across to the low seating by

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

Should I call Charlotte?

Kirstie

Michael of course. You always seem so

As she knows…

eyes slant up

How we met…

threesome at the

How it

“Get it?”

really understand

begin to see where this might

Ryan…

I try a gentle

He thinks he's completely in charge and that

anything you are unwilling to; that you 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 him? Explain

in the relationship between a Dom and

she nods.

you tell me what he is

“It's...” But

Crucified with embarrassment.

everyday life here, Kirstie? Or

tears running furrows through what’s left

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

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

“He gets

clubs are just right for him. He can be as exhibitionist as

I mean really in public. Parking lots, elevators. Places we could be caught. He's careful,

he's taking you

looks up and her eyes red-rimmed, meet

Shit…

word that can't be

been together for a while. Was there ever a time, maybe in