Masters & Lovers Box Set One

The wee small hours of the morning....

.... and I lie awake, staring into the darkness.

Charlotte lies nestled against me, but from her breathing, I don't think she is asleep either. Beyond her, Michael's breathing is slow and steady.

The sleep of the virtuous?

Charlotte stirs in my arms. My face close to hers I murmur, "Are you alright?"

Her voice is muffled against my chest, but I can hear the tears in her words. "I don't want you to be angry."

"I'm not angry with you."

"I don't want you to be angry with Michael either. He really did do nothing wrong."

"Are you sure of that?"

"Yes, I'm sure. Richard asked me first. He was so nervous So embarrassed. He said if I was upset or offended to just forget he'd ever said anything. Michael wasn't there. By the time he arrived, I'd already told Richard I was happy with it so long as Michael was too. Master.... at first, he refused. He said all the same things that you did, about having just got married and being faithful. It was me that said I was fine with it. Because it's Richard and Beth...." "Is that the only reason?"

"No.... You and Michael, you've taught me a lot between you. And even though I was.... yours.... you let me play with lots of other men. You enjoyed it as much as me.... I thought. I wanted to do the same for Michael. And for you. I just thought it would be fun for everyone. I didn't expect you to be so upset...."

I nuzzle against her, undecided.

".... So please don't be angry with him. The two of you are such good friends and he's done nothing to deserve it."

"Alright, I'll think about what you've said."

"Thank you, Master."

Reaching out, I turn on the sidelight. I want to see her face. Tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, "Are you sure you're happy with this? If you're not, if there is any doubt in your mind, this isn't going to happen. Believe me, I'll put a stop to it." She smiles back at me, her palm cupping my cheek, and she kisses me softly on the lips. "I'm fine with it. Truly."

I have one more thing I want to say. I kiss her back, just as softly. "So that you understand, this is only Michael. I am yours. You know that?"

"Yes, I know that, Master. But thank you for saying so."

*****

The following morning, I sleep late and wake befuddled.

After a minute of so of ungluing my eyes, I realise Michael is there, leaning against the door, mug in hand. He nods me towards another to my side. Fragrant steam promises caffeine and a kick-start. I gulp down a couple of mouthfuls, then recoil.

"Christ, how much did you put in there?"

"I thought you'd want it strong. You didn't get a lot of sleep last night."

"You're right." Another swallow. The caffeine sears its way down my throat and my brain begins to buzz.

"How are you feeling?"

"Fine."

"Anything more to say? Or else I'm going to call Richard right now to tell him 'No'."

Planning your weekend reading? Ensure you're on 05s.org for uninterrupted enjoyment. The next chapter is just a click away, exclusively available on our site. Happy reading! "Yes, I have. And I'm not saying no."

"You're not?"

"No. Charlotte and I talked last night. I heard what she had to say, and she genuinely doesn't seem to mind. At the end of the day, all I care about is that she's not hurt."

"I had the feeling she liked the idea, with it being Beth."

"You might be right."

"So, we're good to go?"

"Yes, but I want a word with Richard first."

"Fair enough." He nods to my empty cup. "Another?"

"Absolutely."

Let's hope this doesn't end in tears....