Page 4 of Pose for Me

For a brief moment, my stomach dips, and I can’t help but think he’s calling to cancel. It wouldn’t be the first time a client had second thoughts about a boudoir shoot and backed out. The silence stretches as I realize I haven’t responded yet, and I rush to fill it.

“Oh, hi, good afternoon! Yes. Is everything okay?” My voice comes out overly bright, betraying a bit of my nerves.

There’s a hum on the other end, his tone shifting to something more serious, and I find myself frowning in response. “I hope this is okay, but I forgot to mention something when I initially booked. Our privacy means a great deal to us, and there are reasons regarding our careers that make it necessary that whatever images or footage you take as part of our photoshoot are not shown or shared with anyone but us.”

Relief washes over me, my heart easing from its quickened pace. “Of course! That’s no drama at all. I wouldn’t be able to share anything without a signed release anyway, so that’s completely fine.”

“Good to hear,” he says, his tone slightly softer. “Oh, and I should have also mentioned—we’re actually wanting the full Rose Garden Package.”

My eyes widen at his words. The Rose Garden Package is my top-level offering, worth thousands of dollars. Not only that, it’s a full erotica shoot, featuring a breadth of images and video where anything goes. The realization hits me, and I struggle to keep my voice steady. “Oh, um, wow! That’s a significant choice.”

“Yeah,” he says, a hint of a chuckle in his voice. “We’re looking to go all in for this shoot, so I hope you’re ready.”

I take a deep breath, excitement mingling with nerves. “Absolutely! I’ll make sure it’s everything you hoped for.”

“Oh, I’m sure you will. Then you won’t mind that I’ve just emailed you an NDA?” he adds, and I mentally groan, suppressing the urge to roll my eyes. I click over to my emails, and sure enough, see a message from Knox Bishop. I open it, skimming through the attached document.

“No problem,” I say, keeping my voice professional but warm. “I’ll review it and send it back to you as soon as possible.”

“Appreciate it, Rayne. And thank you.” There’s something in his voice, a faint warmth, like he’s genuinely grateful. Before I can respond, he adds, “See you tomorrow,” and then the line clicks off.

I stare at my phone for a moment, processing the conversation. Knox’s request was a bit intense, but I can respect the need for privacy. With a sigh, I push aside the distraction of Knox's call and turn my attention back to finishing the gallery, carefully refining each image with the editing brush. The client had taken their time deciding, and now I’m determined to exceed their expectations. After what feels like hours, I finally complete the gallery and move to order their album and wall art, double-checking everything before sending it to print.

Once that’s handled, I turn to Knox’s NDA. I hit print, and the hum of the printer fills the studio as I stretch, feeling the day’s tension start to settle. The document seems standard as I skim the details—clauses about confidentiality, image ownership, no sharing on social media. It’s not the first time I’ve signed something like this, so I quickly add my signature, scan it, and email it back to Knox.

Shutting down my computer, I realize that the daylight has faded. With a sigh, I head out to the store, choosing to walk the few blocks for a breath of fresh air. I always enjoy wandering through the grocery aisles, grounding myself in the simplicity of everyday errands. It’s a small break from the studio, where so much of my time is spent immersed in other people’s stories.

Back home, I’m greeted by Luna’s dramatic meow. She coils around my legs as if I’ve been gone for days instead of just a few hours, so I scoop her up, chuckling as she nuzzles my cheek. “Alright, drama queen, let’s get you fed.” Once she’s happily munching, I fix myself a quick meal and settle down with a movie, hoping to unwind a little before tomorrow’s big shoot.

As the film’s storyline drifts on-screen, I can feel my eyelids growing heavy. Just as my eyes flutter closed, I hear the soft sound of Luna curling up beside me, her purring a comforting lullaby. I relax into the moment, letting the day’s worries slip away as sleep finally claims me.

Once again, I startle awake in the middle of the night, at a loss for what woke me. Looking around, I can't see Luna near me, but that isn't uncommon, as she sometimes wanders out to scavenge some of her leftover food or have a drink. But after a moment, I frown, glancing around my bedroom again and down at my clothes from the day, not recalling how or when I moved from the couch to my bed or why I fell asleep so hard, so quickly.

Chapter 4

Rayne

Themorninghadbeenfull of errands, and I was glad to check each item off my meticulously planned schedule. An early drop-off to deliver a gift to a special couple was first, and then another quick stop to pick up a different gift for storage. I swung by to restock some supplies, making sure everything was in place for the days ahead. Thankfully, the timeline had fit just right—this session was wedged perfectly into my schedule, leaving the next few weeks light and open.

Once everything was settled, I took a quick break in my apartment, finally slowing down enough for a late lunch. I showered, letting the hot water work the tension out of my shoulders, then dressed in my usual outfit for shoots—a soft, loose top and comfortable cotton overalls that allowed plenty of movement. I pulled my hair back into a loose bun, tucked my phone into a pocket, and gave Luna a quick snuggle. Her purrs always made me feel a bit more centered.

But as I headed back to the studio, preparing to set up, I could feel nerves buzzing under my skin. They weren’t unusual—any shoot with new clients left me a little on edge. But today, the feeling was heightened.

Usually, the female partner arranges everything, with a process I’m used to—consults, questions, confirmations. But with Knox, everything is different, from the abruptness of his booking to the absence of my usual pre-shoot routine.

I try to shake off the anxiety, focusing instead on setting up the studio. I turn on the air conditioning to combat the outside heat, and knowing how hot I always get while moving around during the shoot makes it a requirement. Then I move to adjusting the lighting, arranging props, checking that my equipment is in order. But even with all the preparation, that feeling—an unsettling mix of nervous anticipation—refuses to go away.

My studio is a sanctuary of dark and moody elegance, exactly the atmosphere I’ve crafted over the years to bring out my work's intensity and depth. The main room is spacious, its walls painted in rich blacks and muted golds with accents in deep, jewel tones that shift slightly with each section of the room, providing a blend of color that compliments skin tones beautifully on camera. On one side, a luxurious blue velvet Chesterfield sofa stands out against the dark walls, offering a soft and inviting texture for my clients to sink into. Across the room, a canopy bed with a striking gold frame sits against the wall, its bars doubling as a perfect support for more adventurous clients who enjoy the darker tone of BDSM scenes. A Saint Andrew's Cross is secured nearby, adding an extra edge for those who want to explore the deeper, grittier side of intimacy.

I make my rounds, ensuring each light is in its place, casting the right shadows and highlights. They’re all connected to a single remote, which I slip into one of my pockets for easy adjustments mid-session. For the kind of session Knox booked, I set up additional equipment. Besides my main camera—a high-end mirrorless Canon that captures every detail—I’ve placed four smaller video cameras around the room, angled to catch different perspectives without being intrusive. They’re not as high-quality as my main equipment, but they capture a surprising level of detail. Alongside them, eight stationary cameras are arranged strategically to snap photos at intervals, capturing different angles and candid moments. Not all of the shots will be usable, given they don’t move, but every so often, those unexpected images become client favorites or even behind-the-scenes glimpses I can use with permission.

The final touches are a careful inspection of each piece of equipment, checking that all batteries are fully charged and ready to go. My main Canon video camera sits firmly on its tripod, capable of capturing every frame of this carefully curated shoot. Each camera, each light, even the smallest details, represents a small fortune of investment—worth every cent given how my reputation has grown. By the time I’m done, everything is just right, and I feel the satisfaction that comes from knowing I’m fully prepared, even as the nerves simmer under the surface. I glance at the clock. It’s almost time.

As if sensing that everything is ready, there’s a firm, solid knock on the studio door. I take a deep breath, steadying myself as I head over, plastering on my best friendly smile. When I swing open the door, the man filling the entryway practically takes up the entire frame. Dressed sharply in black pants and a brown button down that strains over his well-built body, he exudes a quiet, powerful intensity. His dark brown hair is cropped short on the sides with a hint of curl on top, and a rugged stubble highlights his sharp jawline. He pulls his sunglasses off, revealing piercing hazel eyes that sweep over me in a quick, appraising glance. The gravelly voice I’d grown familiar with over the phone rolls out smoothly.

“Nice to finally meet you. I’m Knox,” he says, and the words seem to resonate from somewhere deep. I find my smile widening instinctively as I extend my hand.

“Nice to meet you too,” I reply, feeling the roughness of his larger hand as he shakes mine. Hints of tattoos peek from the edges of his cuffs, giving him an added edge. I motion him to come in, and as he steps inside, another figure enters the doorway behind him.

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