Between the Stacks (Behind the Lens)

Chapter 14

Lyra

The plan was two-fold. For everything to go well, we had to do everything in five takes or fewer. Less was preferred. Scotty was going to be our cameraman since he did everything when he and Cole cammed in their room. Quality and lighting would come later in the editing, because we couldn’t get caught.

At any cost.

Which meant coming in after the library was closed to do the bulk of the work. We’d use the warehouse to shoot the remaining scenes in an available room. Obviously, that would take the longest because not only was the room going to be transformed into stacks but also a library office, similar to Lowe’s. It was meticulous for sure, but I knew the end results would be magical.

Friday morning, three days before we’d start shooting, Cole knocked on my door. I’d been reading another book for my English Lit class while listening to music. He held up a black garment bag as he stepped inside. “This is for today. We’re leaving in an hour. Grab a shower.”

I stared at the bag, then back at him. “Uh... Okay.” I closed my book and paused the music. “What are we doing?”

“Well,” he said, kind of sheepishly. “Since Lorna selected Lowe for the month of February, he’s also doing a photo shoot with all of us. For the calendar.”

I remembered this part when we went over the script. He reminded me at some point we’d have to meet up with the photographer. I hadn’t realized it would be so soon, though. “Right. I’ll be down shortly.”

“Cool. Also, don’t worry about hair or makeup. We got a person for that.” Cole winked as he handed me the bag. “I’d ask to join you, but...”

I laughed. “Crunch time.”

“Yep.”

We’d settled in nicely. It wasn’t an everyday occurrence when we spent time together. There’d been a few days when Cole and Scott disappeared. Lowe too, but I figured it had to do with production obligations. Jonesy also came and went for work like it was no big deal. Seemed like sometimes I was the only one there. Which, given the circumstances, wasn’t a bad thing.

It was also during that time, I’d received an email from the school. It appeared, until further notice, I either had to reapply for housing come next year or live off-campus which would force my hand. I couldn’t afford an apartment in the Reno area even if I kept my job with work study and found something part-time outside of school. The area was a high traffic, premier tourist destination which jacked up the prices of everything. Maybe if I moved closer to the state line, but that also meant a commute plus putting miles on my car. I wasn’t sure what I was going to tell the guys. We’d all been having fun over the last few weeks. At least we have the rest of the year. If Lowe wanted me to stay, come next semester. If not, I guess I’d go home in a few weeks.

Only good thoughts , I chided myself. Today was going to be fun. I’d never done a photoshoot before. Definitely nothing like this. I also had time, no matter how fleeting it was. So, I’d take what I had and keep moving forward. Whatever happened next was unknown. I wanted to keep it that way.

After I showered, I dressed in the outfit Cole brought me. The librarian look was a bit surprising given the circumstances. But I rolled with it, curious what they had in store for me. Even though he said they had everything handled, hair and makeup wise, I still took a moment to blow dry my hair and defuse my curls. No one liked the frizzy look, especially not me. When I was ready, I joined them in the front room.

The hungry gazes ate me up, stealing my voice. Heat seared my cheeks as everything inside of me pinged to life. Each of them was equally delectable, but not as dressed up as me. This wouldn’t do. I wanted to know everything. I had so many questions bubbling up within me, I almost missed the step exiting the door to the garage. Had Scott not caught me, I’d have fallen face first.

No one had time for that.

“You’re nervous,” Scott said.

“Very. I have butterflies and they have butterflies,” I replied. “I’ve never done anything like this before.”

“It’ll be fun,” he answered. “I’ve done it a couple of times with Cole.”

“I’d like to see those photos,” I murmured, causing him to chuckle.

“Bet you would. Listen, you get through this, and I’ll show you everything.”

“Deal,” I said, focusing on the part when we finished. “How many people see these photos?”

“I don’t have the numbers,” he stated. “I don’t think any of us do. I can tell you some of those who cam can have thousands if not millions of fans, just depends on how good they are at it.”

“How many do you have?”

“Do you really want to know?” He quirked a brow.

“I wouldn’t have asked if I wasn’t curious.”

“Almost three-quarter million subscribers, our viewership depends on the night,” Scott said. “Sometimes if we do something crazy, we have to make a plan, or else the camming session can get quite congested with viewers. Which in turn messed with the servers.”

“Shut up,” I said. “No way.”

He chuckled. “You’d be surprised how many people get off on the idea of stepbrothers being in a relationship.”

I had a few of those types of books. My favorite was the ones where they dated before their respective parents met. The heat and angst always tied me in a knot. I glanced at Cole then back to Scott and wondered how long they’d been into camming for a living. We were all about the same age, Jonesy and Lowe being the exceptions.

“See, I have successfully distracted you,” Scott whispered. “You know, I thought about showing you one of my favorite cam sessions, but I was afraid it might freak you out.”

“Are you kidding me,” I blurted, drawing Jonesy’s and Cole’s attention. “I love the stepbro trope. I have like twenty books on my kindle involving that with other genres attached.”

He blinked. “Are you serious?”

I nodded.

“How did we not know this?” Cole muttered.

“Well, I don’t come right out and talk about what I like to read,” I replied. “Now you know.”

“All that valuable time,” Scott muttered. “What else do you read?”

I grinned. “Age gap, organized crime, bully, dark academy... The list is rather long, and I have so many books still on my Tbr list.” Hence why I was grateful I had my backpack when the dorm burned down. I’d have lost all my books.

“Tell us more about these age gaps,” Jonesy said as he drove. “You’ve piqued my curiosity.”

Figured as much. So, I did. I pulled my phone out of my bag and opened the app to show them my books. While pointing out the ones I liked and the others that just never caught my attention. Those always bummed me out. I was a voracious reader, and finding a book that didn’t meet my standard bothered me.

I’d been so caught up in explaining plots and twists and love interests, I hadn’t noticed we’d gotten off the freeway or that we’d pulled into the parking lot of the warehouse. The rather enormous building stood off the side. The charcoal corrugated steel and wood structure reminded me of one of those barn homes or garage homes. Big enough to keep cars inside and out of the weather, while the family lived above the bays. Luxury to the max. Different and aesthetically pleasing.

“Welcome to the warehouse,” Lowe said. “This is where the magic happens.”

The well-maintained lawn and surrounding shrubs gave the space a homey feeling. A safe space. “This was not what I’d been expecting.” Patches of melting ice from a recent snow band dotted the area. Kind of wanted to know what it looked like during Christmas. The other thing I noticed was the fact there weren’t any nearby neighbors.

“What did you think it would be?” Lowe asked when Jonesy parked in one of the spots.

“You don’t want to know.”

We got out and headed for the door. The place was alive with activity. Inside, the buzz of conversations and construction work surprised me until Cole pointed out anyone could change up the space to how they needed it. Just depended on the cam session or the feature.

“I’ll let Nova know we’re here,” Lowe said.

“Taking Lyra to meet Maddy,” Scott stated.

I followed behind him, gawking as I went. Everyone was in some state of dress or undress. No one had any problems with body image issues and, frankly, that was intimidating. If only I had half the courage they did. “So, this is what you do, huh?”

“Don’t be so nervous,” Cole said, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. “We’re all equals here.”

“Uh huh,” I replied. “Sure.”

He tucked me into his side. “You’ll see. Not all of us are perfect.”

Couldn’t prove that to me. We passed several doors before stopping in front of one. A woman stood by a chair in a room halfway decorated to look like... “Holy shit. The library. Is this what you’ve been doing in the afternoons?”

“Kinda. Also, have subscribers to feed.” He winked. “Maddy, this is Lyra. Lyra, this is Maddy.”

The woman with multicolored hair and fierce makeup stepped forward with her hand extended. “Pleasure to meet you.” She glanced at Cole. “You didn’t do her skin justice. I’m going to have a blast with her.”

I glanced back at Cole who at least appeared sheepish. “Um, thanks? I guess.”

She laughed. “Don’t worry. When I’m done with you. They’ll be eating out of the palm of your hand.” She made a shooing motion to Cole. “Leave us. I’ll let you know when she’s ready.”

“You’re in good hands, Lyra,” he said. “I have to change. I’ll see you soon.”

When he left, Maddy patted the chair. “Come on over. Let’s get started.”

An hour later, she not only tamed my curls, but she also made them shine. My makeup was flawless. The lipstick was Red Riot . The eye shadow, Urban Decay . I looked like a sexified librarian on the prowl. I made her write down everything she used. Knowing I’d never be able to copy what she’d done to transform me from average college student to vixen in a matter of a few strokes.

“Now where do I go?” I asked.

“Back out to Nova,” Maddy said. “She’ll tell you where the guys are and how to find them.”

“Right.” I took a fortifying breath and exited the room. I could do this. Today was an ordinary day. I was at work like everyone else, preparing for my shift to begin. When I found Nova, or who I thought was Nova behind the reception desk, I gave her my name and who I was looking for.

She gave me a once over then grinned before directing me to where the photographer had set up for the day. I thanked her and followed her instructions. When I arrived, I’d been surprised by the number of people in the room. What I didn’t see was the guys, yet. I peered around the group as the flash illuminated an area before going back to a normal amber-white glow of light.

There sitting on a throne made of books was Lowe, The suit he wore almost matched my wool coat and skirt. He had a mask on though, something that contoured his face, exposing none of his features to those who might know him, maybe? Or did it have to do with a mask fetish? I read those books too. Had to say, on the one to ten scale, Lowe pushed a thirty.

He stood then, pulling at his tie as another man came toward him, not one of the guys. He gathered all of Lowe’s garments then handed them to a person behind him. What happened next left me gaping at them. The guy stood there, kissing on Lowe’s neck, stroking his dick. What the heck?

“It’s called fluffing,” Scott said, coming up behind me, almost scaring the shit out of me. “It’s his job to get Lowe rock hard in seconds. I bet if he saw you right now, he wouldn’t need the help.”

I turned to face him. He wore a black terry cloth robe, and his hands were hooked on the belt. “Does everyone have one of these fluffers?”

“Yeah, pretty much. It makes the situation a little less stressful, see?” He turned me to look at Lowe. His dick jerked, pointed toward his belly. Each step he took back to the throne, caused his dick to smack the flesh of his lower stomach. “Jesus, he’s hot.”

“You could say that again.” Enthralled, I watched as photo after photo was taken. Some of them were classic poses, others, Lowe stroked himself. Another had him on his knees facing away. With his legs spread and his back arched, so his upper body was closer to the photographer and his ass looked spectacular. “He waxes his ass.” Scandalous!

“We all do unless we’re into bears.” Scott shrugged.

“The things you learn living with people who do porn for a living,” I murmured, before glancing back at where Lowe sat, redressing. “Now what?”

“Now, it’s our turn.” Scott nudged me forward. “The photographer will tell you when he’s ready.”

“Where are you going?” I asked.

He grinned. “To get fluffed. Unless you want to do it?”

It would definitely be my pleasure.