THE HUNT (Closed)

[cgraven]

Closed for cgraven and caela

Gillian De Loup had existed down through the corridors of time. He belongs to neither of the two worlds he inhabited. The cures was and old one and the stuff of legends, but like most legends the story tellers got it wrong or preferred to slant it to their point of view.

The truth was less romantic and much darker. The French tail of “Beauty and the Beast” found its’ bases in his fate. Yet there was no handsome prince at the end, just the “Beast”.

His was a double life. Wolf by day separated from the pack as they slept. Man by night in a world of sheep, longing to run again with his own kind, but forever barred by the curse. The one constancy, the stalker, the hunter, the thrill of the chase, and the kill. THE HUNT

Oh yes Gillian still hunted by the moon, but not for bodily food, but to feed his true nature, the hunter, and to strike at the race that had cursed him. His victim their innocent daughters. Not just those who thought they where innocent, but those that truly where. His thirst was to defile that which they most desired to protect.

He had put out feelers and the next victim was innocently on her way, a Miss Josephine Sinclair. She had supplied all the information he had asked for, and volunteered so much more. She was so honest and open that she reeked of innocence. He would leave her alone and isolated at the estate for three days, then it would begin. 1st the choice, how badly did she want to succeed. A photographer was she, well a little, shall we say, Modeling, to see what it was like on the other side of the camera lens.

All she would see would be the distinguished gentleman, silver gray bushy hair, golden eyes, the renowned photographer willing to teach her, and take her on as an assistant.

He could hardly wait for it to begin

 

[caela]

Jo was thrilled! Gillian DeLoup was one of the worlds best photographers and she hadn't thought she had a prayer of getting the job as his assistent when she'd sent in her resume. She was still just a student really and couldn't think of anyone she'd rather have as a teacher. Her walls at home were plastered with copies of pictures he'd taken (originals were far too expensive for her to buy) and which she studied endlessly.

Her parents thought she was a little obsessed and maybe they were right but everyone in the house truly found it amusing, even Jo.

"Jo! Get down here and eat!" her mother called from the bottom of the stairs. "We have to leave for the airport in 20 minutes if you plan to be on that plane!"

Grinning the 21 year old gave herself a quick once over in the mirror and laughed softly. She looked much like hte tomboy she was. Jeans hugged slim hips and long legs and a t-shirt clung to her torso making the most of a trim waist, flat stomach and firm breasts leaving just an inch of stomach showing. There was no need to do anything with her hair but run her fingers through the short strands before turning and running down the stairs to the kitchen.

"Mom, you've outdone yourself!" she all but squealed like a little girl in sheer delight. Her mother had fixed all her favorites and both her parents laughed as she dug in ravenously.

"Where you keep everything you eat Jo I will never figure out, you and your father are a couple of beanpoles," her mother grumbled good naturedly. Jo took after her father in her build, her mother was much shorter than her own 5'9 and had curves that just wouldn't quit.

"Now, now Sarah, let the girl eat, after all you cooked it all for her." her father said with a smile to his wife and daughter as he too dug into the food. "Besides as well as you cook a fast metabolism is a defense mechanism, without them you'd have to roll us out the door."

Her mother laughed at the common family jest and Jo grinned happily basking in the warmth of her family's love. An hour later they were at the airport and Jo was all checked in. She didn't go straight to the terminal since she had two hours to kill before her flight and her parents couldn't come with her. Instead they wandered the airport shops just happily chatting while Jo walked between her parents unashamedly holding the hand of each.

Her life had been an easy one. She'd been blessed with parents who weren't rich but were comfortable and she never wanted for anything. She'd also been blessed to have parents who were truly in love with each other and her and her home had been filled with warmth and laughter. Her mother's cooking and good nature had made Jo's home the natural spot to hang out during school and all of her friends had simply been accepted as part of an extended family. Now her parents were sending her out into the world to pursue her dream and Jo knew she would go with all their love and the best wishes of their heart.

At last it was time to head into the terminal and she shouldered her carry-on bag. Hugging her parents fiercly she kissed each of their cheeks and promised to call as soon as she reached the estate. There were protestations of love from all of them and then she was gone. One a plane that would wing her away to her new life.

 

[cgraven]

Gillian De Loup estate Juron de Bois lay in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains of southern France along the broader with Spain. It was far from the tourist haunts of the region isolated, yet the mountain vistas and the wild untamed nature of the area was breath taking. The very nature and character of the area could make you believe in every ghost story, every Ferry tail you had ever heard. It was one of those wild places in nature where time seemed to stand still, where it had little or no meaning at all. It was the only place in Western Europe where the rumors that wolfs roamed the lonely summits persisted, despite governmental the denials. Most of the local people avoided the area as if it where cursed, Yet this strange mystical area was wher the world renowned photographer Gillian De Loup chose to make his home and where he had his studio. The Tabloids called him a genius but a recluse, he was as infamous for his erasable, demanding nature as he was for his work .

Juron de Bois’s Château was not overly large and was an eclectic combination of an old Carolinian abbey and an avant guard, modern, Frank Lloyd Write studio that combined into a rather surprisingly pleasant symmetry. Perched of an out crop of rock to dominate the valley below. Line, form, and texture in stone and glass that seemed to come alive. It was almost as if Juron de Bois was alive a creature waiting and watching from the heights.

Claude Batard, the only servant that Gillian De Loup employed was one of those characters that was ageless, he could be sixty or a hundred and sixty. He had come to the station to meet one Mademoiselle Josephine Sinclair from America the Master’s new assistant and protégé. As Claude watched the people descend from the train he knew her at once. She was young beautiful and there was natural beauty and innocence to her.

Mademoiselle Josephine Sinclair?

He asked as he doffed his cap to her in the formality of a bygone era.

”I am Claude Batard, Monsieur De Loup has sent me to greet you and help you with your Luggage.”

Despite his appearance the elderly man would not let Miss Sinclair help and he was surprisingly strong and spry for his age. Her next surprise was that Batard loaded her luggage into a cart drawn by horses instead of a car. The old man was polite but uninclined to be engaged in conversation so the young blonde beauty was left to take in the wild and rustic character of the area. Her first glimpse of Juron de Bois’s was from a bend in the cart path and then there it was as if it had appeared by magic.

The cart rumbled through the massive oaken gates of the Château into the cobble stone court yard and Jo was greeted with the tenth century entrance of the old Abbè priory house. Batard showed hr to a small but nicely appointed room on the second floor..

“Mademoiselle Sinclair, Monsieur De Loup room is the first door to the right off the hall next to yours he has a tendency to work from dusk to dawn and likes his assistants to be close. If this makes you unease then I can if give you another room. Monsieur De Loup is away but will be return in three days time.”

Batard paused before continuing.

“Monsieur De Loup prefers that his assistants dress in a professional manner and the household eats at 9PM in the main dinning room.”

The silence Gillian De Loup isolated retreat was broken by the mournful howl of a solitary wolf despite the fact that it was just a little after 1PM.

 

[caela]

”I am Claude Batard, Monsieur De Loup has sent me to greet you and help you with your Luggage.”

Jo smiled warmly to the older gentleman and was surprised when he really wouldn't let her help with the luggage. She hadn't packed much but still she was used to doing her own grunt work and felt badly about him carrying all her things. She got another surprise with the horse drawn carriage and thought she saw the hint of a smile on the old man's lips at her gasp.

Since Claude didn't seem inclined to talk Jo let her eyes wander over everything. The carriage ride gave her time to drink in the beauty around her and she made small gasps of pleasure each time something took her breath away. Until they rounded the bend and the Chateau came into view, then she fell silent in wonder. She ached to scramble for her camera but all too quickly they were within the walls and her chance at the shot was lost.

First lesson Jo, she thought to herself, always have your camera ready.

She followed Claude through the halls and up the stairs to her room and smiled when he explained that Mr. DeLoup was something of a night owl.

“Mademoiselle Sinclair, Monsieur De Loup room is the first door to the right off the hall next to yours he has a tendency to work from dusk to dawn and likes his assistants to be close. If this makes you unease then I can if give you another room. Monsieur De Loup is away but will be return in three days time.”

Batard paused before continuing.

“Monsieur De Loup prefers that his assistants dress in a professional manner and the household eats at 9PM in the main dinning room.”

"Thank you Mr. Batard. The room is fine, I'd prefer to be near where I'll work and the hours suit me wonderfully as I tend to be up all night myself. Is dinner formal? I'm afraid I'll have to make a trip into town if it is."

"That will be up to Monsieur DeLoup, Mademoiselle Josephine."

"Ugh, please just call me Jo. Josephine just sounds soooooo formal!" she pleaded and knew that this time she did see the old man grin just a bit.

"It would not be proper Mademoiselle," he said though Jo was sure she heard amusement in his voice.

Ever the brash american she grinned impishly and whispered, "For me pleeeeease, Mr. Batard."

 

[cgraven]

” That will be up to Monsieur DeLoup, Mademoiselle Josephine."

"Ugh, please just call me Jo. Josephine just sounds soooooo formal!"

"It would not be proper Mademoiselle,"

Just the hint of a smile played at the corners of Claude Batard’s mouth. She was so young and fresh so delightfully innocent Brash as most American’s he had met where but in her case it was a natural brashness that he rather enjoyed as most Europeans now a days where to stuffy and self impressed for Claude’s taste.

She grinned impishly and whispered,

"For me pleeeeease, Mr. Batard."

“Mademoiselle Jo I shall consider it.’

This time there was definitely a smile that lightened Claude’s weathered features, and a certain merriment that danced in his steel gray eyes, which where quite striking given his ruddy complexion. He had maintained the formality by using the term Mademoiselle while compromising by using Jo, all in all a viable compromise.

“As for the formality of Dinner Mademoiselle Jo Monsieur De Loup requires only a button down blouse, long sleeved of course, a modest skirt, and shoes not those things you are wearing now.”


Though his voice was the practiced formality of a servant there was a teasing quality to it.

Jo was left to unpack, rest from her long journey, and relax before dinner. A Chinese gong sounded promptly at 8:45 PM, shortly followed by a very discreet knock on her door.

“Mademoiselle Dinner is served.”

Claude Batard showed Jo to the dinning room it was magnificent and done in the style of the Carolinian period, the furnishings simple elegant straight lines, functional yet beautiful as well There where two places set at each end of the table one for the absent Master and one for Jo. The plate was of sliver, the goblets leaded crystal. When dinner was completed Claude showed Jo back to her room.

The next day Claude gave Jo a tour of the Juron de Bois’s Château and grounds. The Gardens retained the quality of the original Abbè herbal for th most part and laid out in a relaxed formality to please the eye and to make their tending easier. Jo first day was drawing to a close.

The second day Claude busied himself with his duties his and Jo was left to wander the Château’s grounds and the surrounding country side on her own. It was around noon when she heard the cry of the wolf again. It was a lonely heart wrenching call so full of sorrow it could move a body to tears. It was all the more lonely for there was no answering call of the pack, just that one lonely solitary anguished howl.

The third day sense her arrival dawn much as the second and she again alone left to her own devices. It was around 1 o’clock when she saw the wolf for the first time. He was a magnificent beast there was power in ever muscle of its body and its eyes, golden eyes that seemed to look into a person’s very soul. She had come around a corner on a mountain track and there he was. But he was gone almost as quickly as he had appeared.

It was just before dusk when that howl again echoed through the high peaks of the mountains but this time it was different this time it brought fear, made the blood run cold it was the cry of the hunter that had caught the sent of its prey.

Again the table was set and Claude had just seated Jo and was about to serve the first course when Gillian De Loup arrived . He was a tall man over fifty but otherwise ageless in appearance his body was tall and lank and he move with the grace of a hunter his golden eyes missing nothing. His hair silver gray. His dress was casual a tweed blazer a simple white shrit and gray slacks.

Monsieur De Loup may I present Mademoiselle Jo……

Claude Batard stopped in mid sentence as Gillian De Loup arched his eyebrow.

………. Mademoiselle Josephine Sinclair.

“Enchanted Mademoiselle Jo”

Batard let out the breathe he was holding.

 

[caela]

Jo was in love. The Chateau and the countryside surrounding it were absolutly stunning and more then once she felt like she had simply stepped into a postcard. Being so far outside the normal tourist routes she never ran into anyone else as she wandered the countryside and she went through more rolls of film than she knew what do with.

The only thing that marred her pleasure in her surrounding was the cry of the wolf. The poor beast sounded so terribly alone to Jo's ears that it made her heart ache for him...or her...and she wished there were a way to find companionship for the creature. With that thought in mind she returned to the Chateau and sat down at the desk in her room where she'd stowed her laptop. Booting the computer up she stared blankly at the screen realizing for the first time that she had no idea if the Chautea had an internet connection.

She'd have to ask Mr. DeLoup when he returned.

The third day was spent much like the first two until dinner when Mr. DeLoup himself appeared.

Monsieur De Loup may I present Mademoiselle Jo……

Claude Batard stopped in mid sentence as Gillian De Loup arched his eyebrow.

………. Mademoiselle Josephine Sinclair.

“Enchanted Mademoiselle Jo”

Batard let out the breathe he was holding.

Well, well that was interesting. Jo hadn't missed the byplay or Claude's obvious relief when DeLoup had used the more famliar form of her name as well. She kept her silence however as she rose and offered her hand to Mr. DeLoup, "It's a pleasure to meet you at last Mr. DeLoup. You have a beautiful home and the most gorgeous countryside at your disposal, not to sound corny but thank you for having me here."

Offering him one of her warmest smiles she waited until he took his own seat to settle back into hers. Normally a motormouth she was suddenly at a loss for things to discuss and felt her cheeks blush just a bit when DeLoup's eyes moved over her face. She had the most disconcerting feeling that he was looking into her very soul and it made her squirm slightly in her chair and look to Claude for the support of a familiar face.

 

[cgraven]

She rose and offered her hand to Mr. DeLoup,

"It's a pleasure to meet you at last Mr. DeLoup. You have a beautiful home and the most gorgeous countryside at your disposal, not to sound corny but thank you for having me here."

Offering him one of her warmest smiles she waited until he took his own seat to settle back into hers.

Gillian De Loup took the young woman’s offered hand in both of his.

“Thank you Mademoiselle Jo.”

His grip was firm and again those golden eyes that seemed to be fathomless, that seemed to look in to her very soul. Slowly he released her hand and was a graceful gesture indicated that she should take her seat. His manners where decidedly old world gracious courteous but lacking the stuffy formality one would expect from a celebrity and artist of his stature.

Gillian De Loup openly evaluated his hew young assistant. His eyes seemed to take in every detail, Jo’s willowy figure, the flat athletic plane of her abdomen, the girl’s trim waist, the gentle swell of her small hips, and firm young breasts just barely large enough to fill a mans palms all and all her figure was perfectly balanced and classical in a most delightfully sensual way. Her platinum blonde hair was cut to hang just along her jaw line, and grey eyes nearly as turbulent as the storm clouds her every emotion clearly visible in their clear innocent depths. Yes her eyes where her most striking feature. Gillian De Loup saw the stunning young beauty squirm slightly in her chair and look to Claude for the support of a familiar face.

“Please excuse me Mademoiselle Jo I fear I have a rather bad tendency to openly evaluate people. I fear living in semi isolation here at Juron de Bois my social graces are not what they should be.”

There was a teasing easy going quality to his voice that could totally disarm a person.

The meal was served in several courses and each course came with its own wine. Claude Batard had inquired of Jo how she prefer her meat cooked, De Loup’s was blood rare and he had started with steak tar tar. The conversation was light and much to be expected. He asked her why she had wanted to study with him, what she thought of the Château, and had she taken any shots yet.

He smiled as she spoke and then as coffee and brandy was being served he smiled.

“Well shall we go to the Studio and see what you have done?”


<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Gillian De Loup placed her negatives on the light board and placed a loop in his right eye he went over each shot with meticulous detail sometimes he just grounded other times he shook his head but of all the rolls Jo had shot he circled three frames.

“These show promise Jo. The others are rather mundane I fear.”

He saw the hurt in her grey eyes, saw her stiffen a bit at his comment.

“Three good shots not a bad start.”

He Straighten his back and turned to face her as he removed the loop from his eye

“I see one problem with your work you shoot what you know is there not hat you see.”

 

[caela]

“These show promise Jo. The others are rather mundane I fear.”

He saw the hurt in her grey eyes, saw her stiffen a bit at his comment.

“Three good shots not a bad start.”

He Straighten his back and turned to face her as he removed the loop from his eye

“I see one problem with your work you shoot what you know is there not hat you see.”

Jo's eyes narrowed slightly at the last comment and her head tipped trying to sort out what he meant. She knew he was right about most of the shots being mundane though there were a few others she personally thought were good shots. She had to remind herself that he was the boss and that his criticism seemed geared toward being constructive at least. Pushing aside the hurt feelings she looked down at the pictures he'd chosen and stared into them for a long moment before looking up to meet his eyes.

"I'm not sure I know what you mean Mr. DeLoup. About shooting what's there and not what I see."

Unconciously she moved closer to him as he pointed to her work and explained what he meant. She nodded quietly, listening intently and determined to do better next time. Oh how she suddenly wished she'd had time to get off a shot of the wolf on the grounds! That she thought would have impressed him.

 

[cgraven]

"I'm not sure I know what you mean Mr. DeLoup. About shooting what's there and not what I see."

Unconsciously she moved closer to him as he pointed to her work and explained what he meant. She nodded quietly and listening intently.

He felt her move closer to get a better look at what he was showing her he felt the warmth of her youthful body just a breath a way from his, He smiled at the intensity of her concentration. He thought back to the contract she had signed, to work for him for two years, he would supply room and board and a stipend, plus she would keep the proceeds from any of the work she sold and he would teach her. If for any reason she decided to leave be for the period of the contract was up then she would pay a penalty of $50,00.00 for his time and efforts.

Gillian De Loup turned to face his young protégé his lips where just a breathe away from hers he could smell the girl’s sweet innocence it clung top her like an exotic perfume. It was time for the Hunt to begin. Yes it was time the moment had arrived. Gently run her first then introduce her to a very dark world, but first put her at ease. His soul soared his heart beat quicken he lived for the hunt , the one thing they had not been able to rob him of.

“Here let me show you what I men Jo.”

He paused as he fetched his 35mm camera with a ziest lens.

Have you ever been on the other side of the lens Jo?’


His eyes seemed to holds hers draw her into him holding her soft grey eyes captive by his will alone.

 

[caela]

“Here let me show you what I men Jo.”

He paused as he fetched his 35mm camera with a ziest lens.

Have you ever been on the other side of the lens Jo?’

"The other side of the camer? Well no not really Mr. DeLoup, except for family pictures and things I am usually the one holding the camera not smiling for it."

Jo had the sinking suspicion that being on the other side of the camera was exactly where Gillian DeLoup was about to put her and she felt a small shiver of trepidation run through her. Jo considered herself extremely non-photogenic and the button down blouse and skirt she'd worn for dinner did nothing but enhance that feeling. She wasn't particularly comfortable in them but this was his home and she'd play by his rules.

All too soon she discovered she was right and he showed her to a reclining couch. She couldn't help being a bit stiff as she sat there and her cheeks flamed hotly when he lifted the camera and began shooting. Normally brash and straightforward her eyes dropped to the floor and she toyed with her hands in her lap unsure what exactly she was supposed to do. The sound of the camera shutter seeming loud in her ears.

"Come now Mademoiselle Jo, you sit there like a woman on trial for her life not a young lady having her picture taken. Try to relax."

Jo was startled at the sound of his voice drawing her out of her mind and into the moment. She laughed softly knowing he was right and tried to relax but simply found she couldn't manage it. She was on unfamiliar ground and it showed in every line of her body.

 

[cgraven]

"The other side of the camera? Well no not really Mr. DeLoup, except for family pictures and things I am usually the one holding the camera not smiling for it."

The look of sheer panic in the young blond beauty’s eyes at the very mention of her being on the other side of the lens trilled Gillian, his natural instincts of the hunter peeked. He showed her to a reclining couch set on a small stage surrounded by studio strobe lights. Her soft grey eyes dropped to the floor and she toyed with her hands in her lap unsure what exactly she was supposed to do. She nearly jumped at the click of the shutter and her crimson blush was priceless.

"Come now Mademoiselle Jo, you sit there like a woman on trial for her life not a young lady having her picture taken. Try to relax."

She laughed softly. Click the rasp of the shutter again and the flash of the strobes. She nearly jumped out of her skin and Gillian laid his camera aside for the moment. He gave her a studied look idly tapping his for head.

“This is not you Jo.”

It was a statement of fact pure and simple. He pondered the situation he circled as she sat there nervously on the couch fidgeting with her hands.

“Some simple motion shots I think Jo. Just walk twirl, swing your arms any thing for fluid moment. I know you’re new at this, so I’ll talk you through it.”

Gillian De Loup talked Jo through the shoot’s first part, complementing her as she followed his instructions. Her movement at first was stilted, self conscious. The more he talked to her, the more he distracted her, the more fluid and graceful she became. He circled Jo as the shutter seductively rasped Click…. Click … click and the strobe lights flashed. In no time at all he had shot a roll of film.

“Now Mademoiselle Jo let us see what the camera has to say about you.”

Again that panic, fear, and dread returned to her eyes as Gillian De Loup led her into the dark room, an hour later the negatives where on the light board. The first few shots showed a gawky tomboy stiff, awkward, and ill at ease. Yet the shot of Jo when she blushed and the one where she laughed where quite different, they showed a stunning young beauty in the first flush of womanhood. The series of motion shoots where stunning. They showed her as graceful young woman, the fluidity of motion caught in the blink of the camera’s eye, the way her skirt moved, the way the light hit her bobbed hair, and caught her soft expressive grey eyes showed her as a stunning young beauty. He circled a half dozen shoots out of thirty-six.

“See this is what I mean Jo, shoot just what you see.”

He was standing very close to her now his body just brushing hers. His hot moist breathe washing over her cheek and neck, as he spoke, stirring the stray whips of hair at the nape of her neck.

“Have you ever worked in black and white Jo?”

 

[caela]

The series of motion shoots where stunning. They showed her as graceful young woman, the fluidity of motion caught in the blink of the camera’s eye, the way her skirt moved, the way the light hit her bobbed hair, and caught her soft expressive grey eyes showed her as a stunning young beauty. He circled a half dozen shoots out of thirty-six.

Jo was startled at the shots. They actually made her look...look...beautiful! It was obvious she had a lot to learn if DeLoup could make her look that good. Most shots of her were like the early ones on his roll, stiff and awkward.

Shoot what she saw not what was there. She'd take the lesson to heart and couldn't help but wonder if he actually saw her the way she appeared in that picture.

He was standing very close to her now his body just brushing hers. His hot moist breathe washing over her cheek and neck, as he spoke, stirring the stray whips of hair at the nape of her neck.

“Have you ever worked in black and white Jo?”

Jo shivered slightly at his nearness but this wasn't one of the boys she used to go to school with, she couldn't just turn and push him back a step. Still his question gave her the chance to slip sideways away from the close press of his body, and turn slightly so that she could see him better. Her mother had always taught her it was bad manners not to look at someone when speaking to them and it came in handy now. His closeness was...unsettling.

"I've thought about it Mr. DeLoup but never actually tried it. I was always a little chicken. I love black and white's and didn't think I could do them justice."

 

[cgraven]

"I've thought about it Mr. DeLoup but never actually tried it. I was always a little chicken. I love black and white's and didn't think I could do them justice."

She was a bit nervous uncomfortable at the close intimacy of the situation. When she lifted her soft grey eyes to his again the young beauty was looking in to those golden fathomless depths again. Gillian De Loup smiled his laugher was light and genuine as his eyes held the frightened little doves. There was no maliciousness to it but rather a comforting ease between colleagues.

“Mademoiselle Jo, Jo you don’t mind me calling you Jo do you Miss Sinclair?”

He paused his eyes never leaving hers, never blinking, steady commanding in their gaze.

“It is not a matter of courage it is a matter of merely doing Jo.”

He had not waited for her permission to use the more informal means of address.

“Come I shall show you.”

Again, he picked up his 35mm camera and led the stunning young beauty back to the small stage and the empire couch. He posed her on the couch her long athletic legs tucked under her knees bent, the helm of her skirt just riding up over her knees. It was a classic pose, which took advantage of Jo’s best features. Gillian took a few quick random shoots. Then came over to her.

“The pose lacks something Jo.”

Without asking her permission his eyes holding hers again he undid the top two buttons of her blouse. The sensual curve of her small firm young breasts just visible and a bit of seductive cleavage.

“Better.” He started to circle her as he had done before in the pervious shot. The flash of the strobe lights the sensual, rasping Click of the shutter the uncompromising eye of the camera capturing all.

“Jo undue the buttons of your blouse and slip it down to bare your shoulders.”

His voice was soft yet the tone indicated that he expected her to comply with his instructions, he was the Master working with his model, his assistant, and it was obvious that he expected her to obey his instructions.

 

[caela]

Jo's head was spinning as he posed her on the couch once more. She was still stiff in front of the camera and before she could say anything about it he was before her again undoing the buttons of her blouse! She was about to protest but it was done swiftly and professionally and as quickly as he was there he was gone, once more circling her with the camera. She felt the blush that colored her cheeks once more and her eyes slid again to the floor.

“Jo undue the buttons of your blouse and slip it down to bare your shoulders.”

His voice was soft yet the tone indicated that he expected her to comply with his instructions, he was the Master working with his model, his assistant, and it was obvious that he expected her to obey his instructions.

At that her head snapped up quickly and her eyes flashed sharply with suspicion for a moment. The look passed quickly though and despite trembling fingers she undid a few more buttons and let the blouse part to slide down her shoulders. She held it together in the front however so that while her shoulders were bared that hint of cleavage was now gone, buried under the grip of her fist holding the soft blouse and the flush that colored her skin at being even so slightly exposed.

At that moment she'd have killed for her jeans and a t-shirt.

 

[cgraven]

Her head snapped up quickly and her eyes flashed sharply with suspicion for a moment. The look passed quickly though and despite trembling fingers she undid a few more buttons and let the blouse part to slide down her shoulders. She held it together in the front however so that while her shoulders were bared that hint of cleavage was now gone, buried under the grip of her fist holding the soft blouse and the flush that colored her skin at being even so slightly exposed.

The deep crimson blush that kissed Jo’s cheeks amused Gillian but there was no trace of that amusement in his eyes, not a muscle rippled on his placid face, as he circled the stunning young blonde, the soft sensual rasping of the camera’s shutter.....

… click…click…click…click........

......... calling to her sweetly, seductively. Innocent naivety pour from every fiber of her being and Deloup knew she would be a prize worth the hunt.

“Excellent Jo,……..that’s it,……….very good, wonderful.”


“Jo relax your grip not so tight it is a cotton blouse not a shirt of chain mail let the material drape follow the natural contours of your body…………Better.”

Gillian Deloup talked his young assistant through the second shoot his voice quietly commanding, very professional and he seemed to take no overt notice of her state of undress.

“Through your head back and run your fingers through your hair.”

As she did as he directed Jo’s blouse feel open baring her breast.

click…click…click…click


Gillian shot several pictures in quick secession.

“Excellent Jo........... You may button your blouse now."

Again it was to the dark room and then to the light table. The black and white’s where a stunning study in shadows light tones and gray scales that brought out Jo’s beauty as no color shot ever could. She was shy, alluring, a frighten child, and a naughty vixen. The most stunning of all the shots was the series where she was running her fingers through her short blonde hair her head back the graceful arch of her neck, sensual innocence personified. Then the look of shock when she realized her blouse hung open and her breasts where bared. Temptress, coquette, shocked vixen, shy child they where all there in those few shots when her blouse hung open and the camera had caught it all.

They where beautiful, tasteful, not at all exploitive or crass and she was stunningly beautiful in them as well.

“Jo So what do you think of the quality and feel of black and white now?”

 

[caela]

The sound of the camera moving around her sent Jo's mind reeling. She was no model! What on earth was she doing posing for the camera? She knew he was teaching her by using her as an object lesson but she couldn't help feeling intensely self concious. Still she followed his instructions to the letter and was grateful that a black and white shot wouldn't show the ferocity of the blush coloring her skin, especially when she realized her shirt had fallen utterly open! She'd thought she'd sink down through the floor but thankfully Mr. DeLoup hadn't seemed to notice. She knew from his work that he was no stranger to the female form and thanked every god she could think of for it.

Finally back in the dark room she felt more herself until she saw the pictures at last. That couldn't be her! The girl in those shots was stunning and sensual! Jo was neither, at least not in her own mind. It looked like her but it just couldn't be and she stood staring in slack-jawed wonder not even daring to touch the images.

“Jo So what do you think of the quality and feel of black and white now?”

"I...I...they're beautiful. How did you make me look like that?" her voice was filled with awe and her eyes wide and honestly wondering as they met his.

 

[cgraven]

That couldn't be her! The girl in those shots was stunning and sensual! Jo was neither, at least not in her own mind. It looked like her but it just couldn't be and she stood staring in slack-jawed wonder not even daring to touch the images.

Gillian Deloup could not believe how truly innocent this young beauty from America was, she had blushed furiously when she had realized that her blouse was completely open, her breast bared to him, with the exception of the prim and proper bra that she wore. She had hurriedly buttoned it up when Gillian had given her the opportunity. Yet now as she stood next to him her eyes where wide with wonder as they proofed the negatives.

"I...I...they're beautiful. How did you make me look like that?"

Her voice was filled with awe and her eyes wide and honestly wondering as they met his.

Could it be, truly be that Jo had no idea what a gorgeous creature she was? As he gazed into her soft grey eyes, he saw that it was true, this ravishing young blonde saw herself as common place, nothing special, and he suspected even drab and unattractive. Her naive innocence made her ripe for the plucking. Gillian decide to press her a bit more, to take the Hunt a step further, for he saw wonder, in her soft grey eyes, and knew the moment was right.

“Jo I did nothing, I just shot what I saw. The art though when working with a model is to set the stage so the camera can capture what is there. It is quite different than doing landscapes. Come I’ll show you what I mean.”

Deloup led the girl back out to the studio, and to the cutting and lay out table. A portfolio lay there and when he opened it, it was the one Jo had submitted when she had applied to be his assistant. There was also a bottle of brandy and he poured two glasses handing her one. As with the shoot, he did not ask if she wanted a brandy he just handed it to her. He began to go over her work in detail, he complemented her on her composition of several of her landscapes, and his critique at times was harsh but always fair and honest. He raised an eye brow when he noticed she was not drinking her brandy, a silent suggestion, no almost a command for her to do so. Then he turned his attention to her human studies.

“Jo they are stiff, the poses lack a flare, the composition, your use of light is good but there is nothing of the person in them."

Gillian selected one shot probably her best, and analyzed it in detail.

“This young woman is beautiful, look at the lines of her face the curve of her upper torso, and yet the photograph is flat, there is none of her youth, her passion in it, her vest for life. “

He paused choosing his next words very carefully.

“Yet you have her dressed from her neck down as if she where a nun. The pose is the key to unlock what is unseen Jo, to let the camera capture not what you know is there but what it sees.”

The hour was late, passed midnight they had done more in the last four hours then most did in a full day.

“Come Jo I’ll show you what I mean”.

It apppeared that their night was far from over. Again they where back by the couch on the small stage. And again, he had Jo setting on the small empire couch, her legs this time tucked under her and curled.

“Jo remove your blouse and bra.”

Gillian voice was soft and professional. Her grey eyes stared back at him in wonder , as if to say, Are you serious

“Jo is there a problem?”

Gillian asked his camera posed when she hesitated.

 

[caela]

She couldn't help thinking she'd curse her mother later, the habit of blushing at the drop of a hat was one of her mothers as well and since her father never blushed Jo knew where it came from. The thought made her smile softly as she followed Mr. DeLoup back into the studio. A fresh blush colored her cheeks once more when she saw her portfolio laying on the table and knew he was going to critique her work. She was almost afraid to hear what he had to say.

She listened intently, the glass of brandy he'd given her forgotten in favor of paying attention to what he was saying. When he looked at her still full glass and raised his eyebrows like a command she began to sip dutifully at the alcohol. She made sure only to sip however. She had never been much of a drink and all the wine they drank at dinner was still with her. She knew she couldn't handle much alcohol and didn't think being drunk while working was a good idea.

When he was done critiquing her work it was back to the couch. She knew she shouldn't have sent that shot of Sara! It had actually been a bit of a joke between the two of them at the time but the humor of the momen't hadn't come across because Sara had gone all dramatic and serious on her at the last minute. Ah well Hindsight was... her thoughts stopped dead at DeLoups next words.

“Jo remove your blouse and bra.”

Gillian voice was soft and professional. Her grey eyes stared back at him in wonder , as if to say, Are you serious

“Jo is there a problem?” Gillian asked his camera posed when she hesitated.

Her mind was blank...was that a problem? Shaking her head gently she looked up at him and could feel her skin turning the color of a ripe tomato. How on earth was she supposed to tell her BOSS of all people that no one had ever seen as much of her as he already had tonight? She hated sounding like a naive little girl but knew she was going to have to.

"Sir..I...I..well it's just that," normally very articulate she fumbled her words badly and finally it all simply flooded out in a rush, "noone'severseen me withoutmyshirt andbraon before Sir."

 

[cgraven]

What a delightful blush, so innocent so pure Gillian could not help but smile he felt the corners of his mouth Bow, as Jo looked so intently at her on work as critiqued, she seemed to hang on his ever word.

Shaking her head gently she looked up at him and could feel her skin turning the color of a ripe tomato. Her soft grey eyes found his golden eyes met hers held them captive and if it was possible her deep scarlet blush deepen even more. Yes stammered her words running together she was as nervous as a little girl who had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

"Sir..I...I..well it's just that”

She lowered her eyes demurely as if she could no longer hold his gaze as if he truly did see into her very soul.

"noone'severseen me withoutmyshirt andbraon before Sir."

“Jo…”

Gillian laid his camera aside for a moment and sat by her side on the empire couch, the back of his hand brushed her flawless cheek it was a comforting gesture, yet a sensual one as well.

“Jo there is nothing obscene about the human form, the obscenity is in the eye of the beholder, the bigots who hate all natural beauty………..”

His hand trailed down her cheek slid along the slender column of her throat, his fingers loosed the top button of her simple white blouse. As he spoke.


“…. As a photographer you will do nude studies, you will have to know how to pose your model so as to get the best pose……….”

His fingers continued his task as he loosed the second and third buttons of her blouse. Slowly he rose from the couch and placed her fingers at the fourth button of her blouse and again took up his camera. Jo’s eyes seemed drawn to the lens, to his golden eyes. They where fathomless so old as if Gillian DeLoup had lived for centuries had seen things that Jo could not even imagine.

“Miss Sinclair your blouse and bra……….”

click……click….click”

The haunting seductive call of the shutter reached out in the silence of the studio to Jo.

 

[caela]

“Jo there is nothing obscene about the human form, the obscenity is in the eye of the beholder, the bigots who hate all natural beauty………..”

Jo blinked slightly at that. She hadn't meant to imply that she thought there was anything obscene in his request. He'd been the consumate professional thus far so she didn't suspect any ulterior motives on his part and she certainly didn't think her body was obscene. Quite the contrary, she adored her body and often admired her shape in the full length mirror she had at home. Long toned legs, a firm, heart shaped ass, flat stomach, high breasts, shoulders just broad enough to make clothes drape well and a long slender neck. Still while she might admire her form herself she hadn't let anyone else admire it without her clothes on and it was shyness that made her hesitate.

She heard him continue speaking but her breath caught - as well as her mind - when he loosed the first button of her blouse. He freed three of them before he lifted her own fingers to finish the job and she was wondering if she'd ever stop blushing. She could hear the clicking of the camera and looked up into the lens and his eyes while her trembling fingers finished opening her blouse.

As she let the garment slide down her arms it became apparent that her blushed didn't just color her cheeks but traveled down her neck and chest as well. Managing to tear her gaze from his she reached back in the double jointed way of women to release her bra and let it too slide to her lap.

Without her shirt and bra she felt strangely vulnerable, almost like a little girl, with no defenses and it struck her just how much like armor clothing was. Emotional armor but armor all the same and she couldn't bring her eyes up to meet his or the camera lens once more.

 

[cgraven]

The blush that had so deeply colored Jo’s face also spread its delightful rose pink hues down the slender column of her neck to kiss her rose bud nipples. She lifted her own fingers to finish the job. She could hear the clicking of the camera and looked up into the lens and his eyes while her trembling fingers finished opening her blouse.

The very way her fingers trembled the soft light that shimmered in her doe soft grey eyes, The way her blouse sensually slid from her shoulders was highly erotic in its nature. Jo tore her gaze from his she reached back in the double jointed way of women to release her bra and let it too slide to her lap. She couldn't bring her eyes up to meet his or the camera lens once more. She looked like a lost innocent child as her simple prim and proper bra lay in her lap. The camera captured it all the relentless………

click…click click…click..click click…click…..click

……….rasped till it filled every fiber of her being, a haunting almost hypnotic sound that call to her very soul. Then soft as a serpent’s hiss slithering into her mind came Gillian DeLoup’s soft, gentle, commanding voice.

“ Remove your skirt and panties Jo.”

 

[caela]

“ Remove your skirt and panties Jo.”

At that her head snapped upward and her eyes caught his once more. The look on her face pleading with him not to make her do this though admitting that if pushed she would. Still she found it highly embarassing to think of herself completely naked in front of a man that was really a complete stranger when she'd never been naked in front of anyone in her adult life.

When he just gazed back at her with those implacable golden eyes she finally sighed softly and bit her lower lip as she reached back to free the button and zipper of her skirt. Her entire body felt like it was on fire now as she blushed furiously from head to toe and slid her panties quickly to the floor before she lost her nerve.

Quickly she sat back down and crossed her legs, her body unconciously leaning forward slightly and managing to hide more of what she'd just uncovered by wrapping an arm around her knees. It was obvious she was naked but at the same one couldn't really see much except the flush coloring her skin.

 

[cgraven]

Quickly she sat back down and crossed her legs, her body unconsciously leaning forward slightly and managing to hide more of what she'd just uncovered by wrapping an arm around her knees. It was obvious she was naked but at the same one couldn't really see much except the flush coloring her skin.

Her light ivory skin now a roses pink from the tip of her nose to the tip of her toes of Gillian assumed, as she still wore her pumps. The camera was now rapidly clicking as Gillian circled Jo. So like a little girl clutching her knees. God was she beautiful and that single image reviled Jo as she really was a mature vibrant young woman but an innocent naïve child as well.

“Great…..wonderful……… prefect Jo.”

DeLoup’s words of praise at her pose rang in her ears echoed in her mind, he was pleased with her and the pose.

“Jo run your fingers through your hair again…………yes like that….great.”


click…click click…click..click click…click…..click

The rasp of the shutter building to a furious crescendo.

“Slip your shoes off Jo, nothing should mare your beauty that the creator did not give you at birth………don’t be shy just slip them off and curl your legs back and lay against the arm rest… ”

Gillian called out his instructions in that same quiet voice, that some how in it’s softness demanded to be obeyed. Each instruction each change in the pose reveiling more and more of Jo’s chaste innocent body till she lay there half reclined, naked and open to Gillian and it had all occurred in a matter of moments from that chaste pose with her clutching her knees.

 

[caela]

“Slip your shoes off Jo, nothing should mare your beauty that the creator did not give you at birth………don’t be shy just slip them off and curl your legs back and lay against the arm rest… ”

His was soft but so compelling along with the hypnotic clicking of the camera that Jo found herself doing as instructed. In for a penny in for a pound as her mother always said. She found herself reclined on the couch and facing the camera still looking very shy and still flushed a light shade of pink. A part of her was almost frightened to see how these pictures would turn out after the others had just not looked like her.

At last he exhausted the roll of film and told her she could get dressed once more before he headed back toward the dark room. It only took her a moment to have her clothes back in place - minus the bra which she simply pocketed - and join him in developing the film.

Once more she simply stared in awe as he showed her the new pictures. How on earth could that girl be her???

 

[cgraven]

His was soft but so compelling along with the hypnotic clicking of the camera that Jo found herself doing as instructed. She found herself reclined on the couch and facing the camera still looking very shy and still flushed a light shade of pink.

Again to the dark room the light table, and again she simply stared in awe as he showed her the new pictures in utter disbelief that this stunning young beauty in the pictures was really her. The majority of the study was a classic nude study. Gillian DeLoup critiqued his own work as he had done Jo’s portfolio. And she found him to be as critical of his own work as he had been of hers. It that moment Jo found that there was no guile in him but he was bluntly honest in his evaluations. Gillian had kept back three shots and now he brought them out

“These Jo are the three I think capture you the best.”

The first was of her setting on the couch her bar laying in her lap, and her eyes demurely down cast. She looked like a shy innocent child, but was obviously a mature young woman her young firm breasts standing proud from her chest the nipples slightly upturned, her areolas puffy, crowded by taunt rose bud nipples. The fist bush of young womanhood.

The second was of Jo clutching her knees, a mature vibrant young woman but an innocent, naïve child as well, totally naked except for her pumps.

The final shot was of Jo half reclining on the couch, her fingers running through her short cropped blonde hair, Her breasts uplifted, and her sparse golden fleece just visible, it was the most seductively sensual shot.

“Jo do you know why I had you pose like this?”