Jane Bled's darkly funny and very sexy vampire story Master - Crimson is out today (3rd April) from www.loveyoudivine.com

World-famous actor Gabriel Colin desperately wants to recruit Raiden, a beautiful singer, to co-star in his upcoming film. Beneath the angelic façade, however, Raiden harbors a deep secret—and a sharp set of fangs. Little does Gabriel realize what he’s getting into…or the price he will pay for his obsession.

“I love your crucifix,” spoke a sudden voice in slightly accented, yet otherwise flawless English. Startled, Raiden almost dropped his cigarette, but his sharp reflexes kicked in before it could happen. Squinting up, he tried to locate the source of the voice. He saw a tall man, dressed impeccably in Chinese silk and leather, dark sunglasses obscuring the upper part of his face. Alcoholic fumes were fairly radiating off him, and Raiden couldn’t help his sensitive nose from wrinkling just the slightest bit. Damn these vampiric senses.
“It does the trick,” Raiden replied sarcastically, wondering how much the mystery man would love it if he knew how powerless an object it really was.
“You’re Raiden-san, are you not? From Scent?”
Raiden nodded his assent, absentmindedly sipping his drink as he desperately tried to scheme a way out of the conversation. Damnit. All I wanted was some fucking peace and quiet, and now I have to deal with some obsessed foreign groupie—
“I’m Gabriel Colin, from Mesmerized. I don’t expect you to know my work—”
“Of course I know your work. It’s nice to meet you,” Raiden interjected swiftly. He warmly extended his hand as he forced a smile to grace his features. Oh, right. He’s that shitty French-Canadian actor who made it big in America, though God only knows why. Once, Raiden had tried to watch Mesmerized to see what all the hype was about. After about five minutes of the camera zooming in dreamily on Gabriel’s good-looking, though often tear-stained face, he had aimed the remote at his flat-screen TV and fired. What a waste of five minutes!
Raiden suppressed a chuckle as Gabriel goggled at him and returned his handshake with exaggerated force, slightly swaying on his feet. He’s three sheets to the wind. So much for composure. Gabriel was still holding his hand. The singer swiftly withdrew it and fired up another cigarette. Gabriel watched him, tilting his head to the side to study Raiden’s face. He was used to this sort of treatment, but it was rather disconcerting for someone as famous and ubiquitous as Gabriel to blatantly administer it.
“May I join you?”
Gabriel took off his sunglasses in a practiced, polished manner. Raiden again fought the urge to bark laughter. The exaggeration in Gabriel’s gestures positively tickled him. But at the same time, it was potentially annoying. He hesitated before answering Gabriel’s question, voices warring within him.

Blow him off. Then he’ll see what a jerk you really are and leave you alone. And you won’t have to worry about him bothering you anymore.
This party is more boring than a Catholic mass. If you let him sit down, maybe no one else will bother you. Hell, maybe the night will even go by a little faster.

Raiden gestured to the chair across from him.
“Be my guest.”
He pretended not to notice Gabriel’s sigh of relief as the actor took a seat.
“You know, Raiden-san, I’ve really been anticipating our inevitable introduction.”
Gabriel set his sunglasses on the table with a small, calculated clink. Raiden stilled the urge to roll his eyes.
“I think we’ve actually met before,” Raiden deadpanned, keeping the ever-present smirk of amusement from revealing itself too obviously.
“I mean, I’ve really been looking forward to making your acquaintance. I’ve longed for the opportunity to actually sit down and talk with you,” Gabriel corrected. He leaned forward and stared into Raiden’s eyes.