Gravitation Fan Fiction ❯ Gravity Well ❯ Miranda Collins ( Chapter 4 )

Chapter 4: Miranda Collins

Thomas knocked on Tohma's door and stuck his head in. “Miranda Collins' secretary just called. She says Ms. Collins can discuss Moonlight Garden's contract over dinner tonight if you're free.”

“Did she say where?” Tohma tried not to sound as tired as he felt. These meetins with Miranda were exhausting him. They had already met three times in the last five days to negotiate the return of his pilfered band, and each time, she had taken the opportunity to drink from him. After the first time, he had not intended to let it happen again, but somehow she always managed it. He should probably just give up and find another band to open for them, but he really didn't want to. Moonlight Garden's music complimented Nittle Grasper's and the group was dedicated and easy to work with. Besides, there was the principle of it. Tohma himself had discovered this band.

“Ritz Carlton. She has a hospitality suite.”

“Fine. Call back and say I'll be there at eight.”

Tohma sat back and rubbed his eyes. He needed to resolve this. Their first concert was in three days, and then they would be performing two or three concerts in a row every four or five days for the next three months. The uncertainty was very unsettling, especially for K, who was not taking it well at all, particularly since Tohma would not let him participate in the discussions. But Tohma needed K to stay focused on looking after Ryuichi, especially with someone like Miranda around.

But tonight had to be the last time. He would get Moonlight Garden back and then never see Miranda again.

Her suite at the Ritz Carlton was lavish. Even Tohma, who was accustomed to this kind of luxury, was a little stunned. Miranda answered the door in a satin dressing gown that clung to her as she moved, revealing the slender grace of her figure.

“I'm so glad you could come, Tohma.” She favored him with he usual intimate smile. “May I take your coat? I've taken the liberty of ordering for you,” she said as she hung his coat in the closet. “I hope you like French cuisine. I still enjoy the way it smells.” She chuckled at her little joke.

“French cuisine is fine, Miss Collins, but I would like to conclude our business arrangements first.” He took a seat on the couch and crossed one leg neatly over the other.

“Of course.” She glided over and sat next to him. “But please call me Miranda.” She put her hand on his knee. “I feel we know each other intimately enough for given names, don't you?”

“An intimate relationship doesn't necessarily make us friends, Miss Collins.”

“True, but I hope very much to become very good friends with you.” Her voice became husky as she spoke and her eyes glowed with hunger.

Her intent gaze unnerved Tohma, because it excited him and held him in place. He felt his loins stirring as she leaned close and licked his ear.

“I love the way you taste,” she whispered. “Japanese men have such a refined flavor. It must be your diet.”

Tohma drew in a ragged breath. “Business first, Miss Collins.”

“You're so strict,” she murmured, her lips brushing his ear. “The contract is on the table. Offer them five percent more and they'll take it. The band is yours. Again.” She licked his neck just below his ear, then his chin, and then his lips. She kissed him, slowly working her tongue between his lips.

Tohma kissed back, feeling helpless. Her kiss was warm and seductive. Then she kissed her way slowly and wetly along his jaw and down his neck. She nibbled him gently for a moment and then bit down, drawing blood. He gasped softly. She sucked slowly and deeply, using her lips and tongue together. The sensation was so wildly erotic that Tohma became completely erect. His eyes closed and he slumped against the back of the couch, completely at her mercy.

She drank him for a long time and Tohma was dizzy and lightheaded when she stopped. Her face was flushed and content when she looked into his eyes. She cupped his cheek in her hand. “You are the most delicious man,” she purred. “But now you must eat.”

She helped him to his feet and looped her arm through his to guide him to the table. Tohma was famished. He ate everything on the table and drank most of a bottle of wine. Miranda chattered at him as he ate, but he paid no attention to her. Getting the food into his stomach was all he cared about.

And then he simply passed out.

- - - - - - - -

“Tohma didn't come home last night!” Ryuichi accused, sounding hurt and confused.

“Must have been a good party,” K said to Ryuichi. “He looks hungover.”

Ryuichi nodded. “And tired.”

Tohma scrubbed a hand over his face. “Yes on both counts, but it wasn't a party. It was a business meeting.” He pulled the contract out of his inside coat pocket and tossed it to K. “Go see them. Offer them five percent more and then get their butts into rehearsal. I'm going to take a shower. Ryu and I will meet you at the studio later.”

K glanced at the contract and nodded. Then he frowned at Tohma. “Don't be late!”

“I won't be. I'm tired of being Mr. Executive. It's time to concentrate on being a keyboard player.”

“About time.” K stuffed the contract into a pocket and left.

Tohma put his arm around Ryuichi's shoulder. “I'm sorry I didn't call. I hadn't planned on being out all night.”

“I was worried!”

“I know. I won't let it happen again.”

Their tour was scheduled to travel through several cities in the eastern United States and then up into eastern Canada, before traveling to the west coast. Once they got started, Tohma let himself forget about Miranda Collins. He was simply too busy to worry about her. The concerts were intermixed with radio and TV interviews, so it seemed like they had some place to be every day. Also, all of their concerts were sold out and fans waited outside after every concert for a chance at autographs, so it was always extremely late by the time they got back to their hotel. And of course, K was always there. Tohma felt safe as long as K was around.

In Boston, they had one of their largest crowds. They played to a standing-room-only house, and dozens of people were waiting outside when they tried to leave afterward, so they stayed to sign autographs. A number of people had the latest Nittle Grasper CD and wanted to get the band's autographs on the CD cover. Ryuichi joked with the fans as he signed. He was always good with fans. Tohma never said much, but he was always polite. Noriko was fielding quite a few questions about her obviously expectant condition.

“Is your husband traveling with you, Miss Nori?” one young woman asked.

“Yes,” Noriko said. “He's afraid I'll have the baby without him!”

“It must be hard doing a concert tour. Don't you get tired?”

“Oh no! Performing is such a rush, I feel great!”

Tohma listened to Noriko and Ryuichi chatting with the fans. He had never had the same easy rapport. The fans asking for his autograph were polite but they didn't ask him personal questions, which left him free to listen to all the chatter going on among the fans while they waited their turns.

“What do you think of Ryuichi?” It was a young woman's voice.

“Oh, he's cute, but Tohma is absolutely gorgeous. He smells wonderful. I bet he tastes fantastic.” The young man sounded excited.

“You can dream, but I heard Miranda has claimed him already.”

“Really? That's so unfair! She's always takes the best ones for herself and never gives anyone else a chance.”

“Well, you can risk it if you want, but I think she's in Boston tonight.”

“Damn!”

Tohma looked up as the man and woman fell silent. A shudder of fear ran through him. How did these people know? But as he looked at them, he saw the same hungry glow in their eyes that he'd come to recognize in Miranda's. They were vampires. When it was their turn, he had to fight the urge to back away from them. He managed a faint smile as he signed their CD covers. Then they moved on to get signatures from Ryuichi and Noriko and Tohma watched them out of the corner of his eye, ready to call on K for protection, until they walked away. He was greatly relieved when the last of the fans had been dealt with and K hustled them to the waiting minivan for the trip back to the hotel.

When he entered his room, Tohma found a bouquet of flowers waiting. It had a card in one of those plastic holders stuck into it. He opened the little envelope with a sense of dread.

My dearest Tohma, I loved your concert tonight. I would like to offer you my personal congratulations. Please meet me in the bar downstairs when you return. Don't disappoint me! Yours truly, Miranda.

Tohma thought about ignoring her, but then decided the best thing to do was go down and tell her not to try to see him again. He had to put an end to this relationship. All the way down in the elevator, he rehearsed what he would say to her, but when he walked into the bar and saw her, the words flew from his head. Desire surged through him. He wanted her to take him and the realization terrified him. He sank down next to her where she sat at a corner table in the empty bar in silence.

“You stayed late with your fans,” she said with a faint smile.

Tohma wondered if she had been watching him. “Fans are important. It's not right to ignore them.”

“Of course.” She gazed at him hungrily. “It's been too long since I saw you last. We must get together more often.”

“I don't think that would be a good idea for me, Miss Collins.”

“I promise to be more restrained, Tohma.” She kissed him lightly on the mouth. “I want our relationship to last a long time.” She looked into his eyes and kissed him again. Then she bit him on the neck and began to drink. She did not drink long. “I will look for you every few days,” she said when she finished. “Make time for me.” She held his gaze until he nodded. She patted his cheek. “Good boy.”

Tohma watched her leave with a sinking heart. Only a few times in his life had he felt like he was in over his head. Right now, he felt like he was drowning.

- - - - - - - -

It was like having an affair. Tohma was sneaking around behind K and Ryuichi and Noriko's backs to have his little trysts with Miranda without their knowledge. He felt like he was doing something obscene and the longer it went on, the worse it felt. Miranda was true to her word and did not take much from him at any one time, but the net effect was starting to take a toll on him. He couldn't keep pace with her appetite. He was losing weight, and even his normally fair complexion was starting to look pale. It was inevitable that someone would notice, and Tohma was not in the least surprised that it was Ryuichi.

“Tohma looks sick,” Ryuichi stated flatly at breakfast one morning. They had ordered room service in Tohma's room.

“What?” said K. He peered at Tohma inquisitively. “You do look a little pale and peaked there, pal. What's up?”

“I'm probably coming down with something.” Tohma tried to sound nonchalant. “We've been keeping a pretty busy schedule. I'll try to get a little more rest.”

“And fluids,” Ryuichi said brightly. “Always drink lots of fluids when you're sick.” He held out a glass of water to Tohma.

“Thank you.” Tohma accepted the glass and sipped a little of the water. “I'm sure I'll be fine in a day or two.” It was a blatant lie, but the last thing Tohma wanted was more questions.”

“Well,” K began thoughtfully, “the only thing planned for today is that radio interview. I can take Noriko and Tetsuya-san over for that and you can stay here with Ryu and take it easy.” He lifted an eyebrow at Tohma. “That's an order.”

Tohma smiled, feeling relieved. “All right.”

When they were alone, Ryuichi asked, “What do you want to do? Would you like to take a nap with Mr. Bear?”

Tohma laughed. “No! Why don't we watch a little TV? That's pretty relaxing.”

They sat on the couch and watched cartoons. Ryuichi sat with his legs crossed with Mr. Bear in his lap, staring intently at the TV. Tohma watched Ryuichi rather than the TV. A strange hunger was stirring inside him as he studied Ryuichi's profile. Ryuichi had such an innocent beauty about him. He was sensuously adult when he was singing, and the rest of the time he was like a little boy. Tohma suddenly felt a tremendous urge to see the adult Ryuichi.

“Sing something for me, Ryu.”

“What?”

“Whatever you like.”

“Umm… Ok.” Ryuichi straightened up and began to sing. The beauty of it awakened Tohma's appetite completely. He slid across the couch to Ryu and put his arms around him. He leaned his head on Ryu's shoulder and listened to the delicious notes pouring from of his throat. When Ryuichi finished the song, Tohma kissed him on the neck.

“What was that for?”

“Hold still,” Tohma whispered and he bit Ryuichi on the neck, just above his shoulder.

“Ow!”

Tohma tasted Ryuichi's blood on his tongue. A confusion of desire, hunger and fear tumbled around inside him as he licked the blood from the wound he'd made. But finally, the hunger won out, and he bit down harder and began to suck.

Ryuichi moaned softly as Tohma drank from him, but he didn't try to pull away. Finally, guilt about what he was doing overwhelmed Tohma and he stopped.

“I'm sorry, Ryu! I shouldn't have done that.”

Ryuichi stared at him in confusion. “You bit me!”

“I know. Please don't tell anyone. I promise not to do it again.”

“You shouldn't bite people,” Ryuichi said with a frown.

“You're absolutely right, Ryu.” Tohma sat back. “People shouldn't bite.” Tohma felt sick to his stomach. What was Miranda doing to him? “I think I will go lie down for a little while. Why don't you watch TV until K gets back?”

“Ok.” Ryuichi held out Mr. Bear. “Do you want Mr. Bear to come with you?”

“No thank you. I think he should stay with you and keep you company.”

“Have a nice nap.”

Tohma closed the door to the bedroom so that Ryuichi would not hear him weeping.

- - - - - - - -

Their last three concerts in the Eastern United States were in Chicago. They then had five days off before traveling to Toronto for two more concerts. The evening of their first day off, Tohma ditched the others so he could meet Miranda. As usual, she had reserved a suite in a swanky hotel and sent him a card with the hotel and room number on it. He arrived there hating himself, and angry with himself for feeling that way. Tohma was normally his own favorite person. The only people he might possibly like more were Ryuichi and Eiri Uesugi. But Miranda was making him do things that made him ashamed of himself, and he hated that feeling. He knocked on the door still frowning and Miranda pouted when she saw him.

“Tohma, my love,” she said, “it makes me think you don't want to see me when you look like that.”

“Really?” he replied shortly as he walked past her into the room.

She closed the door behind him. “Tohma!” she admonished him sharply.

He turned to face her with his arms crossed. She glided up to him and took his hat off, tossing it onto a chair. She pushed his coat off his shoulders and pulled it down his arms until it caught on his elbows. When he didn't move, she glided around behind him and reached around his chest to unfold his arms and pull them down against his sides. His coat fell off in a heap at their feet. She slid her hands up his arms to his shoulders and turned him around to face her. Still clasping his shoulders, she pulled him closer until their bodies were touching, and then she put her arms around his neck.

“You're the only man I'm seeing right now, Tohma,” she murmured. “It's been a long time since one person attracted me as much as you do.” She studied his face intently. “You are so beautiful.” She kissed him deeply. “Come with me.” She led him by the hand into the bedroom.

Miranda undressed him slowly, stroking her tongue delicately across his skin to taste him as she exposed him, pausing every now and then to drink from him briefly at different places on his body. It was vampire love-making and it was not the first time she had done it to him. For Tohma, it was devastatingly erotic. He was completely naked and utterly aroused by the time she draped herself across him and sank her teeth into his neck. Her slow, sensuous sucking climaxed him.

She left him on the bed, spent and exhausted, to fall asleep alone.

- - - -

“Wake up!” a voice hissed in his ear.

“Tohma clawed his way up out of sleep, groggy and confused. “K, is that you?” he rasped out.

“Speak English, dammit!” the voice hissed, and Tohma felt something cold pressed against his neck. “Did you drink from her?”

Tohma came wide awake as the meaning of that angry demand sank in, and only then did he realize the thing pressed against his throat was a knife. He blinked up at the ceiling, afraid to move. He couldn't see the man holding the knife clearly. It was still dark.

“No,” Tohma said, speaking English.

“Have you ever drunk from her?”

“No.”

The knife moved away from his throat. “You're lucky. And not just because I would have killed you otherwise.” The man climbed off the bed and crossed the room to flip on the light.

Tohma sat up. “Who are you?”

The man leaned against the wall. “My name is Anderson Keyes.” He studied Tohma. “You're Japanese, aren't you?”

“Yes.” Tohma pulled the blanket up around his shoulders. He was always cold after Miranda took him.

Anderson Keyes was tall, nearly two meters, but his muscular physique was perfectly proportioned for his height. His brown hair was trimmed short and he regarded Tohma with brown eyes that were almost exactly the same shade as his hair. He possessed the kind of uniform good looks that would make strangers say he was handsome, yet leave them unable to describe him clearly later.

He was not Tohma's type. But then, neither was Miranda.

“I don't recall Miranda taking a Japanese before,” Anderson said. “But judging from the bite marks, she must really like you.” He smiled humorlessly. “I should kill you just to spite her.”

“Mr. Keyes, I'm no one to you. Why should you care?” Tohma was frightened. He did not like being frightened.

“Because you're someone to her. And I imagine there are others out there who will care if she turns you.”

“Turns me?”

“What do you think she's doing? She'll keep drinking you until you die from it and then you'll become a vampire too, just like her.”

Tohma clutched the blanket around him and shook his head in disbelief and fear. “No! That is not what I want!”

“If you really mean that, I can help you.”

Tohma stared at Anderson, his heart pounding. “I do not want to die, Mr. Keyes.”

Anderson smiled. “Call me Andy.”