Arielle Immortal Journey (The Immortal Rapture Series Book 5) (24 page)

In the car they enjoyed a comfortable conversation.

“So, what did you think about the meeting?” Olivia asked.

“Thank you, Olivia, it was enthralling. I can’t wait for the next meeting,” she said, and smiled at her.

“I think it’ll be wonderful to have Eva with you. I never
succeeded in having Sebastian or Loren attend meetings with me. They spent most of their time horseback riding.” She laughed.

“Oh, does Loren like horseback riding?”

“All immortals love horseback riding. Their horses are their
pride
and joy. Loren and Sebastian rode for a couple of hours every
morning for as long as I can remember, and that is a
very
long time,” she said again, giving her a quick glance. Her smiled turned into a chuckle.

For a brief moment Arielle recalled the beautiful fields that surrounded Sebastian’s stables at St. Jean de Luz, and sighed
blissfully. She drummed her fingertips on the little black book on her lap again, and gazing out of the car window, she said, “I know that Sebastian’s weakness is horseback riding.”

There was a short silence and finally Olivia replied. “Arielle, Sebastian has only one weakness, and that is
you
.” Reaching over,
she
patted her hand lovingly. “He does love to ride and he is an
accomplished
rider,” she continued. “What you might not know is that he was a star polo player ever since he was a mortal man in his teens. He was
part of many well-known royal teams throughout the centuries.” She fixed her gaze on Arielle for a short moment.

“Really!” Arielle exclaimed. “He never mentioned it.”

“Well, you must know by now that Sebastian doesn’t brag, especially
about himself.” Lips setting, Arielle mumbled her agreement. She rubbed her hands together and drew in a deep breath.

“I didn’t know that polo was in existence for such a long time.”

“Oh, polo is over twenty-five hundred years old,” Olivia said. “It was the most desirable sport among kings, emperors, and the rich. All the young men from the most prominent families tried to be part
of one of those teams. Sebastian was one of those young men. He excelled at it, as he does in everything he puts his mind on.” Arielle couldn’t help but notice Olivia’s expression. It was that of a proud
mother. She exhaled, and giving Arielle another quick look, she
added,
“It was in the last century or so that he chose to stop playing professionally. However, the game is still very much a part of him.”

Arielle grinned. She couldn’t help admiring the man she adored. “Why did he stop?”

“Oh, I guess he got involved with his work at a much deeper level and decided to quit the sport. He does, however, maintain his
stables in St. Jean de Luz. He has a large amount of prize horses
because
he genuinely loves them. I personally think they are beautiful
creatures.”

“So do I,” Arielle agreed. “I’m just a bit scared of them, but I’m getting over my fear slowly, and I’m becoming a better rider.
Sebastian has been wonderful and very helpful.”

“He did tell me that he bought you a horse. Do you like it?”

“Oh, I love it and Shadow is getting used to me.”

“Shadow?”

Arielle laughed joyfully. “That is my horse’s name.”

“Ah, I like that,” Olivia said.

“I hope you keep up riding. I know that would make Sebastian happy, combining his two passions.”

“We spend a lot of time riding, and I think it is more of an
obsession with him than a passion.” She threw her a cheerful glance.

“No, my dear, you are completely wrong about that once again. Sebastian’s only obsession is
you
.” Olivia gave her a meaningful look
filled with warmth. A grin curved Arielle’s lips. After a long pause
Arielle turned and glanced at Olivia’s profile.

“There is one thing I wanted to ask you.”

“What is it?”

“What does the word 'Ma’at' mean? I saw it inscribed in the back of your chair?”

“Ma’at was an Egyptian goddess, and the word means 'truth.' It is a name I chose for myself. It was said that Ma’at personified truth and justice, and prevented the universe from reverting to chaos. That is the role I'd like to have,” she said, lips curving.

Arielle’s thoughts turned to a new subject, Brandon’s shocking effect on her. There was something strange about him, and she was
quite sure that she had met him as well but couldn’t recall. She decided to discuss this with Sebastian. She would have to do if she wanted to shake off the guilt that was submerging her whole
existence. She pressed her lips together as she stared quietly out of the window.

“Let me know what you are going to do for your birthday,”
Olivia’s voice broke through her thoughts. “I would like to be part of the festivities.” Arielle looked at her and smiled wide. “Thank you, but I really don’t have any plans right now.”

“I would love to meet your parents,” Olivia added. “They sound like very interesting people.”

“Yes, they are. I think you will like them,” Arielle said.

“How could I not like them, after all you are their daughter, and I adore you.”

They arrived at the front of Arielle's house. The ladies hugged warmly.

“Thank you so much for everything you have done to keep me safe,” Arielle said, and leaning in she kissed Olivia’s cheek.

“Thank you, dear. All I want is for you and Sebastian to be happy.”

Arielle exited the vehicle and shut the door. She waved as Olivia
drove away, and then turned reluctantly to face the house.
Marshaling her courage, she dragged herself to the front door.

Chapter 18

SHE ENTERED THE HOUSE
and stood in the foyer for a long time. She clasped her book tightly to her chest and let out a deep breath.
She knew that Sebastian wouldn’t be home until late in the
afternoon. He had purchased six beautiful horses and boarded them at the polo
club. Sebastian, Troy, and Ian spent quite a lot of time horseback
riding,
which is where they were today. Eva and Gabrielle had decided to go with them, so Arielle could not consult them for help. How was she going to tell Sebastian about Brandon Burgejion? The unfamiliar
feeling
of helplessness made her sanity falter. Brandon’s nearness had created confusion and uneasiness, and Arielle couldn’t help an
inward flinch.

She drew in a deep breath and went to the kitchen. She grabbed a water bottle from the fridge and then headed to the study. She curled up on the sofa in front of the huge window that faced the
ocean and settled in to read her black book. She spent several minutes trying to focus on the open pages, but her mind was still scattered. Burgejion invaded every thought. She didn’t bother to deny that he made her heart skip a beat. How could that be possible? Why did he have such
a profound effect on her? She was sure that they met before, but where? When? She swallowed hard and shook her head to clear it.
Reaching for her water bottle she took a long sip and closed her eyes trying to prevent everything related to Burgejion from entering her brain. She wished only to think of Sebastian.

Sebastian was her sanctuary, the only man in her life and the only man that should make her heart skip a beat. They belonged to
each other, and there should be no other man that could make her feel as awkward as Brandon had just by talking to her.

She pressed her lips together and rallied her brain to make sense out of total chaos. Failing, she slammed the book shut in frustration. She realized that Brandon might have used immortal persuasion to make her feel weak in his presence. But why would he do that?

She was startled by the sound of the garage door opening.
Sebastian’s
velvety voice traveled throughout the house as the door closed behind him. She looked at the clock and was shocked to discover
that three hours had passed since she had walked into the study. She hadn't read a single paragraph of the book still on her lap.

“Arielle, are you home, love?”

Forcing air into her lungs, she called back, “In here, babe.”

Swinging her legs around, she perched herself on the edge of the sofa and set the book aside. His large frame filled the entrance to the study and their eyes locked in a heated exchange. Her mouth went
dry at the sight of him. He was wearing a white shirt with a beautiful green riding coat that matched his emerald eyes. His strong thighs
were encased in tight riding pants that matched his brown leather boots.
He took her breath away. He was without question the
personification of a polo god. She blinked as she ran her tongue over her dry lips, and watched him approach her with a quick stride. He displayed an amazing smile on his beautiful face. He reached the sofa and bent down, pushing her softly against the pillows and covering her with his amazing body.

“I missed you,” he purred, his lips touching hers. Before she could reply, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against him. He crushed her lips beneath his. Her mind went blank, his
warmth soaked into the marrow of her bones.

Arielle couldn’t prevent a blissful chuckle from escaping her mouth. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him to the
kiss as it
turned hot, leaving her breathless. She felt absolute calm envelop her. He was her life, the man that stirred her wits to the core of her soul. After the long kiss, he pulled slightly back. Gazing into her
eyes, he murmured, “Tell me that you missed me.”

She looked at him, drinking in his flawless features, his sensuous
mouth. “I can’t live without you,” she murmured, and quickly
pulled him back into the kiss. He moaned as his hold tightened, and she
stopped breathing. He finally let her go and stood up. She
immediately felt the loss of his warmth and puckered her lips.

“Did you have fun?” she asked, searching his eyes.

“I love horseback riding, you know that.” He chuckled.

“Did Gabby and Eva go with you?”

“Yes, we all had a great time, and we all missed you.” Bending down, he kissed the tip of her nose. “I’m going to take a shower, do you want to come?” he asked, his lips touching her lips.

“No, I think I’ll wait for you.” She was startled to find herself swept off the sofa and into his arms. He laughed blissfully.

“Did you really think that I was giving you a choice?” A grin curved his lips. She giggled ecstatically.
God, the incredible sensation of him!

She wrapped her arms around his neck and he took her mouth in a feverish kiss. With a few quick strides they were in the shower. Setting her on the floor he turned the hot water on and chuckled. She looked up at him and passion washed through her body. Her pulse pounded in her veins painfully.

“So, how much did you miss me?” He wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her hard against him.

Giggling she rose up on her toes and pressed her lips ravenously on his. “I missed you plenty,” she said against his lips.

“Then show me,” he said, shedding off his clothes. Holding his gaze she stripped, and drew a long, gratified breath. Warmth, excitement, passion, and desire heated up their bodies. They emitted
shaky breaths, loud groans, and enthralling moans as they made love. Utterly sated, they ended up in bed and fell asleep in each other’s arms.

Arielle opened her eyes slowly and gazed out the bedroom window. The moon shone brightly in the middle of the gray sky like a brilliant
silver ball.
How long have we been sleeping?
she wondered. She looked at
the digital clock on the nightstand curiously. It was 9:10. Her gaze caressed Sebastian’s face; it was bathed in the magnificence of the moonlight. She watched, mystified at the splendor of him.

She lifted her hand and ran her fingers slowly down his cheek across his sensual lips, resting her fingertip in the middle of his
bottom lip. She felt his breath hot and steady against her fingertip, and her
heart pulsated happily. In the still of the night, she listened to his
quiet breathing, and felt the heat of his body next to her.

“Hey, baby,” he whispered sluggishly. “Something on your mind?”

“Yes,” she said, moving closer and setting her lips on his mouth.

“What is it?” he breathed against her lips.

She closed her eyes and sighed deeply as she said, “You, just you.”

His arms wrapped around her like a steel vise, holding her.
“That’s a good thing, that’s a very good thing.” He brushed his lips against her ear. “I’m very selfish. I want to be the only man that occupies your thoughts.” They found pleasure in each other, simply letting sensuality burn over them like a scorching inferno. They stayed there for a long time, just holding each other in a comfortable embrace.