Arielle Immortal Journey (The Immortal Rapture Series Book 5) (33 page)

Chapter 24

THE ROOMS WERE LARGE
with coffered ceilings displaying various coats of arms, exactly as Arielle would have pictured
sixteenth-century rooms before witnessing them herself. The walls were covered in Flemish tapestries depicting scenes from the life of the Gaulle family
just like the ones Arielle had seen in the ballroom. The armchairs in each room were covered with cordovan leather, and incredible
paintings
took their breath away. The four-poster beds were amazing. The headboards were engraved with intricate designs and the furniture reflected the wealth of the family. The velvet curtains sagged across enormous stained-glass windows in each room. Arielle looked at Gabrielle and Eva, their astonishment plain on their faces. She moved to the windows and gazed at the moon. The picturesque
scenery and the
sight of the clear dark sky filled with millions of stars was exactly the same as in the twenty-first century. The brilliance of the moonlight gave her a soft view of the grounds that extended as far as her eye could see.

“Is that a lake out there?” she asked in a low voice.

“Yes, it rests in the middle of the property. It’s quite beautiful during the day,” Marcus replied.

“Oh, I think it’s quite beautiful right now.” She smiled. “Look at the water… A clear mirror that reflects the moon’s mystic light and the stars, as if they are remnants of times gone by.”

“Mmm,” she heard Anton’s voice right next to her ear and she shivered the familiarity of his voice causing her to think of Sebastian.

“Very well said, you sound like a poet,” Anton said. His arm wrapped around her waist. She felt his body extremely close, the
warmth on his breath brushing against her cheek. She felt her heart race and took a deep breath, reminding herself that the warm body next to her was
that of Anton and not Sebastian. She moved slowly away and he walked after her as they all entered a spacious lobby, followed by a
pretty sitting room that led to the most amazing picture gallery. Arielle saw the portrait of Sebastian’s mother hanging next to one of his father. They were the exact portraits that she has seen in the Gaulle manor in St. Jean de Luz.

“Your mother is a very striking woman,” she said.

“Yes, that she is,” Marcus said with a proud tone. Many other family portraits hung on the walls. Arielle was dying to see them all, and Anton was happy to disclose the details about each and every one of them.

More than anything though, Arielle wished to see one particular face. She walked on and when she finally stood before Sebastian’s portrait the pleasure of the moment stole her breath away. Her heart raced at the sight of his striking face. So abrupt was his appearance that it was impossible to avoid his sight. His emerald eyes pierced through hers as if ready to jump out of the canvas. She took a few
deep breaths, holding back the tears that were generating
tremendous pressure in the backs of her eyes.

She gulped trying to conceal her emotions, and she asked in a totally composed voice. “Who is this?”

“That’s our little brother, Sebastian the playboy,” she heard Marcus say, voice full of laughter. Both brothers laughed aloud, and she knew that had to be an inside joke. Her first reaction was that of displeasure, and then a strong jolt of jealousy again spread across
her body like fire. Eva moved close to her and pressed her hand softly, reminding her that they were at a different era. Arielle
snapped out of her wretchedness quickly.

“He’s beautiful,” she said impulsively.

“Yes, that he is,” Anton said with a voice still filled with
amusement. She peeled her eyes away from his portrait to look at Anton, barely managing to not snap at him. She kept her voice soft and calm.

“I think that you and Marcus are extremely good looking as
well, it must be a family thing.” She was grasping for anything to cover her statement about how beautiful Sebastian was. Marcus and Anton laughed joyfully at her remark.

“Let me show you a portrait of our younger years,” Anton said
with a chuckle. He walked a few feet down the corridor and he
stopped in front of a huge portrait exhibiting three handsome young boys in their teenage years. The portrait was captivating. All three boys were
unquestionably striking. She chuckled, thinking that the subjects
looked more like imaginary people than real human beings. Anton moved
closer to her and watched her carefully as he reached up and
touched her cheek tenderly.

“What are you thinking?”

“Nothing really.” Anton’s closeness was creating an awkward situation.
Where is Sebastian?
she thought, and pressed her lips together.

“Your home is absolutely amazing.” Gabrielle’s voice broke through her reverie.

“You are very kind,” Marcus replied.

“The architecture is stunning, and it is exquisitely decorated,” Eva added. Marcus and Anton didn’t try to hide a smile of approval at her words.

“Our mother is responsible for the beauty of this house. She’s the art lover, the amazing decorator, the resilient thread that keeps this family together.” Anton’s voice was filled with affection and warmth when he spoke of his mother. His words were a soft whisper that set
off an avalanche of emotions for both Anton and Marcus. Arielle turned to face the opposite wall and she gasped out loud. She immediately caught herself and coughed a couple of times clearing her throat as they all turned and looked at her. Marcus gave her an
assessing look.

“Are you feeling okay?” he asked.

“Yes, I’m just fine, thank you for asking,” she sputtered. She was staring at a large painting hanging on the wall. It was a portrait of Sebastian, the man that stole her heart and soul and turned her very existence completely upside down. He was standing in front of a huge fireplace with one arm resting on the mantle and a smile lifted
the corners of his sensuous lips. The painting looked so real it startled her. She half expected the canvas to come to life. Arielle
shivered at the thought. A wishful smile painted her face as she moved closer to examine the details.

“That’s Sebastian,” Anton said, and came to stand next to her.

“He is very handsome.”

“Yes, that he is,” Anton chuckled.

She drew back and moved to the next painting, trying to hide her emotions. They moved towards the last four principal
bedchambers. Arielle and her friends marveled at the elegant decor. They could not
help but be fascinated by them. The tapestries hanging in the four bedchambers reflected times passed for this incredible family and
made them look extremely powerful.

“Are these your bedchambers?” Arielle asked.

“Yes, the one at the end belongs to our parents and the rest belong to Marcus, Sebastian, and I.”

“They are absolutely incredible,” she added in clear admiration.

“Thank you.”

Arielle was captivated knowing that she had seen Sebastian’s
home. They came to the end of the house tour. She had met his
family and danced with his brother. That was absolutely beyond belief and certainly an incredible birthday present. The only thing missing was
Sebastian’s presence. She was sure that he would complete the
magical trip. She laughed silently at the thought.

After a moment of companionable silence, they started to walk
back toward the ballroom. Marcus and Brandon walked on either side of Gabrielle and Eva. They seemed happy as they made
Gabrielle and Eva laugh with their jokes. Anton, on the other hand, seemed an elegant but serious gentleman. He walked close to Arielle and made small talk, trying to hold her attention. She guessed that she drifted off a few times thinking of Sebastian, and that it hadn't escaped Anton’s awareness.

They reached the bottom of the staircase in the ballroom. Marcus asked her to dance and they started to walk off toward the center of the dance floor when she heard Gabrielle refusing Anton’s invitation to do the same. She complained of a sore foot. Arielle was wondering how she had hurt her foot since she didn’t hear her complain earlier.
Marcus arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her close. She looked up and met his amused gaze. She smiled. It was just so
unbelievable that she was here with Sebastian’s brothers. The music was remarkable too. It reminded her of old films featuring pieces by Strauss, Brahms,
Schonberg, Mozart, and so many others. She closed her eyes and
attempted to conjure Sebastian’s beautiful face. She smiled with pleasure knowing that she would be going back to him when this adventure was over.

Marcus was an incredible dancer. He twirled her around the dance floor and kindly remarked how well she danced. She opened
her eyes
and saw Eva dancing with Anton a few feet away. Their eyes met and they smiled at each other. She was so thankful to Eva for her incredible gift.

“Will you be staying in France long?” Marcus’s question invaded her train of thought.

“Um, we will be here for a couple more days. We’re going to do some serious shopping,” she replied, giving him a warm smile.

“I know that Anton and I would love to see you again. I can tell Anton is pretty taken with you,” he said. She saw a suggestive smile
turn the corners of his lips upward. She felt a jolt. Anton's interest
was unpredicted and certainly unsolicited.

“I’m flattered,” she said as she lifted her head and looked into his eyes. “I’m sure that we’ll be quite busy, and it might be a little
difficult
to return any time soon, but I’ll discuss your request with my
sisters.”

“That’ll be wonderful. I sure would like for you to meet
Sebastian. He should be coming around sooner or later, and he’ll be delighted
to meet three beautiful girls from England.” He chuckled, never
taking his eyes off her. She sucked in a tight breath and felt her body react to the sound of Sebastian’s name.

“Again, thank you for the invitation.” The music stopped and they moved to where Gabrielle, Brandon, and Eva stood. Anton and Marcus excused themselves, but not before saying that they were going to be back shortly.

“Brandon, you are in charge,” Marcus called, looking over his
shoulder. Brandon had a broad smile on his face. He glanced
between the three girls and laughed.

“I’ll do my very best,” he replied, thoroughly amused. He refocused on the three beautiful faces, anxious to make their
acquaintance. The time they spent with Brandon was a pure delight. He was stunningly
handsome, funny, fascinating, and sensational. He kept them
laughing with his jokes and his funny stories. Two guys approached and took
Eva and Gabrielle to the dance floor. Brandon’s gaze rested on
Arielle.

“May I have this dance?” he asked quietly. She smiled widely and gave him her hand. Brandon walked to the middle of the dance floor and pulled Arielle in his arms. His eyes never left her face.

“You are very beautiful.” Arielle looked up and met his gaze. She smiled.

“Thank you,” she whispered. His gaze was intent, and she couldn’t
resist the inquisitiveness from darkening her look. He raised an
eyebrow and smiled.

“What?” he asked, amused.

Mentally confused, Arielle was struggling to keep a straight face as she pointed out, “You are staring. Is there something wrong?”

“Oh, no. I’m sorry, Arielle.” Brandon flashed her a soft smile,
and shook his head, suppressing a chuckle.

“Well, what is it?” she pressed on. Brandon drew a breath and
said smoothly, “There is something very fascinating about your eyes.”

“Whatever do you mean?” She winced, puzzled by his
statement.
His eyes narrowed as if he was surprised that she even asked the question.

“They are very intriguing, unforgettable, and implausibly
unusual.” He chuckled again. “Does that answer your question?”

“Um, yes, I suppose.” She shrugged her shoulders. All she
wanted
was to set her eyes on Sebastian. Everything else was becoming repetitive.

The music was over and everyone moved away from the dance floor.

“Would you ladies like some refreshments?” Brandon asked politely.

“No, thank you, Brandon,” Arielle said.

“If you will excuse me for a minute, I will go get a drink for
myself and be right back. Don’t let anything happen to you while I’m gone or Marcus will have my head,” he said, and laughed softly.

Once Brandon was at a safe distance, Arielle swirled to face Eva. “Good Lord! Sebastian’s brothers want to see us again tomorrow!”
Arielle said, completely out of breath. “I told Anton that we’ll be
doing some shopping, and it might be a little difficult to return tomorrow.”