Arielle Immortal Seduction (22 page)

My addiction
, he thought, and chuckled. Arielle closed her eyes, moaning breathlessly, and his breath hitched. He fought for control and coughed to clear his throat.

“I’m going to leave you for a short time to go and check out of the hotel,” he said. “Then, we can pick up where we left off, or just talk about moving your things later today or tomorrow. What do you think?”

Arielle’s eyes snapped open wide. “Now?” she asked, staggering back and hauling in a trembling breath. Sebastian chuckled softly, and gathering her close one more time, he set his lips on hers passionately.

“I shouldn’t be long. Don’t forget where we were,” he snickered.

Arielle watched him walk away. “I’ll be happy to stay here and explore this beautiful house,” she said, frowning a bit. She heard a soft snort in reply.

When Sebastian left, she called Eva. She told her all about the car Sebastian had given her for Christmas and the house he had just bought for them.

“You must be so happy,” Eva said. Her voice too was filled with happiness.

“Eva, I’m so overwhelmed that I think it’s a dream. He’s so amazing. But he is doing so much for me, and I can’t do anything for him.”

“I’m sure you do a lot for him,” Eva said. “He looks so happy when he is with you. I’ve watched his face when you are together, and he looks like he wants nothing else in this world but to be with you. I love you so much, Arielle, and I’m so happy for you both.”

“I feel the same way about you and Ian, and Gabrielle and Troy. You all seem to be so very happy together. I’m very fortunate to have you in my life,” Arielle said, sighing happily. “I was thinking about moving my things later today. Will you be there?”

“I was going to call you and talk to you about me and Gabrielle,” Eva said. “I’m moving my things right now, so I don’t know if I’ll still be here when you come. Ian is helping me move into his place. He has a beautiful house on the beach, and I know I’ll be so happy with him. I can’t stand being away from him. I feel complete when we are together.”

Arielle laughed. “I know exactly what you mean. I feel the same way about Sebastian. What did you want to tell me about Gabrielle?”

“Troy and Gabrielle moved her things this morning. I guess he’s pretty wealthy. Gabrielle said his house is like a palace, and she just can’t get used to the size of it.”

Arielle chuckled again with delight.

Soon after she hung up the phone it rang again. This time it was Troy.

“What’s up, Troy?”

“Arielle, I’m going to propose to Gabrielle next Saturday on her birthday. I know I told you this before, but now I need your help with my plans.”

“Oh, Troy, she’ll be so happy! I know how much she has been wishing for this moment. Just let me know what you want me to do, and I’ll be happy to take care of it.”

“Thanks, Arielle. You have really been a true friend.”

“I love you both, so don’t worry, everything will be taken care of, whatever you ask.”

“Thanks, Arielle. I’ll call you later with the details.”

She put the phone down and walked out into the backyard. It was just as breathtaking as the garden in front. Huge gorgeous trees were everywhere. Arielle looked around and smiled wide. She could just imagine how it would be in the springtime. She could see blooming multicolored flowers, blue, white, and pink hydrangeas, and green foliage covering the entire area. She could vividly see jasmine climbing the walls that surrounded the property, and almost smell the lovely scent of freesia everywhere. It would be a small piece of paradise.

Her attention shifted to the goldfish that were swimming back and forth in a small fountain by the back of the garden. There were three different areas equipped with comfortable furniture, with plenty of places to sit and read a book, or just relax. What a paradise, Arielle thought again.

As she looked out at the sea, her mind wandered. She was enjoying all the wonderful things that life could offer, but a strange feeling crept up on her. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but it was making her feel more than a little peculiar.

Suddenly, a vision of Julia took over her mind and she could hear her words about all the women Sebastian had been with, and how he had left them after he’d had enough. It was the same thing Savanna had told her at her birthday party. Could these things be true?

Will he leave me too, after he has had enough? she wondered. Had he ever asked any of the others to marry him? Had he ever told them that he loved them? She tried to push the feeling into the back of her head, along with every other bad thought or feeling she had ever had. “I don’t want to deal with any of that today,” she murmured, but the thoughts wouldn’t go away.

Now, she sat down and stared at the water, moisture covering her eyes. What in the world is going on with me? Why do thoughts like these enter my mind? She wondered if life would have been simpler if Sebastian was just a normal human guy.

She stood up and walked down to end of the property, and looked at the beautiful homes that were built on the tops of the cliffs on either side of their home. The hillsides were covered with grass and big bundles of red and white valerian. The view was spectacular. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn’t hear Sebastian approach. Suddenly she turned, and she was caught in his warm, tight embrace, so tight that she struggled for breath. His face was beautiful, and his lips found hers, holding her in a passionate, tender kiss.

“What were you thinking about?” he asked, grinning. The grin faded when he noticed the moisture in her eyes.

“Are you crying?” he asked, voice full of concern.

“This place is out of this world, and it makes me very happy,” she said. “I always cry when I’m extremely happy.”

A cool ocean breeze made her shiver. Her thoughts drifted to a faraway place again, so much so that she forgot that Sebastian was still standing there, watching her. She felt his arms tightening around her and his eyes pierced hers. His effect on her was as intense as ever, but now she could hear his voice loud and clear.

“Arielle! You are tormenting me now. Something is wrong and I can’t read your mind. You have to tell me what you are thinking.” He shook her lightly and she snapped out of whatever was making her act like a crazy person.

She looked at him and saw worry in his face. How can I hurt him like that? He doesn’t deserve to pay for my insecurities and petty jealousy. I need to stop these thoughts. She sank into his warm embrace and sobbed, “I’m sorry Sebastian, please forgive me. I am just being stupid.”

“I don’t understand. Is there something I did?”

“No, not at all. But when it comes to you I’m full of insecurities.”

“What are you insecure about?”

“Losing you, of course.”

“Again, I don’t understand.”

“You really don’t want to hear what I’m thinking.”

“Now, that’s where you are wrong. I want to know all your thoughts.”

She stopped for a couple minutes and looked towards the ocean. Finally, she said in a low voice, “I’m scared that I’m just a passing fad for you.”

His arms gripped her tightly and he spun her around to face him. He was clearly shocked, and he stared at her with astonishment.

After a few minutes she heard his voice again, this time hard and angry, “Is that what you think of me?” he said through clenched teeth.

“I’m sorry, Sebastian. I know that I’m acting like a jealous teenager, and not a mature individual.”

“What could you possibly be jealous of?”

“Oh, just life itself.”

He put his arm around her waist and pulled her into the house. He shut the door behind them. They stood in the middle of the kitchen. “I love you, Arielle. I can’t breathe if you are not near me. I don’t want to live if I can’t have you. I want to marry you, today, now! All you have to do is say the word. So I simply do not understand how you can be jealous of anything at all.”

“You’re right. I’m such a fool,” she cried. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and standing on her toes, she searched for his mouth. She touched his lips with her tongue and his kiss draped her in sheer passion. His hands pulled her tightly against his body as his lips moved from her mouth down to the hollow of her throat and she moaned with desire. The smoothness of her skin excited Sebastian to a painful level. Intense desire elevated his need and his muscles locked. He was ready to fulfill every single one of her needs. Her hands moved slowly and unbuttoned his shirt. She pulled the shirt away from his jeans, and pushed it wide open, exposing her eyes to the amazing sight of his body. Her mouth went dry, trying to absorb the magnificent sight that took over every single fiber of her existence. She moistened her lips and set them on the planes of his chest, trailing his skin with soft kisses. She skated her tongue slowly across the hard muscles. His breath hitched as heat spread across single nerve, every single fiber of his body. She moved her hands slowly, lower and lower, and unbuttoned his jeans. Sebastian swallowed hard and groaned.

“You will be the death of me,” he said with a low chuckle. He picked her up and carried her inside to their new bed. His hands were now on her bare hips and all she could think was how much she wanted him. He was frantically removing his clothes and gasping for air as he pulled her beneath him, gently reeled her into a fascinating world of passion, and claimed everything that he knew was his and only his. She closed her eyes and moaned. He was so perfect. Once again, she was lost in the beautiful world that he had provided for her.

Afterward he laid next to her, completely satisfied, a smile spread across his beautiful face. She closed her eyes, thinking how lucky she was that he loved her, when his arms suddenly pulled her on top of him and held her tight. His lips were curved up into that inviting smile. He kissed her softly.

“How are you feeling now?” he whispered.

“Pretty extraordinary,” she said with a giggle.

“I love you, Arielle, don’t ever forget that.”

“Your eyes are so beautiful,” she whispered. He grinned, drawn in by the beauty of her face, and he kissed the tip of her nose.

“I’m in love with your eyes too. They give me the energy I need to breathe,” he murmured.

She laughed. “I could spend the whole day just telling you all the things I love about you.”

She rolled back onto the bed and stretched to feel the full effect. She was exultant, and the bed was soft and very comfortable. He kept his arms about her, resting silently, totally satisfied for a very long time.

They must have both dozed off because when her mobile went off, Arielle was startled. She jumped out of bed and caught it on the second ring. It was Eva asking if Arielle wanted to go shopping the next day for a New Year’s Eve outfit. She was going to the Taylors’ annual New Year’s Eve party, and so were Arielle’s parents. This year, Arielle would be going to the Dillons’ party with Sebastian instead.

Their parents had arranged the annual parties for as long as Arielle could remember. Christmas was at the Lloyds’ house, New Year’s Eve at the Taylors’, and Mardi Gras at the Winters’ house, up until Eva’s father had passed away.

“Hang on, just a sec, Eva,” she said. “Sebastian, do you mind if I go shopping with Gabrielle and Eva tomorrow?”

“No, darling, you go ahead.”

“Do you want me to come and pick you up?” she asked Eva.

“No, I would rather pick you up. Ian’s sister is coming with us.”

“Oh, that will be great. I can’t wait to meet her. See you tomorrow, then.”

She gave Eva her new address and jumped back into bed where Sebastian was waiting for her. She fell into his embrace, her lips parted, and Sebastian repossessed them ravenously.

“Whom are you going to meet?” he murmured, without leaving the kiss.

She pulled back gently. “Oh, Ian’s sister is coming with us. I’ve never met her, and I think it will be wonderful. I also found out that Troy will be proposing to Gabrielle next Saturday on her birthday. I’m so happy for her. Both my best friends are going to be engaged. I can hardly believe how our lives have changed—especially mine.”

She was quiet now. She closed her eyes and tried hard not to think about all the other women that had been Sebastian’s lovers in his long immortal life, but she failed. Agonizing details began to consume her imagination, and she pressed her lips nervously. She knew Sebastian could sense her fears and anxieties. She was afraid that he might even guess what was twirling around inside her head. At least he couldn’t read her thoughts. She was happy about that.

Late in the afternoon, they drove to her parents’ house to pick up her new car, and from there they drove both cars to the flat to pick up most of Arielle’s things. It took a few trips to get everything out of there. They finished moving in the early evening, and the last trip was to pick up Arielle’s old car, her little Volvo, and bring it back to the house. Then they went out to eat, but Sebastian didn’t touch a thing. Afterward, they spent their first night in their new home just enjoying the house. Sebastian made Arielle play the piano, and sat next to her with his arm around her waist and a happy smile on his face as she played. Every so often he would lean in and kiss her. Arielle couldn’t imagine being any happier.

Chapter 19

A
round 11:00 the next morning, Gabby and Eva arrived. Ian’s sister Rachel was very friendly. She was quite pretty and looked a lot like her brother. Arielle took them on a tour of the house and they all loved it. “After we go shopping, I would love to see your new places,” she said, and her friends agreed.

At the mall they found some amazing dresses for their New Year’s celebrations. Arielle chose a strapless black cocktail dress with a narrow blue sash around her waist. It was short—about four inches above the knee—and very attractive. She also bought a pair of black leather high heels and some stockings.

They decided to buy some sexy lingerie next. “For after the party,” Gabby said with an arch smile, and they all laughed. They had fun making their selections, and then they headed out, happy with their choices.

The first stop was at Gabrielle and Troy’s new place. The house was amazing, Eva had not been kidding. It was full of antiques, not surprising considering Troy’s history. There was a huge library full of amazing books, some very old. Troy was very hospitable.
He is going to make Gabrielle so happy,
Arielle thought.

They were standing in their bedroom when Gabby leaned close to Arielle’s ear and whispered, “Arielle, he is the most amazing lover.”

Arielle chuckled, knowing exactly what her friend meant. She leaned over and whispered in Gabby’s ear. “Well, he has had centuries of experience, remember that.” Gabby couldn’t hold her laughter back, and everyone wanted to know what was so funny, especially Troy.

“Oh, nothing,” Arielle said, rolling her eyes. “Girl talk.”

Next, they went to Eva and Ian’s charming place.

“It’s amazing that we all live by the ocean,” Arielle exclaimed gleefully. The three friends had been spending time together by the sea ever since they were very young girls. “Ian this is amazing. This has to be some kind of omen,” she laughed as they all joined in.

Arielle got home around 7:30. “Thanks for driving, Gabby,” she said. She had a funny feeling as she walked up the big staircase leading up to the front door, realizing that this was her new home. The door swung wide open just as she put the key in the keyhole. Sebastian stood in the doorway looking perfect beyond belief, wearing only a pair of jeans. His sensuous lips were curved up into the most amazing smile. His magnificence stole Arielle’s breath away. She just stared at him, speechless. Her heart filled with warmth and excitement. Would she ever get used to his astonishingly good looks? How could this man be real? The feeling of ecstatic disbelief seemed impossible to shake.

“Welcome home,” he said softly, reaching out and gathering her into his arms. Her eyes came up and met his scorching gaze, and her breath caught in her throat. His mouth came down on hers and he kissed her affectionately.

“Did you miss me?”

“Ah! That’s my line,” he chuckled, eyes hot as fire.

She giggled and slid her arms around his beautiful body. Her lips traced across his bare chest and her palms stroked the planes of his back. He moaned with pleasure as sudden heat surged though his body like wildfire. She pressed hard against him and her body felt a warm, palpable sensation that touched every single grain of her existence.

“I don’t like being away from you,” he murmured, capturing her lips in a hungry kiss.

“I have to do things,” she said, gasping for air.

“You can do them with me.”

“No, I can’t, I like to do girl stuff with my friends.”

“Well, I guess I’ll have to get used to that.”

“Sebastian, what are you going to do about your job if you are in school next year?”

“What made you think of that?”

“Well, we were discussing our classes for next year, and as usual you were on my mind,” she admitted, coyly.

“Don’t worry. I have done this before many times. I have certain abilities that allow me to do things a little differently than humans. The thing that bothers me is when I have to travel. I can’t stand being away from you, so that will be a challenge for me.”

“I don’t think I’m going to like that part either.”

“Did you get something to eat?”

“Yes, after we went shopping we stopped and had something to eat. I haven’t had any time to go grocery shopping, so there’s no food in the house.”

“Oh, but that’s where you are wrong. I went shopping for you.”

“What?”

She let go of him and walked into the kitchen. She opened the fridge and couldn’t believe her eyes. It was full of vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk, juices, everything she would need. He had stocked the cabinets as well. “Did you manifest all this too?”

“No, I actually went to the store,” he said happily.

“You did? I’m amazed.”

“Arielle, did you think that just because I don’t eat, I don’t know what a home should have?”

“No, I didn’t mean that at all.”

“By the way, the bottles in the back of the fridge are for me. It’s the salve, which is very important for my survival.”

She nodded, and her gaze drifted from his face to the contents of the fridge. She flinched at the thought that some liquid like salve could be his lifeline.

She kissed him softly. “Thank you so much, baby. You really are perfect,” she said, and walked into the bedroom.

“Are you going to bed?”

“No, I’m going to take a shower. Would you like to join me?” she said with an inviting gesture.

“I thought you would never ask,” he replied, and followed her with a soft whistle. In bed she lay utterly ecstatic, encircled in his arms. She thought about where she was, and the man who was sleeping next to her. She still felt like she was living in a dream, that she would wake up any moment and it would all be gone. Her heart started to race, so she reached over and touched him to make sure he was really there. He moaned softly.

“What’s the matter?”

“Nothing, I was just making sure you are still here,” she said. He pulled her closer. She felt the warmth of his body and closed her eyes. For a moment, Annabel’s face flashed in front of her and she shivered, knowing that one of these days she would have to face her nightmare again. But for now she was safe and happy. She pulled herself closer to Sebastian and drifted off to sleep.

Early in the morning she woke up and stretched back, feeling warm and comfortable. She sighed lazily, and blinking a couple of times, she decided to crawl out of bed and walk to the back window. She drew back the heavy curtains and held her breath as her eyes took in all the beauty the world was offering, for free. The water looked magnificent under the bright sunlight. The tide was out, and in the morning light, small sailboats created a remarkable picture that no painter’s hand could have captured.

Arielle was absolutely in love with the house. I don’t remember ever having had this kind of feeling, standing in front of any window at any place I have ever visited, she thought. She looked at her angel, still fast asleep, and went to the kitchen to make coffee. Troughs of morning sunlight impaled the windows of the kitchen, brightening the room. Soon the house was filled with a wonderful rich aroma from the brew. Taking a cup of coffee she went out the back door. The grass was still wet with the morning dew. Arielle let her toes feel the moisture and beamed with delight.

The day was gorgeous. It was warm. She could feel the sun heat her skin. This had been an extraordinary year as far as the weather was concerned. The usual weather for December in Brighton was drab and wet but not this year. The days had been a bit cool but overall too warm for this time of year. She was not complaining at all, she was just taking in the weather change with extreme pleasure. She was wearing a skimpy camisole that she had purchased the day before. It was a bit cool, but she didn’t seemed to mind. She held the cup with both hands and closed her eyes, letting her senses become aware of the earth beneath her feet, and her body become infused with the unexpected warmth of the sun. What a wonderful feeling.

I should call Mum and Daddy
, she thought. I would love for them to see the house before they leave for Africa. She thought of all that she had to look forward to, and she was filled with extreme happiness. Sebastian would be with her every day. He would share her bed every night. She laughed aloud with pleasure and threw her head back, letting the sun caress her face.

Opening her eyes, she took a sip of coffee and turned to walk back inside. Sebastian was standing at the family room window, watching her. Her Greek god, with a wide smile on his sensuous lips. She smiled back at him and waved. He was in front of her before she could even cross the threshold.

“Good morning! I do wish you would not leave the bed without waking me up. Your face is the first thing I want to see every morning, remember our agreement?”

“I just thought you might want to sleep in. You looked so peaceful and so beautiful, I didn’t want to disturb you.”

He reached for her and she fell into his arms, trying not to spill her coffee. He put his finger under her chin, pulled her head up to his level, and softly pressed his lips on hers.

“You look so beautiful. I really like this little camisole, did you just get it?”

“Yes, just for you,” she smiled, reaching for his lips one more time.

“How am I ever going to get anything done at school if I feel this way all the time?” she asked. “All I want to do is be with you. That’s just not normal.”

“Why would you ever think that it’s not normal? I’m sure that anyone who shares the kind of love that you and I share has the exact same feeling.”

She shook her head and took another sip from her coffee.

“Would you like some coffee?” she asked. He declined and poured himself a glass of salve. They sat in front of the huge picture window, enjoying the ocean view.

For a long time, they sat quietly and didn’t say a word. Finally, Arielle announced that she needed to call her parents, and got up to get her phone.

“Hello, Mum, how are you? And how is Daddy?”

Naturally, Arielle’s mother wanted to know all about how she liked the house. Arielle happily chatted on for about thirty minutes without stopping, gushing about the house, about Sebastian, and about how happy she was, while her mother just listened. Finally, she said, “Do you want to come and see the house?”

“We’ve been there, darling. Sebastian invited us to come over while you were out shopping with your friends. It’s absolutely wonderful. Sebastian was a perfect host. He and your father spent a lot of time talking about business and about you.”

Surprised, Arielle finished her call. Putting down the phone, she looked at Sebastian. “Did you do that for me?” she asked. “Invite my parents over, I mean?”

“There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you, Arielle. I love you, and the way you feel affects me directly.”

She sat on his lap, sighed, and they held each other in complete contentment. She leaned close and breathed in his intoxicating scent. She closed her eyes and grinned, realizing the intense heat that his proximity was creating. Even with her eyes closed, she could feel his penetrating gaze. Opening her eyes, her gaze met that warm green emerald ocean that made her heart thud at such an exhilarating speed.

“What?” she asked, flushed.

“I know you are lost in your thoughts, I can feel it,” he whispered. “What were you thinking? What’s bothering you?”

“Noth…nothing…” she stammered.

Sebastian looked at her, amused. “Well, it has to be something. So, out with it.”

“I was thinking about how much I love you,” she replied, and leaning in she pressed her lips on his passionately.

“That’s a good thing,” he commented, letting out a soft sigh.

After a short pause, she added, “Sebastian? I do have one small question.”

“I knew that something was smoldering that pretty head of yours,” he said, chuckling. She laughed too, and continued.

“If immortals can’t have children, how come the Dillons had a child?”

At first the question caught him by surprise, then quickly another thought darted through his mind, making him shiver lightly. He looked directly into her eyes and held her gaze for a long moment.

Arielle could see his anxiety. “What is it?” she asked, eyes wide open. He pursed his lips and his voice came out all quivery. “Are you asking because I told you that I can’t give you any children?” he asked, his voice low. “Because if you are, I’m sorry, but it is the absolute truth.” He pursed his lips anxiously, and added. “I do feel terrible about that.”