“You both look like you are going to the guillotine.”
“You are not funny, Gabby,” Arielle mumbled, glaring at her, utterly frustrated.
“Okay, okay, I’m sorry,” Gabby said, walking back and standing in front of her two friends. “I was only joking. I truly believe that you’ll enjoy it, if you just give it a chance.” She stared at both of them with a sincere look on her face, then turned and walked out the door. “Cowards,” she said, loud enough for them to hear her, and laughed again. And this time she didn’t stop. Turning back, she saw her friends watching her, stunned shock on their faces.
“Oh, my God!” she called out, throwing her hands once again up in the air. “I’m joking!” This time they all laughed, and Gabby let out a sigh of relief.
The girls found the guys standing by their horses, carrying on an inaudible conversation. But the girls could tell that whatever they were discussing was quite amusing because they were laughing ardently. As they approached their beaux, the three stopped and stared in awe at these three astounding specimens of male beauty.
Ian was the first one to look up and notice the girls. “Mmm-mmm, get a load of that,” he said in admiration.
Troy and Sebastian whirled around and found themselves staring at three stunningly beautiful girls—their girls. Deep smiles curved their lips, and long, low whistles divulged their appreciation of the girls’ beauty. Ian moved toward them slowly, and as he approached Eva, he reached for her. They stood for a moment gazing into each other’s eyes. Then, Ian lowered his gaze and stepped much closer. Reaching out he pulled Eva into his arms. “You look amazing, but a little worried,” he whispered, “Don’t worry, I’ll not leave your side, my love.” Eva looked up at him and smiled nervously. Clasping her hand he pulled her toward the horses.
Gabrielle was already standing by her horse, a big male beauty named Rêve de Minuit. With one hand she was holding the reins, and with the other she was petting the horse on his neck with soft sweeping strokes while whispering sweet nothings in his ear. What in the world is she telling that horse? Arielle thought and chuckled at the sight. Gabby looked as if she could feel the joy of her touch emanating from the horse. She noticed Sebastian and Troy exchanging glances. Finally, they both laughed out loud, at one point doubling over with laughter.
She couldn’t hear what Gabby was saying, but of course immortal ears could hear a pin fall in the hay.
Gabrielle looked up, startled, and saw Troy and Sebastian straightening up and winking at each other.
“What in bloody hell is wrong with you two?” she called out.
Troy waved his hand, dismissing her question, and with two long strides she was in his arms and locked in a hot kiss.
Arielle felt the heat of Sebastian’s body before she saw him move. He was suddenly standing close to her. She looked up and their gazes locked. His arms snaked around her waist and he pulled her closer. She wanted to ask about Gabby and what she had said to the horse, but his mouth came down on hers with toe curling passion, wiping away every thought she ever had. His tongue slipped inside the softness of her mouth and pleasure spread like fire. They lost themselves in the moment, forgetting where they were.
A soft cough made them stop and look around. Troy was busy with Gabby, and Ian with Eva, but Edward was still standing close by, trying to look inconspicuous, but clearly uncomfortable with the displays of affection. Sebastian dropped his hands, and Arielle pulled away from his tight embrace. Sebastian cleared his throat, and clasping her hand, he pulled her toward her horse.
“Are you ready to do this?” he asked, grinning.
“I’m not so sure. But I’ll try,” she said honestly.
“Don’t worry, baby. I’ll be right next to you.”
“Don’t worry,” she said, trying to mimic his calm voice, but she felt anything but confident.
A wide smile spread across Sebastian’s face. “You look a bit pale, darling. Do you feel all right?” he asked, chuckling. Arielle knew that he was playing with her, not understanding her very real fear.
“She’s fine,” Gabrielle said. “She’s just scared.”
“Oh, gee, thanks, Gabby.” Arielle shot her friend a look of disapproval. Gabrielle just laughed. Arielle could see that in her mind she was thinking warmly of her, and she was excited to be on a horse again.
Sebastian’s desire to kiss her increased. He cradled her face with his hands, and bending down he captured her lips in a warm kiss. Pulling back from the kiss reluctantly, he smiled and pulled her to stand next to a very large horse.
“Look,” he said. “Eva is already on the horse.”
She looked up, surprised to see that he was right. Eva was sitting on the horse, but she wasn’t looking as confident as the rest of them. Arielle could read her mind and what she saw in Eva’s mind was nothing like the look on Eva’s face. She was clearly scared to death, but she wanted to do this for Ian. Arielle looked up at Sebastian and pursed her lips together. His lips curved into a sensual smile.
“Come along!” he said and helped her get into the saddle.
Clutching at the horse’s bridle, she drew in a deep breath. “Oh, God, here I go...,” she said in a low voice, but they all heard her and laughed out loud. She took a deep breath and shifted on the saddle uncomfortably. She was trembling, face ghostly white, but she was on the horse. Well, she thought to herself, this isn’t so bad. But of course the horse hasn’t moved yet.
Sebastian handed her the reins and quickly showed her what she needed to do. He vaulted onto the horse with ease, and he looked glorious.
They all started to move forward slowly, and Arielle found out that the ride was not as bad as she had feared. Ian stayed close to Eva, and Sebastian close to Arielle. Troy and Gabrielle were very comfortable, and they rode a bit ahead.
“What is the horse’s name?” Arielle asked when she dared to say anything.
“Whisper,” Sebastian answered.
“Why, for heaven’s sake, should I do that?” she asked, glancing at him, puzzled.
“Do what?”
“Why should I whisper?”
Sebastian tried, but failed to suppress laughter that was slowly pulsating through his body. He finally succumbed and exploded into laughter, followed by Ian and Eva. When they finally stopped laughing, they found Arielle watching them all, speechless.
“What in bloody hell is so funny?” she finally asked crisply.
There was an abrupt silence, while Sebastian, Ian, and Eva exchanged amusing looks.
“Well, am I going to be privy to your joke?” she asked. She feigned indifference, but she was really hurt.
Sebastian coughed to clear his voice and kept his lips from turning up into a smile.
“I’m sorry, baby, but this was quite funny. Whisper is the horse’s name,” he explained.
Arielle’s eyes widened and her mouth shaped into an “Oh.” She clapped her hand over her mouth and chuckled quietly.
“He and Shadow, Eva’s horse, are very mild, wonderful horses. You will be fine. Trust in me.”
Arielle looked cautiously over at Eva. She wore a big smile on her face and looked good riding Shadow, right next to Ian.
Anyone who looked at Eva and Arielle would have seen two girls too scared to do anything but trust their horses. They started out at a slow trot and, little by little, Arielle started to relax the topline. The saddle was comfortable and she began to feel a bit more secure. She could see that her friends were all skilled in horsemanship methods. They had great command of their horses. Eva, too, looked as if she was doing well.
After a while, Arielle also began to calm down and actually enjoy herself.
Chapter 2
FIELDS AND MEADOWS BLOOMING with beautiful wildflowers and wonderful trees surrounded the stables. Behind the stables was a small lake and a couple of creeks. As they rode, everyone had questions for Sebastian, who was happy to explain that for centuries the place they were riding through had not changed much. The area was famo
us for the abundance of colorful rhododendrons. It was well known that people came from miles away to enjoy them and to take photos with their families.
Their trail was abundant with a variety of foliage, and the top of the hill offered a fantastic opportunity for a smooth and exceptional ride. They rode through a magnificent landscape, with the beautiful ocean always in view, the strong scent of lavender and jasmine perfuming the air.
They passed through waterfalls with exposed limestone rock formations that created stunning overhanging rock cliffs. Sebastian explained that this area included the only such rock complex in France, with centuries old woodlands, rock walls, and vertical drops.
Arielle was looking out at the ocean, completely mesmerized, when she heard Ian call out, “Who is that girl up on that hill?”
Every head turned in unison to follow the direction Ian was pointing.
In the distance, a tall, slim woman was standing on the top of a hill, gazing down at them. She was a bit too far away for anyone to be able to make out her face, but a sudden cold chill coursed down Arielle’s spine. The hair on the back of her neck stood up. Fear consumed her mind, and the intensity of the emotion practically knocked her off the horse. She wanted to look away, but she couldn’t tear her gaze from the sight of her nemesis. She was sure that she was looking at Annabel.
The woman’s hair swirled in all directions. Her long dress was swaying in the breeze, giving her a creepy look, almost like a ghost. Recognition crashed into Arielle’s brain and her heart started to hammer in her chest as fright spread across every nerve of her body. She tried to draw a breath but failed, and she began to falter.
She could hear voices coming from miles away, but she was unable to make out a single word. She closed her eyes as a wave of nausea washed over her, and then she started to fall.
Sebastian had moved his horse next to hers, knowing instinctively that something was amiss. His strong hands locked around her waist and he pulled her off her horse and onto his lap. He looked down at her pale face and his arms enveloped her tightly against the solid muscles of his chest.
“Arielle… Arielle,” he whispered anxiously. “Baby, what’s wrong?”
She didn’t reply. She nestled deeper into his embrace. Sebastian held her close for a long moment. Then swinging his leg over the horse, he slid to the ground, carefully holding Arielle’s limp body to his chest.
He sat on the ground and held her between his legs. He wrapped his arms around her protectively, and pulled her tightly into his embrace. She sighed deeply and rested her head against his chest.
He watched Ian and Eva dismount. They approached eagerly, concern etched across their faces.
“What’s wrong?” Eva asked.
“I’m not sure,” Sebastian murmured, not wanting to discuss the woman on the hill with them.
“Humph, she was fine one moment and the next she was falling off the horse,” Eva remarked and smiled lightly.
Of course, Sebastian knew precisely what had scared Arielle. The woman on the hill was Annabel, and Arielle had recognized her.
“I’m sure she’ll be fine,” he said reassuringly. Relief enveloped Ian and Eva, but deep inside Eva knew there was more to this situation with her friend than Sebastian was letting on.
Shortly after, Arielle started to feel better. She opened her eyes and shifted uncomfortably. Looking up into Sebastian’s emerald gaze, she smiled, and tipping her head up slightly, she pressed a soft kiss on his lips. “I’m sorry I delayed the outing,” she said. Sebastian pulled her back into a kiss, giving her a reassuring squeeze.
“We have all day,” he said, without letting his lips leave hers. Then, surging to his feet he bent down, and gripping her arms he pulled her to her feet and right into his arms.
“God, you scared me.”
“Sorry,” she said again, apologetically. Turning toward Ian and Eva, she saw them watching her carefully. She gave them a soft smile, and reiterated, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to spoil the ride. I don’t know what came over me.”
“Do you still want to ride?” Eva asked.
“Yes… yes… absolutely,” she replied and waved dismissively. “I’m fine now.”
Eva reached for her hand and pressed it softly. “You do know that I don’t mind if you want to change your mind.”
“Oh, no you don’t,” Ian called, clasping Eva’s hand. “You can’t use Arielle and this episode to get out of riding.” He pulled her toward their horses chuckling, leaving Sebastian and Arielle alone.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes, I’m fine,” she said unconvincingly.
“What in the world came over you?” he asked, his words low and gentle.
“I looked up on the hill and saw Annabel. Did you not see her?”
His eyes closed in frustration, and he nodded. Irritation surged though him and his mouth settled into a straight line. He inhaled deeply, trying to suppress an explicit curse.
“I’m worried that she will create problems for us,” she said quietly.
“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything. Let’s go riding,” he said, raising his hand and gesturing toward the horses. He tucked her hand in his and gave her a warm smile. “You don’t want to keep your friends waiting, do you?”
“No, of course not,” she said and waved to Eva and Ian, letting them know she was all right. “We’re coming,” she called out, forcing a wide smile on her face.
“That’s my girl.” Sebastian was aware of the battle she was fighting, between her fear of horses and her desire to please him. He placed his two fingers under her chin, and tilting her head back, he set his lips on hers with passion. “I love you, will you please start trusting in me?”
“Yes… yes… I will.” She drew a deep breath and tried to smile. “Again, I’m sorry,” she said coyly.
She squealed, completely startled as Sebastian bent down and swept her into his arms.
“What are you doing?” she giggled.
“I’m putting you on your horse,” he replied, and with a quick move he lifted his arms and set her up on the saddle.
“Oh,” she bellowed, inhaling sharply, while her stomach tightened once again. She blinked and tried to get accustomed to being on the horse again.
“Are you okay?” he asked, looking up and locking her gaze. She smiled and leaning down, she ran her fingers down the side of his face and his breath hitched.
Wow, he thought. The sensation of her touch made him feel alive. His gaze lingered on her face for a long moment, and then he turned and vaulted onto his horse. Leaning forward, he ran his hand over the magnificent creature’s mane. Then, turned to look at Arielle once again. “Are you ready, baby?” he asked. Arielle nodded and opened her mouth to say something, but she closed it again when Ian’s voice called out.
“That woman is gone!”
Arielle and Sebastian turned toward the hill and saw that Annabel was indeed gone. Their gazes locked again and Sebastian’s lips moved silently, mouthing the words, “I love you.” Arielle smiled softly.
“Let’s go!” Sebastian called out, and the four of them set out to catch up with Troy and Gabrielle.
Arielle rode quietly, trying to stop the wild thoughts from whirling around her head.
Was Annabel always going to be lurking somewhere in the background, just waiting for a chance to destroy her happiness? The joy was gone for Arielle. Eerie thoughts entered her head. The fact that I’m on a horse doesn’t seem to be of any importance, she thought. I’m riding with no fear of Whisper now because Annabel holds every fear my mind could produce. I’ll have to face her at some point in time, but does it have to be now, while on this glorious holiday with our friends? She wants to kill me, and I’m panicking.
She swallowed hard and kept her thoughts to herself. I can’t panic… I can’t panic, she kept repeating until she finally started to calm down and regain her faculties. Turning and looking behind her she saw Sebastian watching her, waiting for her to say something.<
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“I’m fine.” She smiled wide, and Sebastian relaxed. Loud whistles ahead of her made her turn around again and snap out of her eerie thoughts. She saw Ian and Eva waving eagerly out into the far distance. Troy and Gabrielle were standing on their horses, utterly unmoved, like two glorious riders in a beautiful painting filled with lush fields, the ocean a backdrop. Wow! They look like they belong in the pages of a Gothic book. Her lips turned up in amazement and she snorted, thinking of Gabby and her goofy ways.
“What happened to you?” Gabby called as they approached.
“Arielle didn’t feel very good, she went limp on her horse,” Eva said, offering an explanation.
“What? Are you okay?” Gabby asked affectionately.
“Yes, yes, I’m fine, thanks, Gabby,” Arielle replied quietly, wanting to change the subject.
They all set out toward the open fields. They crossed a graveyard that was located about a mile away from the house, the hoof beats muffled by the thick grass on the ground. Gabrielle asked about the cemetery and Sebastian was happy to explain that it was a family cemetery that had been there for a few centuries. Several members of his family were buried in the large vaults. They all felt that they had stepped back in time, and they were all incredibly interested in the family history.
Meanwhile, Arielle was shivering, thinking about Annabel and what was still to come. It seemed that every time they spoke about death and cemeteries a vision of Annabel appeared, ready to torment her, ready to ruin her life. She recalled the feeling of Annabel’s eyes piercing through hers, filled with revulsion. Instinctively, she covered her face with her hands, as if she would be able to erase that picture from her mind. She felt stressed and scared, and she knew that this wasn’t escaping Sebastian’s notice, or that of her friends for that matter. They all looked concerned.
Arielle Immortal Passion (The Immortal Rapture Series Book 3) Page 3