“I’m fine…” her voice trailed off. His arms gave her the security and warmth she needed. He was her private sanctuary. She pulled herself closer and Sebastian nuzzled her hair. Eva and Ian locked themselves in a hot kiss, and then climbed into their car quickly. They waved goodbye and drove away.
The ride home was filled with a pleasant silence. When they did speak, their conversation was light. Arielle thought about mentioning Christian but decided against it. She gasped silently, remembering the girl addressing him with the name Christian, which was also the name of Sebastian's father. She now knew her stalker's name. She pondered why nobody else seemed worried.
She felt Sebastian's hand pressing on hers and suddenly became aware of his penetrating gaze. She averted her eyes from the road and found Sebastian watching her carefully. He took a deep breath and tilted his head to the side. His eyes narrowed.
“Something wrong?” he asked worriedly.
She shook her head, but her mouth pressed into a straight line.
“Well, what is it?” he pressed on.
She opened her mouth to reply but shut it again. She wanted to talk about Christian but had decided against it.
“Do I need to remove that necklace?” Sebastian asked, clearly frustrated.
Arielle paused, surprised by his statement. “No, no, you don’t have to do that. I was just thinking about all the homework I have for this evening,” she lied. “I will not be able to take a walk on the beach, and that makes me sad.”
He bit back a smile, clearly pleased with her reply, and pulled her close. He pressed a soft kiss on her lips.
“That works for me too. I’m meeting with Troy this evening to discuss business. We’ll take that walk tomorrow night. Can I have a rain check?” She smiled and nodded in agreement.
Arielle spent the entire week buried in books, but she made sure not to neglect Sebastian, having once made her schoolwork a priority over her fiancé and nearly losing him in the process. He was the most important person in her life, and she would never again make the mistake she made last semester. They had found a perfect balance between school and personal life, and Arielle was determined to maintain it. Though there were times he cheated by using his mind-blowing skills of seduction, completely disarming her and making her forget all about books. She loved her life with Sebastian; she wouldn’t change a thing.
A couple of days later, their group was in the cafeteria pavilion enjoying a break between classes when Eva showed Arielle a picture of her and Ian in Italy. Arielle’s lips parted to ask a question but remained parted as her eyes met a pair of clear blue eyes. She froze instantly. Christian, her stalker, was making his way into the cafeteria. Instinctively, she moved her hand to her neck and clenched her necklace. He followed the move, flashing an instantaneous smile. She remained very still as she felt a tightness in her chest. Her eyes followed him as he turned and briefly looked at her one more time, making her face turn a pale white. Eva was watching her carefully as Arielle lifted her finger without moving her hand from her lap and pointed carefully in Christian's direction.
Sebastian was engaged in conversation with Paul. Ian was having an animated talk with Loren, making her laugh. Nobody but Eva noticed a thing. Eva nodded softly to Arielle. She stood up and walked into the cafeteria. Arielle’s lips caught between her teeth. She was anxious about what Eva would discover.
She was startled to hear Sebastian ask if anyone needed anything to drink. They all motioned no, and he walked in the cafeteria followed by Loren. That seemed a bit strange to her, but she didn't give it much mind. Paul came and took the chair next to Arielle with a wide smile on his face. She was happy to talk with him. She loved Paul dearly and didn't see him as much as she once did.
“How is it going with Loren?” she asked, smiling broadly.
“Oh, Arielle, she is just amazing. I’m crazy about her. I’ve decided to propose on Christmas day, and I hope she will say yes.” He looked so happy and so in love that all she could do was smile.
“Paul, I think that’s wonderful. I’m sure she will say yes because I know that she’s in love with you.”
Paul smiled. “I’ve never met anyone so passionate, so amazing, and so incredible...” He shook his head as he tried to find the right words to describe Loren. Arielle chuckled. She was intimately familiar with the amazing ability possessed by limitless love.
“I know exactly what you’re trying to say, and I couldn’t be happier for you,” she said. “I think that Loren is the perfect girl for you. She is absolutely gorgeous.” They laughed joyfully.
“You will always be my best friend,” he whispered. She smiled with pleasure as she pressed his hand affectionately.
Arielle did wonder how all the issues with immortality would play out with Paul, but right now she was more interested in her stalker.
Eva walked in the cafeteria and scanned the room until she located Christian. He was sitting with a female student at the far corner of the cafeteria. There were trays of food in front of them, but they didn’t seem interested in eating. Sensing her gaze, he looked up and gave her a quick look. He immediately averted his gaze back to the girl sitting across from him. The strange flash in his eyes didn’t escape Eva though. She was completely aware that he was avoiding her gaze. Her interest peaked. She was only a few feet away when a strong hand wrapping around her arm startled her. She was pulled back gently and turned around to find Sebastian and Loren. Eva wore a stunned look on her face.
“Don’t do that, Eva,” Sebastian said softly.
“What’s going on?” she asked with wide eyes.
“Don’t go near Christian, don’t talk with him. Pretend he doesn’t exist. Troy’s best friends that you met in St. Jean de Luz called to let us know that Annabel is planning another attack against Arielle. Christian is here to protect her, and that is why she sees him wherever she goes. He is familiar with all the people in Annabel’s circle and he would be the only one to see them coming.”
“But…but why don’t you tell Arielle? She is completely freaked out.”
“Eva, he mustn’t be linked to our group under any circumstances. This way his protection will be solid. You must understand that the person she sends will be watching us and trying to get to Arielle when we aren’t there. They don’t know anything about Christian, so he is perfect for the job,” Sebastian whispered. “Troy, Ian, Loren, and I are completely aware of Christian. We were going to talk to you this evening. I don’t want Arielle to know because I want her to act normal.” Sebastian took a deep breath and stopped talking, waiting for Eva’s reaction. Eva was glancing back and forth between Loren and Sebastian in disbelief.
“But she thinks that he’s a stalker.” Her voice came out at a high pitch.
Sebastian and Loren couldn’t hold back laughter. “A stalker?” Sebastian was laughing so hard some of the students stared. Eva and Loren turned and walked back with Sebastian on their heels. Eva fought to hold back her own laughter.
Arielle watched the three of them come back. They were talking in that special way that exists between immortals. Their lips were moving so fast that she was sure they could discuss a whole book's worth of information in a millisecond, but humans nearby would never hear a word. She chuckled under her breath as Sebastian's stunning emerald eyes rested on hers. His sculpted body moved towards her, making her shiver in excitement. She lost her train of thought.
A smile of ultimate satisfaction spread across his face. Arielle knew that he could read her well enough to sense the effect his presence was having on her. He took the chair next to her. He became engrossed in a conversation with Alex and Damien about sports while Ian pulled Eva close to him. Arielle didn’t get a chance to talk with Eva.
Did she talk with Christian? And if so, what did he say? Arielle wondered. She looked across the table and Eva smiled, her composure unruffled. She took a sip of her soda, and returned Eva's quizzical look, tapping her fingers on the table uneasily.
“So…?” Arielle as
ked impatiently, keeping her voice down.
Eva leaned over the table and whispered, “I didn’t get the chance to talk with him.”
“Why not?”
“Arielle, he was busy with his girlfriend or whoever she is. I didn’t want to intrude, but please trust me, there is nothing to worry about.”
Arielle stifled a frustrated sigh. “Honestly,” she grumbled, and leaned back, closing her eyes in restlessness. When she opened them again, she fell into Sebastian’s scorching emerald gaze. His lips were lifted into an amazing smile that took her breath away.
“Something on your mind, love?” he asked sweetly.
“No, just thinking about our next class,” she said, and smiled back.
They had a couple of afternoon classes, and then they were on their way home. Arielle remained silent during the drive, thinking about Eva and Christian. She wasn’t sure why she was obsessing about this guy; perhaps it was that Christian showed up practically everywhere she went. Maybe it was just a simple coincidence and nothing more, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something about him was odd.
By now, Arielle was familiar with the nature of an immortal. She was absolutely sure that she was looking at one in Christian. Was he following her? Was he watching her? Why was he trying to appear like he was not looking at her? And why was he pretending like she didn’t exist when she was sure he was aware of her presence? Arielle knew there was no chance of getting Sebastian to understand how worried she was. She had tried to tell him about Christian before and he brushed the issue off. That wasn’t like Sebastian. Usually he was the one overreacting about her safety, so why the indifference now? Her thoughts revolved ceaselessly, compelled by ambiguity. She frowned deeply.
Sebastian’s voice startled her. “What are you thinking?” She didn’t respond to his question until he tugged her hand lightly, making her look at him.
“What?” she stammered, raising a curious eyebrow.
“What are you thinking?” he repeated.
“Oh, nothing…” she said, smiling softly.
Sebastian’s eyes narrowed. “Nothing? How can that be possible? You’ve been frowning since we left the campus.”
She drew in a deep breath and replied, “I was just thinking about school.”
Sebastian dropped the subject. He pulled her closer and brushed her lips with his. “Remember that I love you,” he murmured against her lips. Arielle shook her head. Glancing up, she fell into the warmth of his amazing emerald eyes. She blinked breathlessly and leaned in to press her lips to his. “I love you, too,” she whispered.
The sun was setting when they pulled into the garage. Sebastian came around to help her as he always did. He pulled her into his arms and crushed her lips beneath his. Arielle closed her eyes and moaned blissfully. His mouth was hot and exciting, and his immortal scent intoxicated her with desire. She sighed as she moved into him and exhaled in anticipation. He watched her intently, quietly, with a soft inviting look in his eyes. She tried to keep her heartbeat steady as she took deep breaths.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, softly brushing his lips across the side of her face, sending heat across her body.
“How can you electrify me this way every time we touch?” she whispered. “I will never understand it.” She heard his chuckle as he held her even tighter.
“If I electrify you, then you have absolutely no idea what you are doing to me. I’d like to devour your body every time you touch me,” he whispered. He exhaled sharply and gave her a squeeze, making her giggle with pleasure.
“I have a little studying to do,” she said softly.
“I’m a very patient man, I can wait,” he said grinning, looking down into her face, passion burning in his eyes. Her body was flush against his; she could barely draw a deep breath. He bent his head and his lips caressed hers with desire. She pulled back softly.
“I have to study, but just for a little while,” she said breathlessly.
“Okay, but just for a little while,” he said and chuckled, giving her a soft squeeze. Reluctantly he let her go, and wordlessly they walked into the house.
Arielle hit the books for a couple of hours as Sebastian sprawled on his favorite chair with one of his books and waited for her to finish. Next time she looked at her watch it was 10:30 and she needed to stand up and stretch. Every muscle ached from not moving out of that chair for more than two hours. His arms instantly wrapped around her waist, pulling her close. She felt his warm lips hot on the back of her neck.
“Can we take a walk on the beach before bed?” he asked in a barely audible voice. His lips brushed against her ear making her shiver. She nodded and took his hand as they walked out through the garden and down the winding steps to the beach. Arielle thought, Night is such a magical time to walk on the beach.
They ditched their shoes as they stepped on the soft, powdery sand. It felt cool and relaxing at this hour. The stillness of the empty stretch of beach overwhelmed Arielle’s thoughts, but filled her with a sense of serenity.
Sebastian let go of her hand and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close as they walked along the water and let the waves brush against their feet. It was so pleasant spending time with him and talking about every little thing that came in mind. Sebastian laughed at her nonstop talk about trivial things. He sighed with contentment.
Chapter 4
THEY DECIDED TO DO a little stargazing, so they lay down on the soft sand. Sebastian put his arm under her neck and Arielle rested her head on his shoulder. He pulled her close with his other arm. She grinned as she moved closer, wishing their bodies could merge completely as one. The sky was a clear gray canvas with a bright silvery moon nestled in the middle, and surrounded by thousands of twinkling stars more brilliant than priceless jewels. She rolled over to face him, and gasped as the brightness of the moon shone on his flawless face, giving him a magical look. Her breath held in her throat, and she remained still just looking at him, unable to move her eyes away. His lips curved up in that brilliant smile, showing a set of perfect white teeth. She swallowed the lump in her throat and lay back down, shutting her eyes, feeling mesmerized.
God, she thought to herself, he has no idea what he brings to my life. He had given her feelings of elation, exhilaration, and great joy. He had elevated her emotions beyond any limitations. She never dreamed that she would be watching the constellations in the arms of the man who filled her with exuberant passion. She exhaled a soft sigh and heard him chuckle. She was startled when Sebastian moved like a whirlwind of immortal speed. Instantly, she was lying on top of his lean, muscular body. He rested his eyes on her face and smiled wide.
“Do I really do all that for you?” he asked.
“What do you mean?” she asked, a shocked look on her face.
“Arielle, you were thinking out loud again, you do that quite often,” he said completely amused.
“Oh, God…did I really do that again?” she asked, embarrassed. “Is there something wrong with me?” She turned her head to the side and shut her eyes tightly, shaking her head in disbelief.
“There is nothing wrong with you, baby.” His voice dropped to a low whisper. “What I’m a little disappointed about is that you don’t tell me all those things. I’d love to hear your thoughts every moment of every day.” His fingertips turned her face to meet his gaze.
“Have I told you lately that I can’t breathe without you? That my life wasn’t worth living until I gazed into your beautiful blue eyes? That I couldn’t live in a world where you didn’t exist, and that I’ll love you for eternity?” She could feel his body shifting underneath her and heat coursed through her, increasing her desire for him. She bent down and her lips moved against his feverishly. She was startled when he suddenly rolled, taking her with him and pinning her beneath him. Her heart raced as she took deep breaths and tried to control her emotions, but she was unable to succeed.
“What are you doing to me?” His voice was barely audible. She chuckled as she pull
ed his face down. She circled his lips with her tongue. Sebastian groaned. He was excited, and it was obviously going to be difficult to stop him now, but she did try.
“Not here,” she murmured, even though she was falling completely apart in his embrace.
“Why not? There is nobody here, we are all alone,” he said, lifting his head and taking a look around. Arielle giggled. She couldn't fight her desire.
The next hour was unbelievable. Their moans of exhilaration merged with the soft whisper of the waves lapping against the seashore. It was a little before midnight when they left the beach. Sebastian carried her all the way to the house, keeping their lips locked in a passionate kiss. They indulged in each other under a warm shower before getting into bed and surrendering to a deep sleep in each other’s arms.
Early the next morning, Sebastian’s phone rang several times. He didn’t bother to get up to answer it. He moaned as he stretched leisurely and then wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. He brushed his soft lips against hers and caressed her ears with his velvety voice.
“Good morning, baby,” he murmured without leaving the kiss. Arielle opened her eyes to gaze at the face responsible for turning her world upside down. She returned his kiss with passion.
“Thank you for last night,” he purred.
“It was my pleasure,” she said, a wide grin on her face.
“I do need to get up and see who keeps calling this early,” he said, sighing. He sat up on the bed and pushed the covers away from his gorgeous body. Arielle watched him, transfixed as her sapphire eyes drank him in. She protested by reaching up and trying to pull him down to her, but he left her arms reluctantly. His phone rang again. He cursed inwardly, tired of his phone taking him away from Arielle. He cleared his throat and picked up the phone, flipping it open.
Arielle Immortal Journey (The Immortal Rapture Series Book 5) Page 3