She met his gaze and saw that sexy look on his beautiful face. He was still laughing and she started to laugh too. “I’m sure that I do.” She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him down to her, locking them in a scorching kiss. She felt his arms moving on her lower back, pulling her closer to him. He shifted his body against hers. Heat spread across every inch of her body as she felt that he was aroused. Their bodies merged. His hand crept up her shirt. He was unstoppable. He gasped for air as she moaned unable to move a muscle. He pulled her underneath him. Their lovemaking brought pure satisfaction.
“What are you doing to me?” She heard his breathless voice as he slowly withdrew.
“You will be the death of me,” he murmured. “My need for you is out of control, and I don’t seem to be able to stop. You have absolutely no idea how much I love you.” He squeezed her tightly. Arielle laughed blissfully. A gasp echoed in the quietness of the room, making him pull up and look at her intently.
“What?”
She was quiet for a moment. She pushed her hair away from her face and gazing in those emerald eyes, she whispered, “You captivate me.”
He threw his head back and let out a hearty laugh. He was tireless, and that was fine with her. She wanted him just as much as he wanted her with the same remarkable craving. She pulled herself into his warm embrace and they both drifted off to sleep.
Monday classes were uneventful. They arrived home early in the afternoon. Sebastian sprawled in the big chair in front of the telly to watch the polo competition. Arielle had some laundry to do, and then she had to prepare dinner for herself. She was in the kitchen when she got a call from Eva, who asked Arielle to meet with her and Gabrielle at her house. Arielle was a little surprised with the urgent tone in Eva’s voice.
“Is something wrong?”
“I liked to talk to you about something important. Can you come over?” Eva asked.
“When?”
“How about tomorrow after class?” Eva suggested. Arielle could sense tenacity in her voice. She assured Eva that she could make it and hung up the phone wondering what could be so important. The next day, Sebastian drove Arielle to Eva’s house after class. Gabrielle was already there. Arielle couldn’t wait to hear what Eva had to say. Sebastian walked her up to the door and pulled her close to steal a kiss.
“Call me when you’re finished. I’ll be happy to come back for you,” he said in an enchanting voice. Before she had a chance to reply, Eva opened the door looking excited.
“Hey, Arielle! Come on in,” Eva said. “Oh! Hello there, dazzling boy,” she said brightly, giving Sebastian a huge hug. Sebastian laughed. “Dazzling boy” was Eva’s favorite name for Sebastian, and he loved it. “Don’t worry about Arielle,” Eva said. “I’ll bring her home later.” Arielle gazed at Eva with a shocked expression.
“But—how did you know what Sebastian asked me? You—you were in the house.”
“I guessed,” Eva said, laughing. Arielle gazed up at Sebastian, who gave her a meaningful look. Arielle glanced between them for a short moment and quickly she remembered.
“Very funny,” Arielle said with a playful frown and added swiftly. “I’m sorry, I guess I keep seeing you as the old Eva. I forget that you are now this incredible immortal with extraordinary gifts.”
“Arielle, I am the old Eva, just a little better equipped.” They laughed.
Sebastian pulled Arielle back in his arms for another kiss and then turned around to walk to his car. Eva shut the door behind them. They walked through the kitchen to join Gabrielle in the study. They sat and chatted together for a short time.
“We should go out into the garden. It’s sweater weather, but the sun is out and it’s a beautiful afternoon. Let's not waste it sitting inside,” Eva said. Arielle looked over at Gabrielle and noticed a mischievous grin on her face.
“What’s up with you?” Arielle asked, probing for an answer. Gabrielle remained silent but never lost her grin. Arielle tried to read Gabrielle’s mind, but all she got was silence. That’s strange, she thought to herself. Gabby’s mind was an open book to Arielle, so something was going on. She stood between Eva and Gabrielle, looking from one to the other waiting for some kind of answer. Not getting anything from Gabrielle, she nudged Eva, who was smiling also.
“Does Gabrielle know something I don’t?” Arielle went on.
“Why?” Eva said quickly. “She’s just happy that we’re together.”
“Rubbish!” Arielle replied. “Can’t you see that smirk on her face?” Arielle said pointing at Gabrielle. Gabrielle chuckled again but remained quiet. She turned around and walked toward the back door that lead to the garden.
“All in good time,” Eva replied, and followed Gabrielle. Arielle sighed loudly and followed close behind Eva. “All right…all right,” she mumbled.
“I wanted to talk with both of you about a party invitation I received from the Delta Zeta sorority,” Eva said, once they were settled on the bench in the garden. “Your names are included on the invitation, and I think it sounds like a real kick.”
“Oh, what’s it all about?” Arielle asked. Eva gave a brief glimpse at the invitation in her hands, and then looked up at the friends.
“They are holding a sixteenth-century costume party with a huge prize for the best costume of the night. The contest will be held only for the girls, no guys allowed, but the guys can join the party following the contest. Are you game?” Eva’s eyes glittered as she gazed at Arielle. Eva had already willed Gabrielle’s mind to become unreadable by Arielle. There was no way she could find out anything about the birthday gift.
“Um, yeah,” Arielle said slowly, “but where are we going to find sixteenth-century attire, and even if we could, what makes you think we can win?” Arielle asked. She saw Gabrielle’s cheeks glow, and she heard Eva’s musical voice.
“I’m sure we can win,” Eva said keenly. “I’ll manifest authentic sixteenth-century costumes.”
Arielle looked astonished. “When is the party?” she asked, looking sideways at Gabrielle, who was strangely quiet. Arielle was still trying to understand why she couldn’t read Gabrielle’s mind but she had absolutely no clue, so she had to give it up for now. Eva’s soft voice snapped her out of her thoughts.
“Next Saturday evening, the day before your birthday.”
“Oh, but Eva, I may not be able to go,” she said. “What if Sebastian wants to take me out for my birthday?”
“Well, I did think about that, so I called Sebastian. He told me that he didn’t have any plans for that evening.”
“Oh,” Arielle said with obvious disappointment. She looked down at her hands. She had honestly believed that Sebastian had planned something for her birthday. Maybe he had his reasons, but she was still unhappy. Logic was telling her not to be disappointed with Sebastian. He was amazing. He made each and every day special like a birthday. So then why this wrenched feeling? She couldn’t understand this at all.
“Well? What do you say?” Eva asked again, watching Arielle carefully. Eva didn't need immortal powers to see that Arielle was disappointed. She hoped that her birthday gift would supersede any discontent Arielle was feeling. Gabrielle reached over and nudged Arielle.
“Arielle, what do you say?” A few moments later, Arielle shook her head and looked at Gabby.
“In that case, I guess I’ll be available,” she said, not sounding too excited.
“Arielle, are you all right?” Gabby asked.
“I’m fine,” she replied sadly.
“Arielle, snap out of it!” Gabby said a little frustrated. “You couldn’t possibly think that Sebastian has forgotten your birthday. Could you?” she snapped. “Because if you do, you’re a bloody idiot.”
Arielle blinked. Shocked by Gabby’s harsh words, she realized her friend was absolutely right. How could she ever doubt a man like Sebastian? He was the most thoughtful and unselfish of all people. She glanced out toward the ocean and bit her lip, overcome with embarrassment in fron
t of her friends. She sat quietly for a short moment.
“You’re right, Gabby,” she said. “I feel terrible for acting this way.” She smiled at her friends. She stood up and walked toward the end of the property, gazing down at the water. The beach was bare, and her gazed turned at the huge orange ball of light that was slowly disappearing beyond the horizon. She smiled blissfully. What a sight? The air felt a bit nippy, making her shiver. She turned around and walked back to where Eva and Gabrielle were still sitting, engaged in some kind of conversation. They both looked up at her.
“Better now?” Eva asked, and smiled at her. Arielle nodded, laughing softly.
“Yes, I feel great,” she said. “So, when are we going to discuss the details about the party?” she asked, a bit more cheerfully. For the next couple of hours their conversation took them to various issues, including the party. Then, it was getting late, so Eva drove Gabby and Arielle home after they agreed to meet the day before Arielle’s birthday to work out all the details.
It was dusk when Arielle arrived home. Sebastian was lying on the sofa without a shirt on, reading a book about art. His presence always made her feel content. She leaned against the door frame for a couple of minutes taking him in. What a sight! A gorgeous smile curved the corners of his scrumptious mouth upward, and his gaze rested on her face. She hauled in a deep breath and walked toward him slowly. Sebastian sat up. She sat on his lap and he wrapped her arms around him. She bent down and brushed her lips softly against his. She moved closer sending heat across every fiber of his body. His hands moved around her and pulled her into a passionate kiss.
“Mmm…what do I owe this wonderful hello to?”
“I just simply love you.”
“Thank you, baby, I love you too. Did you have a good time with your friends? What was all that about?” he asked with a soft smile on his face.
“You’ll not believe this, but we girls are going to a sorority contest Saturday evening.”
“Eva called to ask if we had plans already, but she wouldn't tell me what she was thinking. A contest? What kind of a contest?”
“It’s a sixteenth-century costume contest! What do you think about that?”
He broke out into a hearty laugh. “I’d love to see that…” he said, between laughs.
“Well, you’ll get to see the costumes, but not until after the contest is over. Guys are not welcome during the contest, it’s a sorority rule.”
“I can’t wait.” He was still laughing when she got up and went to the kitchen to get something to eat.
“I have a little studying to do,” she called out, “but I’ll be done in about an hour. Then, we can watch the telly or do whatever you want.”
“Okay, love, I’ll be right here waiting for you.” She walked back into the study and kissed him softly.
“I love you, Sebastian, more than you’ll ever know.” She was startled when he reached up and pulled her down to him. His kiss was hard, eager, and then suddenly he let go. She gasped. She saw an indefinable smile painting his luscious lips. She cleared her throat and turning around she went back into the kitchen to finish making her sandwich.
“I need you, baby!” he called out, filling her with warmth. She took her sandwich and walked to the office. She needed to look over the multivariable functions in her papers. She had already solved the problems during class but wanted to give them a last look. They were due tomorrow, and she wanted to make sure they were correct.
Chapter 20
SATURDAY MORNING CAME and Arielle was excited. It was the day before her birthday, and she was to meet Eva and Gabrielle that afternoon at Eva’s house. She couldn’t wait to get into some of those clothes that represented that special period of time that was so dear to her ever since Sebastian’s beautiful self walked into her life.
It was four in the afternoon when she arrived at Eva’s place. There was moisture in the air, leading Arielle to predict that it was going to be a wet, cool evening. Gabrielle arrived fifteen minutes later, and they walked into the family room. Eva had acquired and printed a huge variety of information, including pictures from the Internet depicting female attire of the sixteenth century. They sat next to each other, and looked through those pages for a long time. Arielle found some dresses that she really liked, but not exactly what she had in mind.
“Eva, can you manifest the gown the way I want it to look even if it’s not shown in one of these pages?” Arielle asked.
“I can manifest just about anything you would like to wear. If you can’t describe it in words, sketch it on a piece of paper.”
It was about an hour later when Arielle realized that Gabrielle and Eva had made their choices. She had a clear vision of what her dress should look like. She sketched it on a piece of paper and wrote down the fabric and colors she wanted. Eva took a good look at the three choices and smiled wide.
“This will be memorable.” She stood in front of Gabrielle and closing her eyes thought of Gabrielle in the dress she chose. To Arielle’s astonishment, Gabrielle transformed into a fabulous sixteenth-century beauty wearing the exact gown she wanted.
The bodice was a burgundy color with a soft velvet crimson skirt that hugged her body stunningly. It was embroidered all over with beautiful stones and pearls. Arielle’s jaw dropped in astonishment. Gabrielle looked in the mirror and covered her mouth with her hand trying to hold back a cry of exhilaration.
“Oh… my… you look amazing!” Arielle exclaimed, unable to believe her eyes. Gabrielle kept that happy smile on her face as she walked back and forth a couple times, and then moved in front of the full-length mirror. They heard her let out a cry of joy while Arielle watched her bounce back towards them.
“All right, Arielle, you are next,” Eva’s voice startled her. Eva walked in front of her with a soft smile. She took a quick glimpse at Arielle's drawing and closed her eyes. The gown appeared out of nowhere. Arielle had an extraordinary feeling as she stood in the middle of the room in the magical dress. It looked more amazing than what she had drawn. She heard Gabrielle and Eva cry out in astonishment, and she knew that her choice was exquisite. She walked over to the full-length mirror and let out a cry of bliss. The beauty of the girl that looked back at her was beyond anything she had pictured in her mind.
The dress was magnificent. The bodice was made out of light blue brocade that accentuated the color of Arielle’s eyes. It hugged her body tightly, emphasizing her figure. The neck was a V-shape cut low and decorated with beautiful sapphire stones along the edges. Arielle thought it complemented her alabaster skin. The skirt was made out of several yards of dark blue velvet that hung open in the front disclosing another beautiful light blue silk skirt embroidered with pearls. Beautiful jewels lined the edges of the velvet skirt. The sleeves flowed down her arms, giving the dress a graceful look.
Eva turned her immortal powers onto herself next. When she was finished she looked more like a porcelain doll than a real person.
“Eva, you look fantastic!” Arielle exclaimed. “I don’t think I have ever seen a person more beautiful that you.”
Eva chuckled, extremely pleased. “Oh, it’s just my immortal looks,” she said, waving her hand dismissively. “But, look at the two of you!” she added, pointing at Arielle and Gabrielle. “You both look unbelievably gorgeous.”
Thrill surged through Arielle at Eva’s words. Gratitude filled the air.
“So, how did I do?” Eva asked, watching her best friend's awestruck faces, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
Gabrielle and Arielle were speechless. They didn’t seem to notice Eva’s question. After a long pause, they began to parade back and forth in front of each other, stopping in front of the full-length mirror just to stare, unable to believe the striking girls that looked back at them.
Eva giggled. “One more thing,” she called out, loud enough to snap them out of their reverie.
They both stopped moving, and turning around they faced Eva with quizzical looks in their faces, eyes wide open.<
br />
Eva gave them an apologetic glance followed by laughter. “Now that I have your attention,” she said, “we need to be rid of all jewelry, engagement rings, etc. It’s a sorority rule for this competition.”
“How about my necklace?” Arielle said, reaching up and placing her hand over the amulet. “I’m not taking it off.”
“I’ll be with you, Arielle, you don’t need that necklace,” Eva said. “The rules of the contest are that we make this as authentic as possible.”
They both took their jewelry off and placed it in Eva’s jewelry box. They walked together to the foyer looking at each other and smiling in exhilaration.
“Are you ready to go?” Eva asked.
“Yes, we sure are,” Arielle replied, running her hands over the amazing skirt of her gown and looking totally mesmerized.
Gabby moved over to Eva’s left and Arielle stood to her right. Eva reached out and took their hands. Arielle thought that Eva was doing something to complete the manifestation.
“All right,” Eva said. “Are you ready? Hold on to my hands tightly!” Arielle smiled, thinking of her mind-blowing dress. What would Sebastian think when he saw her after the contest? The thought made her giddy.
Suddenly, an enormous pull literally ripped the air out of her lungs. A blinding flash traveling faster than the wave of an explosion ricocheted across her eyes, forcing them shut. A strong, swirling sensation tore her consciousness away from her brain. She was utterly disoriented. She wanted to scream but not a single muscle in her body wanted to cooperate. What in bloody hell is happening to me? she started to think, but before that thought had a chance to travel across the waves of her brain, another flash brighter that the first tore right underneath her eyelids. Inexplicable pressure rendered her numb. She desperately tried to inhale, unaware that she was moving through time and space in nanoseconds.
Suddenly, there was complete stillness. She remained unmoving while her brain restarted slowly, releasing adrenaline into her bloodstream. Her heart rate picked up and her muscles tightened, shooting a throbbing ache to her temples. A distant noise gripped her attention, but she couldn’t identify it. She inhaled a mouthful of air and slowly tried to open her eyes, but her lids felt weighted and would not cooperate. This had to be a bizarre dream. Her head throbbed and her muscles ached. She finally snapped her eyes open and stared in dismay because nothing within her vision looked familiar. She pressed her eyes shut once again and barreled through her thoughts. This is a bloody dream, she thought as panic shot through her once again. A soft voice gripped her attention and she forced her lids open. Wheeling, she turned her attention to the person alongside of her and met a pair of familiar eyes that were smiling warmly at her.
Arielle Immortal Journey (The Immortal Rapture Series Book 5) Page 19