She drew a brisk breath as she made her way through the crowd. She had covered the short distance to her friends, who were still talking with Sebastian’s brothers, when strong fingers encircled her wrist. She recoiled. Gaston, she thought and inwardly cursed. Tension gripped every muscle, and she braced herself to reject him.
“Arielle, please wait.” Sebastian’s voice was soft but insistent. Warmth coursed through her body, and she stopped. She spun around and came face to face with him. God, he was gorgeous, she thought. It was hard to appear unruffled while her body ached with desire.
Sebastian pinned her with his warm gaze. The memory of the kiss in the garden surfaced, disturbing him. He couldn’t understand the strong pull he was experiencing with this girl; he just wanted to be with her, next to her, part of her. She smelled like fresh flowers. Her skin was soft, her smile mesmerizing, and her eyes were like magnets.
“What do you want?” she asked.
“I want to be with you,” he said.
She shrugged indifferently and added, “I’m not part of the game between you and Gaston.”
“I am not playing any games; you don’t understand,” he said tensely.
“Enlighten me.”
“I am not going to deny that the games Gaston and I play are reckless and thoughtless, but it is different with you. We seem to have a common attraction and neither one of us is willing to back off. I know it sounds shocking, but my fascination with you is beyond my control.” He paused and stood silently, an uncompromising expression covering his face.
She pretended nonchalance, which piqued his curiosity. They were currently standing next to Eva, Anton, Marcus, and Gabrielle.
“Sebastian, what in the world is going on between you and Gaston?” Marcus asked.
“Nothing really, Marcus; just a small misunderstanding.”
Marcus clapped him on his shoulder affectionately and turned to continue his conversation with Anton.
His brothers appeared affectionate toward the youngest of the brood. Arielle was truly impressed. Anton was attracted to her, but when he saw that Sebastian was paying unusual attention to Arielle, he immediately backed off. They seemed satisfied watching their little brother enjoy life to the fullest.
“Would you like to meet some of our guests?” Marcus asked, glancing between the girls.
Eva, Gabrielle, and Arielle exchanged enthusiastic looks. They accepted gratefully.
The ladies moved slowly around the room and were presented gracefully to their guests. Some of the introductions left them astonished. They curtsied and made small talk with people like Gaston De Foix the current Duke of Valois, Louis XII of France, Joanne of Valois daughter of Louis the XI and Anne, Duchess of Brittany, widow of his predecessor, Charles VIII of France. There is no way in bloody hell that anyone is going to believe that we met these incredible people in the flesh, thought Arielle. Her telepathic skills allowed her to read similar thoughts in Gabby's head. She saw them reflected as well on Eva's face. Too bad this must remain our secret.
The excitement was overwhelming. The girls could hardly speak as they exchanged looks of exhilaration. Monsieur and Mademoiselle Gaulle approached their sons and spent a little time chatting with the group. They all enjoyed each other's company. Arielle thought that this was a fairy tale, an absolutely wonderful fairy tale.
It was almost three in the morning when they decided to leave.
“I think we have to go,” Arielle said, glancing up at Sebastian. They were on the dance floor. He seemed unwilling to release her.
“Where are you staying?”
“We are staying in town at the inn,” she said quickly, not remembering the fantasy they had chosen before the ball.
“You should stay here. There are many empty rooms, and many guests who travelled a great distance are residing here.”
“I don’t think that would be the right thing to do.”
“Please say you’ll stay,” he murmured. She was still in his arms as his eyes pierced through her very soul. It was hard to say no.
“I must ask Eva.”
“No, please, let me ask Eva,” he said chuckling, trying to mimic her voice.
Arielle laughed out loud. Sebastian squeezed her hand tightly. When the music stopped, he walked over to where his brothers, his parents, and her friends were still engaged in conversation. Gaston was nowhere to be found. As they approached the group, they heard laughter. Everyone appeared amused by Gabrielle and Eva.
“There you are, dear,” Sebastian’s mother said, resting her eyes on his beautiful face. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
“Yes, Mother, I’m having a wonderful time,” he replied.
Arielle lifted her head slowly until their gazes locked. The warmth in his eyes wrapped around her like a warm blanket on a cold night; a soft smile was on his lovely lips. A thrill shimmered across her skin.
Leaning closer, his warm breath brushed against her ear. He lowered his voice to a mere whisper. “Are you enjoying yourself, Arielle?”
She struggled to breathe, and her knees almost buckled. His words washed over her like a warm wave and sank deep into the core of her soul. The floor shifted beneath her feet, and she closed her eyes. She took a deep breath. Her thoughts whirled wildly.
Oh my God, he’s making me fall apart. Five centuries separating the mortal from the immortal man, but he affects me exactly the same.
Clearing her throat, she opened her eyes slowly and fell into his smoldering gaze once again. She smiled and answered softly. “Yes, thank you, I’m having a wonderful time.” From the corner of her eye, she saw his mother watching them intently.
“I’m extremely pleased to hear that,” he said with a soft chuckle. Reaching down, he took her hand and placed it on his arm. The tone of his voice and the look in his eyes stirred wild feelings inside of her. But just before she lost control, sanity slammed back into her brain.
“Eva, would you consider staying the night?” At once, every head in the small group swiveled, and their eyes fastened on Marcus, startled by his question. His voice filled with a wealth of persuasiveness.
Eva stared speechless. For a moment, she said nothing, her expression unreadable. She then glanced between Arielle and Gabrielle meaningfully.
“I’m afraid that’s not possible,” she said, her voice composed.
“Why not?” Monsieur Gaulle interjected. “Three beautiful ladies should not travel alone at this hour,” he added.
“Father is right,” Marcus said quickly. “There are highway men lurking at every turn.”
“You shouldn’t be going to town at this hour,” Sebastian said, never taking his eyes off Arielle.
“There is plenty of room in this house,” Mademoiselle Gaulle chimed in.
Arielle’s earnest gaze drifted between Eva and Gabrielle. They smiled.
A minute passed, and then with her most mild voice, Eva said, “That’s a very kind offer, but—” Before she could finish her sentence, Sebastian moved quickly and taking her hand in his, he pinned her with his eager gaze.
“So are you staying?” he asked pleadingly.
Eva blinked at the tone of his voice. There was desperation mixed with eagerness and something else that she knew had everything to do with Arielle.
“Please, stay,” he said, his voice dropping to a low whisper. He pressed her hands softly, and at his urging, Eva smiled up at him, finding it hard to resist his fervent request.
“All right, I guess we will,” she beamed. She was completely startled when she found herself picked up by Sebastian and twirled around like a small child. Sebastian grinned uncontrollably, as if Eva's words had revealed a hidden treasure.
“Thank you, Eva,” he said.
Laughter erupted around them as Sebastian set Eva’s feet to the floor. Marcus and Anton’s expressions conveyed elation. Gabrielle and Arielle were at a loss. Eva read their thoughts. How can we possibly stay in this century overnight? What about the guys back home?
Eva walke
d toward Arielle and Gabrielle. As she neared and read the puzzlement in their eyes, she used one of her immortal abilities to send a dose of reassurance to their brains.
“Great!” Marcus exclaimed, getting Eva's attention. “We can go horseback riding after breakfast,” he said and rubbed his hands together joyfully.
“Marcus, we do have a few things to do before we leave for England,” Eva said, managing to keep her tone casual.
“I’m sure there will be plenty of time to do those few things after we get back from riding,” Anton said.
Sebastian had already claimed the spot next to Arielle and was basking in the pleasure. He had no idea why Arielle was creating such turmoil in his brain. Her nearness enveloped his body like the blazing heat of a fireplace in the middle of winter. The thought made him inch closer. Arielle looked up, and their gazes locked. It blended the sapphire blue of her eyes and the emerald green of his into a spellbinding cocktail. She smiled broadly, and her face lit up like the sun. Sebastian’s lungs froze as he stared in her eyes.
“We are not favored with lovely company like yours very often,” said Mademoiselle Gaulle, her soft elegant voice resonated, bringing everyone back to the moment.
“Thank you,” the girls replied simultaneously, bringing laughter to their small group.
Sebastian’s mother retrieved her hand from her husband’s arm. Excusing herself, she walked toward the huge staircase leading to the upper floor. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, she paused. She looked up and motioned to someone on the top of the landing. A young girl came running down to meet her. There was a short discussion between them, and soon the girl was climbing back up the stairs and disappearing just as quickly as she had appeared.
Syele Gaulle returned to her husband’s side, a soft smile lingering on her beautiful lips. She placed her hand back on his sleeve, and he covered it with his reassuringly. He glanced down at her, and they smiled into each other’s eyes. Arielle grinned, causing Sebastian's heart to lift.
“They are getting your chambers ready, and I have asked the chambermaid to lay out everything that you might need for the night. If there is something you want, they will be happy to get it for you,” she added, glancing between the girls.
“Thank you,” they said appreciatively.
“When you are ready to retire, they will show you to your chambers,” she said. She sent a meaningful glance to her sons. “We’re really happy you are staying.”
Turning to face her husband, she said softly, “Are you ready, dear?”
“We will see you at breakfast,” Monsieur Gaulle said just before they departed to join their friends on the other side of the room.
Sebastian was exuberant. His brothers appeared to share his feelings regarding the outcome. They began fervently planning the next day’s activities.
Note to Readers
Thank you, to my fans. It is the most rewarding and surreal experience to receive your wonderful feedback after reading my books. To the future readers, thank you for loving books and making my book your choice. This is the fifth novel in my “Immortal Rapture Series.” I hope you enjoy it.
About the Author
Lilian Roberts is a corporate engineer and an avid reader who loves novels that feature characters draped in passion, mystery, and adventure. She is especially fascinated with the concept of immortality. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and her golden retriever. Arielle Immortal Journey is the fifth volume in her Immortal Rapture series of paranormal romance novels.
Contact Information
My website: lilianroberts.com
My Twitter: @lilian3roberts
My Blog: lilianroberts.blogspot.com
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Arielle Immortal Seduction
Arielle Immortal Passion
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Arielle Immortal Journey (The Immortal Rapture Series Book 5) Page 27