“Yes,” Rainer answered simply.
“Why are you not afraid?”
“This was inevitable and it’s the best way,” he said, gazing into his eyes.
“No, no, it can’t be. I love you,” Georgiana cried out, moving quickly, and standing in front of Rainer protectively. She held Sebastian’s eyes for a long moment. Tears were cascading down her face and soaking the front of her blouse. Her voice came out broken, pleading, painful. “Please, sir, don’t hurt him. If you need to kill someone, please take me.”
Sebastian dismissed Georgiana’s plea and moved his gaze to Rainer. “What do you mean this was inevitable?”
Rainer looked tired, broken, his shoulders sagging and his expression blank. “I never wanted to be part of this horrible life. I was deeper than I thought I could ever be and then it was way too late. There was no way out. I became a thug and an assassin by name.” He blew out a breath and ran his hands through his hair. “A few years back, I tried to run away, but when Nikola’s men caught up with me, they taught me a lesson that I would never forget. He gave me another chance, but he said that if I ever tried that again, he would be sending me to the morgue. Death was the only way out for me, so go on and get it over with,” he said, closing his eyes and pressing his lips together. “I don’t want to hurt people anymore. I don’t want to see the pain on people’s faces when they lose their loved ones. I hate this life and I hate myself.” He stopped talking for a short moment and opened his eyes to face Sebastian.
“I was envious of you, Gaulle. Yes, I was envious of you and your life. Free to love and free to be the man you want to be. I wanted the same for Georgiana and me, but I never dared to let her know how I felt. I was afraid to bring her into my world. A world that is muddy, revolting, filled with crime and sadness.” He pulled Georgiana around to face him and wrapped her in his arms.
It was as if the world faded away and he was alone in that room with Georgiana. He held her gaze and, bending down, he locked their lips in a scorching kiss. When he pulled back, there were tears in his eyes. “Georgiana, I love you. I have loved you from the very first moment I laid eyes on you, but I was afraid to tell you. You are so innocent, so beautiful, and I’m definitely not the man for you. Remember that I will always love you.” He bent down once again and locked their lips together. He then pulled back smiled tenderly and pushed her aside. “All right, Sebastian, I’m ready.” He closed his eyes and remained still.
“NO!” Georgiana screamed, stepping forward and dropping to her knees in front of Sebastian. “No, please don’t hurt him.” She sobbed hard.
Strong arms gripped her gently and pulled her to her feet. Sebastian’s eyes were soft, even tender. “Don’t worry, Georgiana. I’m not going to harm Rainer.”
Rainer’s eyes snapped open as he stared at Sebastian rooted in place, lost for words. “But…” his voice trailed. “I was responsible for Arielle’s abduction.”
Sebastian nodded. “I know. I also know that you gave strict instructions for her not to be touched.”
Rainer’s eyes widened. “How do you know?”
“I know.”
Rainer glanced around and gulped at the sight of all the broken lifeless bodies. He was not prepared for this. “You mean you’re letting me go?”
Sebastian strode into the room and stood in front of Rainer. “Take Georgiana and go away from here. Somewhere when you can build a new life together.”
Rainer was astonished. He had never envisioned this type of outcome. “But they will find me. And when they do, they’ll kill us both,” Rainer said anxiously.
“No, they will not.”
“But how?”
“Rainer, you’re wasting precious time.”
The confusion and desperation in Rainer’s eyes made Sebastian stop for a moment. “All right, if you really must know, in the next few minutes, there will be no one left that will know you or your association with this organization.”
The hard intake of breath told Sebastian that Rainer understood the meaning of his words and the reality made him shiver. He swallowed hard. “I don’t know how to thank you,” Rainer said. “I owe you my life.”
Sebastian smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder. He was amused by Rainer’s stunned expression.
“Are you leaving St. Petersburg?” Rainer asked.
“Not just yet, but I should be on my way shortly.”
“Thank you,” Rainer murmured and, grasping Georgiana’s hand, he pulled her toward the door. He never felt so alive. Georgiana sent Sebastian a warm smile of appreciation. He watched them go, feeling pleased with the results.
He heard their footstep rushing down the hallway and chuckled. He glanced at his watch and was shocked to find that only thirty minutes had passed. He fished his phone out of his pocket and texted his friends. “Are you all finished?”
The reply was unanimous. “We are heading home.” He smiled into the screen, and closing it shut, he slipped it back into his jean pocket. He was pleased. He made a quick sweep at Nikola and Rainer's buildings. He was finally rid of one bad nightmare and he felt vindicated. His plan had been executed successfully. His fear of the Russian Mafia harming Arielle had washed away as he stepped out onto the pavement. He was on his way back to Brighton by five-fifteen.
Sebastian arrived home, reeling from his encounter with the St. Petersburg lot. His mind was consumed by thoughts of Arielle. All he really wanted was to hold her and let her know that she was safe. His heart soared as he came through the door and she fell right into his arms.
“Oh, Sebastian… where have you been? Everyone else is already here. Are you all right?”
“I’m fine,” he said gently. He raised his hand to her face and pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. He then tenderly brushed her cheek with his fingers. Her eyes burned stormy and passionate. Her face was soft, warm to his touch. He moved his other hand at her back to enfold her waist and pulled her hard against his body possessively. Her body did unfathomable things to his mind. Without another word, he bent down, and with his tongue, he traced the softness of her lips before he angled his head and plunged inside to taste the sweetness of her mouth. A low growl sounded deep in his throat.
Arielle pulled back letting out a soft gasp. “Our friends are here,” she whispered.
Sebastian suppressed a groan and pressed a soft kiss on her lips before he let her go. Clasping her hand, he pulled her toward the study.
Their friends had assembled in there joined now by Gabrielle, Eva, and Paul. They came together to celebrate the successful outcome of the venture and to enjoy each other’s company before they left for home. Sebastian looked around the room and his gaze swept over each face. “I want to thank you for your help and to let you know that if you ever need me I will be by your side, no questions asked.”
The immortals enjoyed tall glasses of salve. Arielle, Gabrielle, and Paul each took a glass of wine and joined the group.
As the end of the evening drew near, their friends took their leave. The immortals informed Sebastian and Troy that they were not going to spend the night at their homes. They had plans of their own, and when finished, they would be heading home. Hugs and handshakes were in abundance as the group started filing through the doorway.
Sebastian slid his hand around Arielle’s waist and pulled her to his side. They waved goodbye. Finally, the last car drove away and Sebastian pushed the door shut. He yanked Arielle closer until there was no space left between their bodies. He angled his head and closed his mouth over hers, sinking deeper with passion into the kiss. Arielle quivered beneath him, and parting her lips, she let him invade the softness of her mouth. She tasted like honey and sweet wine. Sebastian broke the kiss, and swooping down, he swung her into his arms. “We’re going to bed,” he murmured anxiously.
Arielle wrapped her arms around his nape and drew his mouth back down to hers. Sebastian felt himself being swept away by her passion. His wits were reeling with anticipation. “You’re mine for eternity
,” he whispered against her lips.
Arielle giggled as jolts of pleasure shot through every fiber of her body. She pulled back slightly and gazed intensely into the emerald pools of his eyes. This amazing man was hers and hers alone. Sebastian set her on the bed and, seconds after, his warm limbs enfolded her. Their encounter was powerful, and the eruption sent them to an alternate universe where they were alone body and soul, lost in the utter pleasure. Slowly, they drifted back to earth and fell into a peaceful and serene sleep.
Many hours later, she opened her eyes and found herself tightly held in his possessive embrace. He was still fast asleep. His long powerful legs tangled with hers, keeping her close to his warm body. He looked so peaceful and so breathtakingly gorgeous. She stared at his strikingly sculptured face that she so utterly adored. She let out an inward sigh and her gaze moved slowly from his sandy tousled hair to his perfect nose and down to the lips that promised passion, desire, and pure sin. The warmth of his body sent an enticing shiver down her spine that made her blood throb through her veins. She was his, and he was hers, and there was nothing more beyond that point. Pleasure coiled as she thought of their earlier encounter. She lifted her hand and ran her finger across his bottom lip and closed her eyes in complete contentment.
“Good morning, love.”
Arielle jerked her eyes open and fell right into a pair of dark green eyes filled with amusement. His voice was low and seductive, his lips touching hers and his tongue licking her lower lip.
“Can I help you?” he said chuckling.
“Um…no,” Arielle replied, a wide smile painted across her lips.
He moved fast, rolling and taking her with him to land fully on top of her, his morning erection pressing against her abdomen.
“Aaaa!” she shrieked. “Sebastian! Stop doing that.”
“Doing what, love?”
“Moving in that immortal way of yours. It always scares me half to death.”
“I was eager,” he chuckled out loud and moved suggestively against her so she could feel his want. Arielle smiled, letting his seductiveness seize her and bond her to his endless hunger.
His body surged over hers and he dipped his head to brush his lips against hers. The smell of freesia in her hair, made him quiver. Arielle’s eyes smoldered with uncontrolled desire, as his lips came down on hers with startling vigor. With his tongue he coaxed her lips apart and plunged into the softness of her mouth like a thirsty man in a desert searching for relief. He reeled in her taste and passion ripped through his body like wild fire as the kiss intensified. He palmed her breasts with his hands and kneaded softly. Sensation built higher and higher, and she let out a low moan. She flexed her spine, with a loud moan, and pushed her upper body against his hands. Every nerve, every inch of her wanted him like never before.
He was now fully on top of her, pressing her softly onto the bed. He gazed down at her and smiled in a warm, passionate way, ready to take what was his. He wedged his knee between her thighs and he took her mouth in another hot throbbing kiss. Their tongues twisted and entwined, but it was obvious that they needed more. They were hungry for each other.
His hands moved over her soft skin like a pianist’s hands over the piano keys. She moaned into his mouth, and he growled with anticipation. His lips skimmed across her jaw line down to her collarbone, pressing against the base of her throat. This was Sebastian’s favorite spot. He reveled at the pulse of her heartbeat. It gave his immortal soul pleasure beyond any measure. He soon ducked his head and set his mouth onto one hard nipple teasing, suckling and lapping, sending hot waves of desire through every pore in her body. He then moved the other breast and she nearly came off the bed. The intoxication he was spreading across her veins was utterly wild. He suddenly moved fast and hard and drove deep into her, leaving her gasping for breath.
Arielle marveled at this strength and, pressing inexorably upward, she matched his strong thrusts. A low growl sounded deep in Sebastian’s throat as he reached the absolute end of his control. Sharp waves of sensation slid across his muscles and the heat that was radiating from her drove him to absolute madness. Sebastian hissed in a breath and pressed their bodies tighter together.
“Open your eyes, Arielle. I want to see your eyes,” Sebastian murmured.
Arielle opened her eyes just enough to gaze into his mossy, burning gaze. Her body arched slightly and she locked her legs around his hips as they clung to each other with urgency and passion. Her nails dug into his back, and their breathing grew ragged, strained until they shattered as euphoric waves fractured reality into shards. They were seized and thrust beyond reality into a magnificent timeless universe. He collapsed on top of her, unable to move. Her heart was pounding her chest like a sledgehammer, and she let out a primal gasp. Arielle welcomed his weight, held entranced by the aftermath. Slowly, their minds came back to reality and they lay quietly wrapped around each other. Before he rolled onto his back, taking her with him, he bent down and pressed a soft gentle kiss on her lips.
“I love you, Arielle.”
Arielle snuggled up beside him, leaning her head onto his shoulder. “I love you, too, Sebastian.”
Sebastian reached down and pulled the covers over them. He slipped his arm around her protectively, and gathered her closer. “We are nearing our wedding day,” he whispered.
“I know,” Arielle said, and moved even closer to his masculine body.
“I’ll be honored beyond reason to take you as my wife, Miss Lloyd—my Lizzy—in front of God, family, and friends.”
“Are you sure, Darcy?” she asked, meeting his gaze.
“What do you mean, ‘am I sure’?”
She could clearly read the alarm in his eyes. Arielle giggled and her lips were on his. The kiss was gentle, full of love and appreciation for the man lying next to her. “I was only joking, Sebastian.”
He gave her a playful squeeze and she sighed with unfathomable happiness. A long life of nirvana next to this incredible man was but a dream.
“Um…I don’t want to become too excited,” she said. “We still have this grueling semester to go through. And then another few weeks for the holidays to be over.”
“Oh, it will be but a breeze. Time will go by in a blink of an eye.”
“What in the world does that really mean?”
Sebastian propped himself on his elbow and stared down at her. “What?”
“Why do people say ‘in a blink of an eye’?’ Nothing happens in a blink of an eye. I think it’s a rubbish metaphor.”
“Do you want to argue about it? Or do you want to get up and take a shower with me?” he questioned playfully. He ducked his head and pressed a soft kiss on her lips.
“I’d rather spend the day in bed—with you.”
“Would you now?” his question but a whisper.
“Yes.”
“Well, you won’t have an argument from me.” He lay back down and folded his hands beneath his head. “What do you want to do?” he asked, amusement coding his voice.
“I just want to spend the day alone with you.” She rolled to her side and touched her lips to his throat. Sebastian moaned, a deep sound of utter pleasure.
“I can spend eternity in bed with you, baby,” he breathed against her lips.
Arielle fought the shockwave of pleasure that threatened to consume her. She had found her Darcy and her dream was becoming true.
They spent practically the whole day in bed. Between hot encounters that left them spent, lost in raw gratification, they chatted about school, the upcoming holidays, and the wonderful details of their wedding that was coming up next year.
Arielle and her friends endured the grueling classes for several weeks until the autumn semester ended in mid-December. Christmas was approaching and winter crept over the grounds. The city fell into the traditional spirit of peace and humanity. Every store and every home was decked with decorations, festoons of holly, and mistletoe. The sparkling vibrant lights made the city look spectacular.
Arielle’s parents held their annual Christmas dinner party with all the trimmings. Every year seemed to be getting bigger and better. This Christmas was symbolic for the three girls and their best friend Paul. Next year, each one of them would be marrying their beloved immortal.
On Christmas day, Sebastian surprised Arielle by enjoying the traditional cup of chocolate with her before they gave each other their gifts. Sebastian’s gifts to Arielle were once again over the top. Arielle had given up trying to keep him from showering her with extravagant presents a long time ago. All she really wanted was to be this stunning immortal man’s wife. She felt drunk with overwhelming pleasure at the thought of their wedding day.
Annabel invaded her thoughts in spurts, creating a stinging in the back of her eyes and an intense dry feeling in her throat. She couldn’t understand why the bitter immortal woman had just disappeared. What was she plotting? One thing she was sure of, Annabel would not give up, not until she had made sure that she destroyed Arielle and Sebastian’s happiness. She had to be preparing something truly treacherous, but what? Oh God! Please do not let her show up on my wedding day. Eternity would be soon enough to have to see her again.
Time flew by just as Sebastian said it would, like rushing waters of a river. Another year gone! January arrived, the beginning of a splendid year that was to be filled with wedding plans, joyful adventures, aches of two more grueling semesters, and exam results still to come. But it was the year of graduation and the year of their weddings so those were huge pluses in the whole equation.
Arielle Immortal Struggle (The Immortal Rapture Series Book 7) Page 22
