Arielle Immortal Resolve (The Immortal Rapture Series Book 8)

by Lilian Roberts

  “Oh…my…god…Eva! Eva! You’ll not believe this. Are you there?”

  “I’m here Arielle, did you find something?”

  “Eva, I’m shocked beyond belief. The dresser drawers are full of expensive lingerie; sleep wear, bras, and underwear, all in my size. The closet is full of new clothes and shoes in my size!”

  “It sounds like he had it all planed out, Arielle.”

  “I’m suffocating in here, Eva.”

  “Try to find something. Maybe a tag on the clothes that would show the shop they were purchased from.”

  “What if he manifested everything?” Arielle thought.

  “Well that might be true, but it doesn’t hurt to try. I know you’ll find something. Be patient and try to check everything in detail.”

  “All right, I will.”

  Arielle broke the connection with Eva and sat back on the bed. She wasn’t going to use any of the lingerie Gaston bought for her. Cheating was the word that slammed into her mind. She thought she would be cheating on Sebastian by putting on gifts Gaston purchased for her. She sat there for a long time pondering the thought and finally realized she couldn’t walk around with that bath towel. Her clothes were gone so she had absolutely no choice but to wear something.

  She chose a pair of underwear and a bra. Next she walked to the closet and picked a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, noting the time on the clock with the corner of her eye. It was 10:30 and she was completely alone. Her stomach growled, but she wasn’t going to touch the food. She needed time to search for clues. She walked over to the door and turned the knob. It was locked. Inwardly she cursed and turning around she walked over to the window and pulled the curtains open. She blinked as the sun flooded the room. The view took her breath away.

  The garden was a lush green with a large variety of flowers and rich breathtaking colors. At the end of the property stood a thick layer of huge trees and over the treetops in the distance she could see the ocean meeting the clear blue sky at the end of the horizon. The white sandy beach welcomed the waves that rolled in and kissed the sand. It was hard to pull her eyes away from that magnificent sight, but she needed to study her surroundings. She walked to the other side, pulled the curtains open and gasped. She was looking at a tall mountain in the far distance and a dense forest of tall trees between the end of the property and the mountain. Again she couldn’t see any sign of life. She tried to open the windows but they seemed to have a special lock that wouldn’t budge. She mouthed an oath that startled her. She was utterly upset and overwhelmed with the unknown.

  She was ready to face Gaston and give him a piece of her mind, but the morning came and went and Gaston didn’t show up. She saw Cecil come in but not a word was spoken. She felt like a wild animal trapped in a zoo. The night they arrived in this house was the last time she saw Gaston. He'd asked Cecil to show her to that dreadful room where she’d been a prisoner for two days now. She spent her time thumbing through a few books that were left on the table, but mostly laying on the bed staring at the ceiling, pondering her options. The telly was there for mere display, because it didn’t work.

  Arielle was completely shielded from the outside world. She was going stir-crazy in that room, and if not for Eva and their ability to communicate, she would've been completely shattered. Maybe that was what Gaston was trying to achieve. He was trying to break her spirit and gain control over her body and mind. She was getting angry, mostly because he didn’t have the guts to face her. She thought it quite strange for a man who vowed his undying love for her to leave her in a locked room without so much as visit.

  Cecil came to her room twice in the morning, twice at noon, and twice in the evening bringing a food tray and placing it on the small table by the dresser. Then she would come back and take it away. The food was always untouched. She never looked at Arielle and never uttered a single word. Arielle thought she looked uncomfortable having to be the one to perform that duty. A couple of times when she picked up the full tray, Arielle thought she had an astonished expression on her face, but she remained quiet.

  Every time she left the room she locked the door behind her. Arielle clenched her fists. What were they doing? Why were they afraid to let her out of the room? Where was Gaston? Resentment built up and coursed through her like a tidal wave. She was determined to find something to help Sebastian find her. God I miss him so much!

  She lay back on the bed lost in the passion that embraced her every time thoughts of Sebastian flooded her head. She honestly didn’t know if she could live without him. She wanted to cry but knew she had to keep her mind clear. She would have to try and concentrate her efforts in convincing Gaston that after two days she was willing to surrender. That would be the best way for her to find out her location. It would have to be done carefully because Gaston wasn’t a fool and certainly not stupid. She would be angry at first and then she would slowly compromise. She thought that was a good plan and she was pleased with her decision. She was starving but she wasn’t going to touch the food until she thought it was the right time. She was quite stubborn and would endure.

  On the third day Gaston came to see her. She was alarmed that she felt a bit happy to see him. She desperately needed to talk with another person. Cecil wasn't much of a talker. She was actually not a talker at all. In the last two days they hadn’t exchanged a single word. Arielle was extremely angry with him for leaving her locked in this room for two days. She wanted to give him a piece of her mind but she held her tongue. He walked in smiling, but she didn’t smile back.

  “How do you like your room?” Gaston asked.

  Anger blazed in Arielle’s eyes. Infuriation washed over her like an explosion of an atomic bomb. “I think what you really want to know is how do I like my prison cell? Isn’t that right?” she grumbled, her voice irritated. She didn’t hear his reply and she didn’t care at this point. She knew the answer. All she wanted now was to find something to help Sebastian find her.

  She stood and walked around the room, feeling the walls closing on her. She tears of desperation welled up, burning the insides of her eyelids. She shut her eyes and remained unmoved with her back to Gaston. Her lips moved quietly, praying inwardly and she wrapped her arms around her body lost in her nightmare. Startled she snapped her eyes open; Gaston had moved with his immortal speed and stood in front of her. His eyes were on her face, his hands cradling her jaw, his thumbs softly wiping her tears away. She tried to look away, but his hand was a steel trap. Clear blue eyes bored through hers and she was lost. Her breath caught and her heart hammered her chest wildly.

  “Why are you crying?” his voice was velvety soft.

  “I want to go home,” she whimpered.

  Gaston felt a pang in his chest. He loved her so much; he hated to see her cry. “I love you, I don’t like to see you cry, but I need to do this,” he said.

  “What is it you need to do?” she asked without looking at him.

  “I need to convince you that I’m the right guy for you. Nobody else, and that includes Sebastian, will ever love you as much as I do. I know it’s hard for you to believe, but it’s true,” he murmured, his lips brushing the side of her cheek. “You will be with me forever,”

  “You forget that I haven’t agreed to be with you,” she said firmly.

  “Oh, but you will,” he said smirking.

  “You seem to be sure of yourself.”

  “Indeed. I’m crazy about you.”

  “I don’t believe you,” she said, firmly.

  “Why is that?”

  “You’ve locked me in a room for two days, like an animal,” she said. “I’m going out of my mind.”

  “I had another commitment that kept me away. It wasn’t my intention to keep you locked in the room, but I didn’t want you to wonder alone and maybe have something happening to you. Cecil is my private assistant and she had orders to make sure you’re safe.” His eyes were searching her face.

  He didn’t try to hold or kiss her, however he was standing v
ery close. Close enough to make her uncomfortable. Close enough for her to breathe in his intoxicating immortal scent, which made her ache painfully for another man. He looked over her shoulder and his gaze fell on the food tray that was sitting totally untouched.

  “Are you on a hunger strike? Or you just don’t like the food?” he said, and chuckled. “Would you like for Cecil to bring you something else?”

  “I’m not hungry,” she said stubbornly.

  “Do you go three days without eating when you’re at home?”

  “No.”

  “Then why here?”

  “I hate being here. I miss my parents and my friends,” she said.

  “Arielle, I know your parents are away for a whole week and your friends have their own lives. What you’re really saying is that you miss that son-of-a-bitch Sebastian. The man who betrayed his best friend by selfishly taking away the only girl that best friend loved.” His face radiate a blazing fury. “He’s never going to have you. You’re mine and I will love you forever.” A look of satisfaction filled his eyes.

  Arielle was horror-struck but masked her feelings and remained quiet. She wasn’t going to get him angry. She was going to follow her plan and endure. His hands cradled her face, making her look up at him. His gaze fell on her lips and, bending, he kissed her softly. Arielle tried to resist but remembering Eva’s words she forced herself to relax. Gaston felt her yielding, wrapped his arms around her, and moaned with gratification.

  His eyes bored directly into hers and his compelling caught her by surprise. She was now complete under his control. His arms pulled her against his hard muscles and, bending down again, he kissed her sensual lips hungrily, possessively. Her body quivered and she sank into the kiss utterly captivated. Gaston groaned delighted with the results. The kiss was soft at first and then deepened to blistering. He moaned fervently as their lips melted into a more seductive enthrallment. Her lips parted inviting him inside and his passion was palpable. Her perfume filled his nostrils with the intoxicating aroma of freesia and he groaned. His eyes closed in utter bliss and his muscles locked as she shifted pressing herself deeper into his embrace. Her warmth coursed across every muscle, every nerve, and every morsel of his existence. His male rigidity ached as he plundered into the kiss. God! he thought. If this is heaven, I’m never going to let her go. I’ll sell my soul to the devil to keep her in my arms for eternity.

  A few minutes passed and he was still lost in the bliss of Arielle. He’d forgot that his compelling would fade. He was startled when she pushed against him and he snapped his eyes open. Inwardly he cursed knowing that’d he messed up his chance by losing himself in his wild passion. Arielle blinked and her face-hardened.

  “What…are…you…doing?” she demanded, trying to keep her voice down.

  His voice was velvety soft, full of passion, desire, and frustration.

  “I’m in love with you,” he groaned, pulled her hard against him, trapped her arms and kissed her hard, demanding. He pulled back and watched her waiting for her to scream again, but she didn’t.

  Arielle knew it was her fault for letting him compel her. She would make sure it didn’t happen again.

  “What? No screaming, no cursing?” His eyes never left her face.

  “I want to be alone,” she murmured and turned away. “I’m tired.”

  Gaston was dumfounded. Her reaction wasn’t what he'd expected. He pursed his lips, turned, and walked to the door. He was pleased with the results. She didn’t scream, didn’t hit him, and didn’t push him away. For Gaston that was progress. He smiled wide.

  “If you need anything, push this button.” He pointed to a white small button next to the light switch. “There are people here to fulfill your every wish.” His eyes were still searching her face.

  “I wish to go home,” she said.

  To that he didn’t reply. He opened the door and stepped in the hallway. “I’ll be back to see you a little later,” he said softly. The door closed behind him. Eva was right; her plan was working. He didn’t lock the door.

  Eva, Gaston compelled me. He caught me by surprise and I didn’t have time to look away.

  Yes, I felt the kiss, I want to throw up.

  Same here. I’ll be more careful next time. Don’t tell Sebastian, I don’t want him to worry,” she sniffled.

  I won’t. He’s in a pretty bad mood.

  I’m not sure I can keep up the charade; I don’t have any warm emotions about Gaston. All I have is loathing.

  Arielle, you must stay calm, we’re going to find you, trust me. I’ve never failed you and I’m not going to start now. Do you trust me?

  Yes, I do.

  Please try to look for clues. Look at things a lot closer. Find details, anything that might be of interest. I’m connected with your thoughts so let me know when you find something.

  Eva pursed her lips in frustration. It had been two and a half days and they had absolutely nothing. They didn’t know where to go, where to look.

  Chapter 16

  UTTERLY FRUSTRATED, ARIELLE walked to the window and looked outside, trying to collect her thoughts. She gazed at the ocean, filled with exasperation, and groaned. Slowly she turned and her eyes fell on the beautiful painting next to the window. It portrayed a picturesque sandy beach and crystal blue waters. She closed her eyes and could almost feel the warm breeze brushing against her skin, almost hear the waves lapping against the shore, and smell the lushness of the sea mist. Loneliness enveloped her remembering another painting, a birthday gift from Sebastian. She sighed profoundly as her eyes roamed the painting, trying to absorb every little detail. Suddenly her eyes stopped at the bottom right corner of the canvas. It wasn’t the signature of the artist she was focused on, but the small letters below the signature. She peered much closer and her breath held. V Fiji, were the small letters below the signature. V Fiji, she repeated inwardly. Her alertness piqued, she moved to the next painting, and the next. She verified that all four paintings had the same letters. Her heart began to race and she felt like screaming aloud in sheer bliss. She immediately mentally spoke to Eva.

  Eva! she exclaimed.

  I’m here, Arielle, did you find something?

  I think so.

  What is it?

  There are four paintings in this room and at the bottom of each is the painter’s signature along with two more words. V Fiji. Eva, I think I’m in Fiji, possibly at one of the islands that begins with the letter ‘V.’ I’ll check further; maybe I can find something more.

  Arielle, that’s great! That will give us a place to start. I’ll contact Sebastian right now.

  I love you, Eva, she sobbed.

  I love you, too, Eva replied.

  ***

  Arielle closed her eyes. She was now filled with hope and anticipation. She strolled back to the window and gazed at the thick forest. The leaves swaying in the breeze made her smile. The smile froze when she spotted a black car pulling away from the house slowly. She focused on the tag FIJI LD-432 and her heart thudded.

  Eva! Eva! I’m in Fiji. I am looking at a car that’s leaving the house and the tag shows Fiji. And there's one more thing.

  What is it, Arielle?

  There's a very tall mountain behind the house.

  Arielle, that’s great! That’s a huge clue. There are very few islands in Fiji with mountains or high elevations.

  Fiji! Eva thought. She resisted the need to scream. Her inward shock was overwhelming, but she kept the need in check. She didn’t want to frighten Arielle any further than she already was. She knew there were over 300 islands in Fiji, which made their search a bit more complicated.

  Fantastic! I'll contact Sebastian; let me know if you see anything that might make the search easier. We’ll ready to leave for Fiji at once. Everyone's here. Be brave; try to keep Gaston clueless.

  Excitement flooded Arielle’s mind and she felt overwhelmed. She tried again to open the window. She was so obsessed with getting some fresh air that suddenly she felt
smothered. She was trapped and needed to be outside. She started to hyperventilate and staggered to the bed. She inhaled huge amounts of air, and exhaled deeply. She did that several times, but it didn’t seem to help and she fainted. She opened her eyes slowly and blinked several times. She lay in bed, trying to recall the last thing she remembered. Footsteps alerted her and she sat up facing the door. The knob turned slowly. Gaston pushed the door wide-open, expression filled with joy.

  “How are you feeling?” he said softly.

  “As well as can be expected considering I can’t even open the window to get some fresh air,” she replied with a frown.

  Gaston approached. “Would you like to take a walk?”

  “Outside?” she cried out.

  “Of course. Where else?” he said, chuckling. He looked at the table and saw the tray of food completely untouched.

  “Not hungry, love?” he added, as if it was natural. He stood by the bed looking down at her. “Arielle, you have to try and adjust to your new life. I wish I could make you understand how happy I can make you. I can give you the world and more,” he said, and sat next to her.

  “I want to go home. I miss my parents and friends,” she whimpered not looking at him.

  “You can have all that back, with one request,” he said, the smile never leaving his face.

  “What is that?”

  “You’ll have to give up Sebastian. You’re never going to marry him and he’s never going to be in your life.” Arielle winced, but she didn’t say anything. “I’m in your life now. You...are...mine…” he said, his voice was soft but firm.

  I’ll never be yours, she thought. She remained quiet, following Eva’s advice to keep him clueless. He was suddenly on his feet and pulled her up, trapping her in his embrace.