Arielle Immortal Seduction (The Immortal Rapture Series Book 2)

by Lilian Roberts

  “Look out, you miserable human. I’ll find you alone and I will destroy you. You’ll never have him!” she shrieked.

  “Annabel, I’m warning you,” Sebastian said, his voice full of disgust and abhorrence that actually drove a chill down Arielle’s spine. “Stay away from us, as far away as you possibly can. Next time it will end up bad for you.”

  Without a word, Annabel turned and swept out of the room, never looking back.

  The manager came over, wanting to know if Sebastian and Arielle were all right. People started to move around again, wondering what in the world all that had been about. Sebastian assured everyone that they were just fine and pulled Arielle towards the elevator.

  Annabel and her friends were gone, for now, but Arielle knew her life was moving into an unknown chapter. She felt terribly afraid.

  Once in the room, Arielle fell apart. When the door closed, she started to cry. Her body was shaking, and tears ran down her face. All she could see was Annabel’s eyes, full of fire and revulsion for her. She sat on the bed sobbing, unable to shake the fear out of her bones. Sebastian held her close without saying a word as she buried her face in his chest. “How am I going to deal with someone like her in my life?” she sobbed, while he just held her close.

  “Please, Arielle, you don’t need to be afraid of her. You have the necklace and it will keep you safe. You saw what happened down there. I didn’t even touch her, and you certainly didn’t pull off a throw like that.” He smiled gently, watching for her reaction.

  Arielle looked at him through her tears and nodded. “I know you’re right.” But she also knew that Annabel would be coming back, and it terrified her.

  Arielle didn’t fully understand the powers of immortals, and the unknown was terrifying to her. Seeing the intense hatred in Annabel’s eyes and her determination to keep Sebastian to herself had frightened her. The depth of that passion she did understand.

  “Do you love me?” she heard him asking in a low voice.

  His question startled her and she stared into his eyes.

  “What do you think?” Her voice was strong and steady.

  “I want to believe that you will be strong and will not fall apart every time you cross paths with Annabel. It may happen more often than you want it to.” He pulled her against his body and held her tighter. “Please, Arielle, I don’t want you to worry. You saw what happened when she tried to touch you. All I want you to do is make sure you never take that necklace off.”

  Arielle put her arms around his neck and pulled herself even closer, wanting to feel the warmth and security of his body. She had never thought it would be possible to love someone without limitations. But even in the wake of the ugly incident they had just lived through, now that she was in his arms again, she felt a sense of deep contentment.

  They didn’t need to get ready for the party for a couple of hours still, so Arielle drifted off to sleep in complete tranquility. Sebastian held her close, happy that the danger had passed. He smiled as he listened to her breathing softly, warmth and harmony surrounding him.

  She was just on the cusp of sleep when she felt his lips pressing on hers. She opened her eyes to see his face only inches away, with his lips slightly open and inviting. She parted her lips and welcomed him in, pleased when his tongue stroked hers gently. His incredible scent filled her with unmanageable desire, and he was happy to accommodate her, even as he whispered that it was getting late and she still needed to go to the flat to get her dress for the party. His kiss deepened, making her moan. She didn’t want to move away from his trembling body that could make her senses soar to such amazing heights. She gasped with excitement and sighed. She knew he was right.

  “This will be my first real Christmas party,” he said with anticipation in his voice.

  “That can’t be true. You must have been at many Christmas parties through the centuries,” she said, trying to shake off the passionate desire she felt.

  “Well, I have never enjoyed the holidays with my wife to be,” he said. “I want to share everything with you, Arielle. This will be the very first Christmas for us, and I intend to take it all in and make it wonderful for both of us.”

  “What time is it?”

  “Four-thirty,” he whispered. She knew it was time for her to get up, but she couldn’t move. Not yet. She was elated and so comfortable, and she didn’t want to move away from him, not for a second. And he seemed content just to hold her against him.

  Eventually, they got up and drove to the flat. The music was blasting and all Arielle’s friends were there, playing cards and drinking. As they walked into the flat door, she could hear the Eagles’ “Long Road out of Eden” playing, and it made her happy. Sebastian was singing along softly.

  “I didn’t know you like the Eagles,” she said, surprised.

  “There are a lot of things you don’t know about me,” he grinned.

  They stayed for a while, happy to be together. Eva looked beautiful and so happy in Ian’s arms. Gabrielle was busy beating all of them at cards. She was jubilant, laughing out loud, making fun of the guys. Her outbursts made Sebastian laugh too, and it made Arielle so happy to see him carefree. He surprised her again by drinking a couple of beers, but she didn’t say anything about it.

  Finally, Arielle gathered her things and they left. They all agreed to meet at the party around nine. On the way back to the hotel, Sebastian’s phone rang. It was Loren. “Hold on for a minute, love,” he said and turned to Arielle. “Can Loren bring another couple with her?” he asked.

  “Yes, of course, she can bring anyone she wants.”

  “Thank you, Arielle!” Loren yelled into the phone.

  “I can’t wait to see you again,” Arielle said.

  “Her date is Daniel Boellere, and they’re bringing Daniel’s brother Marcus and his girlfriend Jeannette Grullon as well,” Sebastian explained after he had hung up. “Marcus and Jeannette will pick up Loren and Daniel. They’ll arrive a little after nine.”

  “That’ll be fine,” Arielle said, smiling softly. She was wondering what Sebastian was going to wear to the party, but whatever it was, she was sure he would look better than anyone else there. She smiled to herself and giggled softly.

  “I don’t like not knowing what you are thinking,” he frowned, though she could tell he wasn’t really angry.

  “Some of my thoughts are only for me,” she said and smiled happily.

  “Don’t make me take that necklace off,” he replied teasingly.

  Back at the hotel they jumped into the shower together and enjoyed the warm water running over them. Sebastian seemed to enjoy watching Arielle closely as she prepared for the party. When she finally slipped into her beautiful dress and high heels, he pulled back and whistled with delight.

  “You. Are. Stunning,” he said, and Arielle smiled, pleased with his reaction.

  “Sebastian, go get dressed or you’ll make us late,” she urged.

  He walked into the bathroom and she could hear him whistling some old song as he was shaving. Once again, she was amazed at how much she really didn’t know about him. She walked out of the bedroom into the sitting area and poured a glass of wine for herself while she sat down, turning on the telly.

  It was seven-thirty; they had ample time to get there. Arielle pulled her little mirror out of her purse and applied some lipstick. She thought about how plain she looked in comparison to the extraordinarily beautiful girls in Sebastian’s world.

  What’s so special about me that he should love me? she asked herself for the hundredth time. He was so amazingly good looking, even when he was asleep. He could have any woman on the planet he wanted, but he had chosen her. How strange.

  She sipped her wine slowly and couldn’t help thinking again how lucky she was. She was ready to take another sip when he walked into the room. Instantly, she forgot what she was going to do and just stared at him. He was quite simply the most exquisite sight she had ever laid eyes on. He was wearing a beautiful black des
igner suit, with a silver shirt and a black tie. He was magnificent. Arielle just stood there staring at him, unable to utter a word.

  “Do I look good enough?” he asked. She approached him and reached out to touch him.

  “I just want to make sure you are real,” she said, voice trembling. He laughed, pulled her close, and pressed his lips on hers.

  “Is that good enough proof?” he laughed.

  “How can you do this?” she said incredulously. “How can you look so fabulous all the time?”

  “I guess that is the same question I have for you, Arielle,” he said, smiling.

  As they walked through the hotel lobby holding hands and smiling at each other, eyes followed them to the exit. Arielle was sure it was because of him. She certainly wasn’t used to being the center of attention the way she was when she was with Sebastian. It made her feel like someone very special.

  Chapter 14

  THE PARTY WAS IN FULL SWING when they arrived. Arielle hadn’t realized that her mother had invited so many people. As they walked in, the band was playing some of the old sixties music that her parents loved. Many turned and looked at Sebastian with amazement. Arielle wasn’t surprised. By now, she was getting used to that kind of reaction.

  As they entered the room, her mother approached them and gave both of them a hug. As usual, she looked absolutely beautiful.

  “Congratulations!” she exclaimed. “Arielle, I couldn’t be any happier and more proud of you than I am right now,” she added, her face shining with delight. “Let me see that ring.” She reached out and took Arielle’s left hand. “Oh, my. It’s beautiful!” she exclaimed, and hugged them both again.

  “You look so beautiful, Mrs. Lloyd,” Sebastian said, kissing her cheek and chuckling. He bowed.

  “Why, thank you, Sebastian,” she replied, clearly pleased.

  “Please, wait here for just a second?” They both nodded amused. She excused herself politely and quickly walked off to find Arielle’s father. Sebastian and Arielle stood patiently looking at each other, waiting for her mother to come back. It wasn’t long until she reappeared holding Mr. Lloyd’s hand, pulling him softly toward their direction.

  “Hi, Daddy,” Arielle called out warmly. They embraced lovingly. Her father tightened his hold on her and planted a huge kiss on her cheek.

  “Your mother told me the good news,” he murmured against her ear. “Are you happy?” His eyes were quizzical.

  “Oh yes, Daddy, I’m very happy.” Her father gave her a reassuring smile. He kept one arm around her waist and turned to face Sebastian.

  “My boy, congratulations. I couldn’t ask for a better man for my daughter.” He extended his hand with a wide smile on his face. Sebastian took his proffered hand and shook it warmly.

  “Thank you, sir.”

  Then, her parents stood on either side of Sebastian and Arielle and her father called everyone’s attention. “Friends,” Mr. Lloyd said, excitement in his voice. “My wife and I are very pleased to make a special announcement this evening. Our daughter, Arielle, has accepted Mr. Sebastian Gaulle’s proposal in marriage. Please join us in wishing both of them a long and happy life together.”

  A loud round of applause and happy cheers followed his sincere words, making Arielle blush and Sebastian smile blissfully. “Lets all drink to their happiness,” her father called again. Everyone raised their glasses.

  Sebastian pulled Arielle in his arms and placed a soft kiss on her lips. Grinning ecstatically, they walked around to speak with all their friends and her parents’ guests. Sebastian had met most of them at Arielle’s birthday party. They fell easily into conversation.

  Sebastian received smiles of acceptance from the men, who shook his hand warmly, and he mesmerized the women, who couldn’t stop staring at him.

  “Why am I not surprised?” Arielle murmured to herself, amused. Then, as soon as she could do it gracefully, she pulled him across the room to where Eva was standing with Ian. They congratulated Sebastian and Arielle on their engagement and they exchanged warm greetings.

  Before long, Gabrielle and Troy walked in. Troy too was breathtaking, and many of the women turned around to stare at his immortal beauty as he entered the room. Troy and Sebastian exchanged warm smiles and it looked like they said something to each other, but Arielle couldn’t hear what they were saying. Troy hugged Arielle and congratulated her. He gave her a happy smile. Gabrielle looked stunning and more in love tonight than she ever had before. Arielle was so happy that the six of them were getting along so well. The house looked magnificent, and she couldn’t stop smiling. Sebastian had his arm around her waist at all times. He hummed every song the band played.

  “Do you like sixties music?” she asked.

  “Some of my favorites,” he said, smiling.

  “What other music do you like?”

  “Oh, my taste is pretty diverse,” he said gazing at her warmly. “I mostly like classical music, but then the fifties and the sixties were pretty great too,” he drawled.

  “Yes, they were pretty great.” Arielle found herself nodding back. “My parents love the fifties and sixties,” she said joyfully.

  “Don’t promise a dance to anyone because you’ll be dancing all of them with me.” He pulled her closer.

  “Well, I hope we don’t have an unexpected guest tonight,” she said, and the thought made her stomach clench.

  “Unexpected guest?” he said, gazing at her quizzically. Arielle looked up and their gazes locked, emerald and sapphire, a stunning blend.

  “You know… I mean someone like Savanna,” she said and winced fretfully.

  Sebastian looked deep into her eyes. “Oh, I wouldn’t worry about that if I were you. Tonight, I’m not leaving your side,” he said and hugged her to him tighter.

  “That’s fine with me, but don’t make any promises you might not be able to keep,” she said.

  Sebastian’s brows furrowed. Arielle quickly explained, “You do know that you can’t say no to my father.”

  Sebastian smiled and nodded in agreement. “You’re right. But if that happens, I’ll get Troy to keep an eye on you.”

  Ever since she met Sebastian, Arielle’s life had drastically changed. She didn’t know what the next blow would be, who was going to deliver it, and when? So, she just resigned herself to that fact and sighed deeply.

  “Stop worrying,” Sebastian said, and bending down he kissed her on the tip of her nose.

  Soon after, Paul came in with a date, which made Arielle very happy. He looked handsome in his gray suit with a blue shirt and a gray tie. As usual, he looked stylish, but because he was with a date he looked even more stunning than usual. He introduced the girl as Marian Walker, the daughter of a family friend. She was very pretty, with blond hair and green eyes, and friendly.

  “Paul, Marian, Sebastian and I have special news to announce,” Arielle said. “We’re engaged.”

  “Arielle, that’s wonderful,” Paul said, and shaking Sebastian’s hand he added, “You are perfect for each other, and I’m happy for you.”

  Arielle could see that Paul wasn’t quite himself, but she knew that tonight wasn’t the time to say anything. She was sure that it had everything to do with his parents. Once again, the newspapers had splashed dirty details about his father’s affairs with other women. This had to be awfully hard for Paul. “I’ve a Christmas gift for you,” she said and gave him a hug.

  “Oh, thank you,” he said, “I’ve one for you too. It’s in the car. I’ll bring it to the flat tomorrow.”

  Arielle turned to face Sebastian and froze in place. “What in bloody hell is he doing here?” she hissed, a little louder than she intended to. Richard Chevaller was among the guests, and that infuriated her.

  He’s the last bloody person I wanted to see tonight, she thought. He’s sure to ruin my good mood. Gabrielle and Eva walked over to her and teased her, giggling. They knew how Arielle felt about Richard. He didn’t seem to understand that when their parents had talke
d about the two of them getting together, they were only five years old. He was handsome, yes, but he was also one of the most annoying, arrogant, and snobbish people around. Arielle disliked him immensely. Gabrielle and Eva each took Sebastian by the hand, laughing, and gave him the short version of Arielle and Richard’s prickly relationship.

  “Come stand back here and enjoy,” Gabrielle said. “This is an annual tradition between those two.”

  Sebastian did as he was told and stood between Eva and Gabrielle as they watched Richard and Arielle with curiosity. He didn’t have long to wait. Soon, Richard approached Arielle with a wide, stupid smile on his arrogant face.

  “Hey, pretty face! How’s my girl?” he exclaimed and reached out as if to take Arielle in his arms.

  She put her hands up defiantly, keeping him away from her and stepped back, hissing in a low voice. “Richard, please keep your voice down.”

  “Hello, Richard.” Arielle heard a musical sound coming from behind and turning, saw Gabrielle and Eva giggling. She glared at them. Sebastian was standing there watching her and she could hear his low laughter, along with that of Ian and Troy. They were enjoying her frustration while Arielle was getting angrier.

  “‘Richard, keep your voice down,’” Richard said, mimicking Arielle’s voice. “Is that all you have to say?”

  “Richard, why do you keep doing this to yourself? Don’t you get it? I want you to stay away from me. How hard is that for you to understand?”

  His eyes bored into hers and his expression turned cross. “Listen, Arielle, I told you, I’m not giving up. We are meant to be together.”

  “You must be either stupid or hearing impaired,” Arielle said with exasperation. She turned her back to him and began to walk away. He grabbed her hand and said, “Please, Arielle, don’t do this. Give me a chance. I’ve been a jerk and I know it but…”

  Arielle spun around, furious, and raised her finger in warning to stop him from finishing his sentence. “Richard, please, keep your voice down before I really get mad. Don’t ever say that again. I told you before I can’t stand it. Leave me alone,” she said, emphasizing the last three words.