Arielle Immortal Journey (The Immortal Rapture Series Book 5) (38 page)

“He didn’t say anything to me. But even if he had, I’m an adult. I can take care of myself, and I’m not going to play your silly games. I already have a serious suitor back home.” Arielle was aware of the firmness in her voice. She wanted him to understand that she wasn’t interested in him.

He glanced at her, not taking her reply well. His fingers pinched the tip of his nose, a sign of extraordinary frustration among immortals.

The music lingered, frustrating Arielle. She wanted to get as far away from Gaston as possible. As soon as the music stopped, she
pulled away. Turning on her heel, she walked toward Gabby and
Eva at a brisk pace. His voice made her stop in her tracks.

“Arielle, I always get what I want, and you are what I want forever forward.”

How strange!
She spun around toward the dance floor and yelp inwardly, shocked to find him standing right in front of her. She had left him in the middle of the dance floor, but there he was, practically
nose-to-nose with her. She couldn’t believe that he would use his
speed
in front of this crowd, but looking around, she realized nobody was paying attention to them. Her body was throbbing now, and her
hands
were shaking with anger. A multitude of thoughts swirled in her
head. She racked her brain trying to remember where she’d heard those
words before, and why, upon hearing them, she ached in a painful
way.
Suddenly, her body tensed. Matt’s face appeared vividly in her
mind, and she gasped quietly.

“I mean it, Arielle. I’m not joking.” Gaston’s voice was hard. He tried to lock their gaze, a mocking look on his face.

She felt uneasy, dragging in a deep breath and pretending to be unaffected. She was worried about the word “forever,” as she knew that to be a true statement for an immortal. She wondered how this would affect her when she returned to her time. Would he appear in her century and try to disturb her life with Sebastian? No, that was crazy! She chuckled at the thought. He had no idea who she was and
where she came from. She had enough trouble from people in
Sebastian’s
past. She didn’t need another undying immortal trying to ruin her
life.

She was deep in thought when she heard the voice that she loved more than life itself. She spun around and fell into his
beautiful emerald eyes. Sebastian was smiling as he took her hand and tried to
draw her slowly away from Gaston, ignoring the vigorous
objections.

“Sebastian, she’s not part of the game.” Gaston’s voice was hard, filled with frustration.

Sebastian chuckled. He looked smug, and she felt a little pang. Was he playing a game? Was he bargaining with Gaston for her?
Why the smug face?
she wondered. Instinct told her she had to say something.

“I’m not going to be part of either of your silly games. I told you that before, and I detest everything about this.” She jerked her hand
free from Sebastian. Giving both a harsh look, she turned around
and moved away, picking up pace once again.

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 walked 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.