Arielle Immortal Seduction (12 page)

“Careful,” he cautioned in a throaty voice, “You are getting me excited.”

She immediately pulled back, giggling, and he released her. “How did you find me? When did you come? I thought you were flying in tomorrow,” she said.

“I wanted to surprise you,” he said. “And I think I have succeeded in doing exactly that.” His lips were curved up into that smile that Arielle knew she would love for the rest of her days. “I flew in this morning and when I didn’t find you at the flat, I thought your parents might know where I could find you. I spent a little time with them and, by the way, the house looks amazing,” he said, making Arielle blush with pride. “Your mother told me where I might find you. So I gave it a try. I think I have looked at every store in this area. I was just about ready to give up when I saw Gabrielle and Eva standing here and I knew that I was in the right place.”

“I’m so happy to see you,” she said, blushing again.

“I love you, baby, and I wanted to surprise you. I was a little worried about you, following our conversation last night.”

Arielle fell back into his arms and closed her eyes. She felt safe in that warm sanctuary he was providing just for her. He smiled and pulled her tighter against his body. She gasped.

Every person in the shop was staring at him, not believing that anyone could be as perfectly beautiful as he was. He was hers, and she was elated. She knew every woman in the place wished she were in her place. She also knew that Sebastian had eyes only for her. Finally, he let go of her reluctantly and she went back into the fitting room to take the dress off. She went to pay for it while her friends were trying on their dresses.

“Let me get this for you,” Sebastian said as she took her wallet out of her purse.

“Absolutely not.” Her voice was firm, and he didn’t say anything more.

“Did you like the dress?” she asked.

“I love it. It makes you look very sexy, but you can’t wear it unless I’m with you,” he whispered, and leaning close to her ear, he added, “But I like you better with no clothes on at all.”

Arielle felt heat spread across the tip of each nerve. His words were seeping into her sanity and stripping her of it. She pulled back and shook her head, trying to regain her focus. “We’d better go and see how Gabrielle and Eva are doing,” she said, but he pulled her around to face him. His arms encircled her body, and his voice came out soft and sexy. “Arielle, I know your reaction when I look into your eyes, so get a hold of yourself, I am about to do that again. I need the energy I get from your beautiful blue eyes.”

She looked up at him and started to protest, but their eyes met and once again it happened. Her heart was hammering in her chest so hard that she was sure everyone could see it pumping. She struggled to take a breath and she could feel the familiar heat take over her body. She looked away and could hear him laughing quietly, knowing what he was doing to her.

“I wish you would stop doing this,” she said.

“Are you all right?” he teased.

“Yes, I’m fine,” she said, even though once again she was completely disoriented.

“When we’re together next year I think I’ll do away with my salve and replace it with just looking into your eyes for the energy I need,” he murmured. “What am I going to do with you?” he added, pressing a kiss on her temple.

“You keep asking me the same thing over and over again,” she said. “What is it that you want to do with me?”

“Oh, there are a lot of things I would like to do with you, but I’m not sure you would approve,” he said, his voice a slight whisper of breath.

Arielle groaned inwardly, knowing that she needed to change the subject.

“I don’t understand why I get so dazzled when I look into your eyes,” she said. “Is there something wrong with me?”

“There is nothing wrong with you,” Sebastian assured her. “I can dazzle people at different levels, and I love dazzling you at the highest level,” he said, chuckling.

“Here I come,” said Gabrielle from inside the fitting room.

“Sebastian,” Arielle said quietly. “I want you to dazzle her when she comes out. I want to see her reaction.” Sebastian grinned and nodded at her.

Gabrielle stepped out of the fitting room looking spectacular. She wore a strapless red cocktail dress and her eyes were sparkling with pleasure. She looked at Arielle first to see her reaction.

“You look absolutely stunning. Troy will love it,” Arielle said.

Next, she turned to look at Sebastian for his approval, and then it happened. She looked as if she were going to pass out. She tried to mumble something, but no words came out. As she started to lose her balance, Arielle reached out and put her arm around her as both she and Sebastian burst out laughing. She looked so dazed. Sebastian looked away, and shortly after Gabrielle recovered her composure.

“I know what just happened, and Sebastian, that’s not fair,” Gabrielle said, giving him a look of mock reproval. “Do you think I should get the dress?”

“I think you should,” Sebastian and Arielle said simultaneously. “It’s beautiful,” Sebastian added. Smiling happily, Gabrielle went back to the fitting room in sheer satisfaction.

Next, it was Eva’s turn. Eva had picked an attractive black cocktail dress with spaghetti straps; she too looked fabulous.

“Do it again,” Arielle whispered to Sebastian as Eva came through the door and looked at Sebastian. That did it for her too. Arielle just couldn’t stop the laughter from bursting out as she saw Eva go limp and almost fall to the floor. Sebastian reached out quickly and steadied her with his strong arm. She looked lost and was gasping for air. Sebastian and Arielle shared a knowing look and then looked away. Eva shook her head and appeared dazed. She had no clue what had just happened to her. Once she was back to normal she looked at the dress and then at Arielle and Sebastian, a bit confused. She remained silent for a long moment and finally, shaking her head, she turned back at Sebastian.

“So, what do you think, Sebastian? Should I buy it?” she asked.

“It’s very attractive, Eva. Yes, I think you should.”

Eva turned to Arielle with a happy smile. “Do you agree, Arielle?”

“Definitely, that dress is you,” Arielle said. Eva smiled and walked back into the fitting room looking pleased.

When they were alone, Sebastian pulled Arielle closer. Bending down, he brushed his lips against her ear. “I want you so much,” he purred in a low, seductive voice. Arielle shivered, and looking up, their gaze locked.

“You’ll have to wait,” she said, pulling back.

He drew in a deep breath. “How long?”

“Only as long as it’s necessary to finish shopping,” she said, reaching up and touching his lips with her tongue.

“Mmmm,” he said, gasping as his arm tightened around her waist. “That’s not helping, I hope you realize that,” he murmured. Arielle just chuckled happily.

Chapter 11

W
ith all three girls outfitted, Gabrielle and Eva paid for their dresses and they all walked out of the store together, talking and laughing. Sebastian took Arielle’s hand and held it tightly while they strolled down the small streets and bought a few more things. Eva showed her ring to Sebastian, a huge grin on her face, and he made a point of enthusiastically admiring it. She smiled at him happily, and gave him a big hug. It made Arielle happy that her friends liked Sebastian, and he seemed to like them. Some of their stories made him laugh out loud and he seemed to be having a great time.

While holding his hand, Arielle noticed a large silver ring on his finger that she had never noticed before. She pulled his hand closer and looked at it. It was magnificent. A long engraved bar extended along the ring and met with a beautifully etched medieval-looking cross shape on either side. It looked very impressive, and very important.

“I don’t think I ever remember seeing this before,” she said, looking up at him.

“I’ve been wearing it ever since we met.”

“Oh, I guess I’ve been busy looking at you that I never noticed the ring before,” she giggled. “Is the design a family crest?”

“No, it isn’t,” he said, adding in a whisper, “I’ll explain when we’re alone.”

He snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. Arielle felt she had walked miles since the morning, and they were coming to the end of their shopping day. She still didn’t have a gift for Sebastian, but she couldn’t do that now with Sebastian by her side. I’ll just have to do that tomorrow, she thought. It will be hard to leave him, but I’ll have to just do it, she thought, smiling and pulling closer to him.

Sebastian cocked his head, and looked at her quizzically.

“What are you thinking about?” he asked, trying to hide his amusement.

“Just you,” she said, and smiled.

They were on their way to the car when they heard someone calling Arielle’s name. They looked around and saw Andrew running toward them. Sebastian looked at her questioningly.

“It’s Andrew, one of our good friends,” she explained. Andrew was now in front of her. He lifted her and twirled her around, kissing her on both cheeks, and greeted Gabrielle and Eva the same way.

“Andrew, this is Sebastian, my boyfriend,” Arielle said.

Andrew shook Sebastian’s hand in a very friendly manner. “You’re a very lucky guy,” he said. “You’ve got one of the most beautiful girls around,” he added, winking at Arielle.

Sebastian just smiled. “You’re right,” he said. “I am very lucky.”

“What are you all doing? Did you get my Christmas present yet?” Andrew joked. They all laughed and Andrew walked along with them going in the same direction. He and Sebastian talked about sports. They seemed to enjoy their conversation. Finally, they arrived at the parking lot. Andrew shook Sebastian’s hand once again, and hugged each of the girls in turn. “I’ll be going home for Christmas,” he said. “See you next year.” They waved and wished him a happy holiday as he walked to his car.

Her friends already knew that Arielle would be leaving with Sebastian, so they weren’t surprised when she gave her car keys to Gabrielle. She embraced her friends, and they said their goodbyes.

Sebastian had parked his gorgeous blue Porsche a short walk down the road. On the way to the car, he reached out and wrapped his arm around her back, pulling her closer to his side. He looked down and trapped her gaze. His hand skimmed down to the low of her back and slipped underneath her shirt. His touch was blistering hot and Arielle shivered with excitement. His fingers moved slowly up and down her backbone, and he heard her take a shuddering breath. A wide smile filled with row desire spread across his face, at the feel of her silky skin between his fingertips. Reaching the car, he turned her to face him and pressed her back against the car. He cupped her chin, tilting her face up until their eyes met. His mouth came down on hers with burning desire, and her lips parted, giving his tongue access to the softness of her mouth. She moaned quietly and the kiss deepened. They were suddenly lost beyond vigorous need for each other. They drifted into a world of rapture, and pure euphoria that made them shatter with startling intensity. The earth swayed beneath Arielle’s feet, and she surrendered to his heated ravaging of her mouth.

When he finally drew back, he peered deep into her eyes, and his mouth curved into that amazing smile that she loved. “God, I missed you,” he murmured, and his lips were back on hers, moving softly, brushing against her cheek, across her collarbone and down the column of her throat. He growled as a shuddering desire pulverized his body. “All I do is think of you, and I’m on fire,” he breathed in her mouth. “What am I going to do with you?” he asked, in a husky voice.

Arielle closed her eyes and reaching up, wrapped her arms around his neck and searched for his mouth once again. Their tongues dueled in a wild dance, filling their souls with ecstasy and desire. The taste of his scent intoxicated her. The taste of her scent drove him insane.

Reluctantly, he lifted his head and pulled away. “I think we’d better go,” he murmured, out of breath. “I will not be responsible for the outcome if we stay here another moment.” He groaned softly, and bending down he pressed a soft kiss on her lips. He held the car door open for her as she slid in, unable to breathe after the intense encounter. She watched him walk around the car, looking at her with clear hunger in his eyes. He was so striking that it made her heart skip a few beats, and she couldn’t take her eyes away from his face.

When he got into the car she reached over and set her hand on his thigh, pressing softly, feeling the flexing of his powerful muscles. An enticing smile spread across her face. Fire spread swiftly below his stomach area, and he hissed a tremulous breath between his teeth. Clasping her hand he moved it away from his thigh, and placed it on the armrest. He then laid his hand over hers, and met her passionate gaze.

“I can’t drive when you get me excited,” he said.

Arielle raised her eyebrows, and her lips turned into a pout as she kept her eyes on his face. Sebastian grinned, and ran his fingers softly over her hand. Then lifting it to his lips, he trailed soft kissed across her knuckles. “I love you, be patient, we’ll be at the hotel shortly,” he said, and chuckled.

She didn’t answer still pouting; she just turned, and stared out the car window, her mind in frisson. The way I want this man is frightening, she thought, and bit down on her lower lip.

His voice sounded like a million miles away. “I’m very happy to be spending Christmas with you. Are you happy to have me here?”

She immediately turned to face him. “Yes,” she muttered, eyes wide with apprehension. “Why would you ask me that?”

“Because right now you’re pouting, and you don’t look very pleased.” Sebastian knew exactly why she was pouting, but he was determined to have a little fun with her.

Her face grew anxious. “I’m pouting because you won’t let me touch you,” she said. “I’m really happy that you’re here for Christmas.”

“Then show me,” he said, feigning dejection.

Arielle placed her hand in his, and smiled submissively. “I’m sorry, I love you so much, and I’m happy you are here.”

Sebastian smiled inwardly, and pulling her to him, he planted a soft kiss on her lips. They remained silent for the rest of the drive.

The atmosphere at the hotel was festive when Sebastian and Arielle arrived at the hotel. Christmas decorations were everywhere. Three huge Christmas trees sparkled in the enormous lobby. Sebastian was greeted with smiles by the staff. By now, Arielle knew that he was a very important customer.

“Merry Christmas, Mr. Gaulle,” the bellboy said.

“Same to you, Charlie,” Sebastian replied politely.

The hotel manager walked up to them and warmly reached out to shake Sebastian’s hand. “Happy holiday, Mr. Gaulle,” he said.

Sebastian took his proffered hand and shook it politely, “This is my fiancée, Miss Arielle Lloyd,” Sebastian said, to Arielle’s astonishment, putting his arm around her waist. The manager smiled at her with a very warm smile, “Merry Christmas, Miss Lloyd,” he said.

“Same to you,” she replied, with a sparkling smile.

As they walked towards the elevator, Sebastian pulled her face up toward him and touched her lips softly. She closed her eyes, tasted the sweetness of his lips and giggled.

“I thought we were going to be good in front of people,” she said. “What about all these people who are staring at us right now?”

“Oh, I figured sooner or later that was about to happen didn’t you?” he laughed, pulling her into the elevator.

“Your fiancée?” she echoed, looking at him with wonder in her eyes.

“Yes, fiancée,” he said. “Is there something wrong with that?”

“No, certainly not,” she replied. “But shouldn’t there be a ring that goes along with that title?”

“All in good time, you beautiful girl, you,” he said.

He was holding her so tight that as he shifted his body she could feel that he was already very excited. She wanted him, and there was nothing else that could make her any happier right now than just being with him. He had an amazing way of enthralling her in bed. The familiar warm sensation spread throughout her body. She stepped out of the elevator into the penthouse, trying to catch her breath as she heard him chuckle softly. He locked the door behind them with one hand. With the other he swept her up in his arms and carried her to the bed.

“I want to keep you in my arms forever. I hate being away from you,” he moaned. For a moment he looked as if he were in deep thought. Then he chuckled.

“What?” she said, looking up.

“When I’m away from you, I can close my eyes and feel your soft beautiful skin, the amazing feel of your breasts, the joy of making love to you. I’m absolutely under your spell, Lizzy.”

Arielle closed her eyes and felt the heat of his body next to hers. Her nerves tensed to a painful peak. Sebastian used that moment to pull away from her and get out of bed.

What? Where are you going? Come back,
she thought. She kept her eyes closed, waiting for him to return but after a few moments there was still only silence. Startled, she opened her eyes and found him kneeling in front of her, smiling. He didn’t have a shirt on, just a pair of jeans. He looked magnificent. She let her eyes take in all that beauty, wondering how a man like that could love someone like her.

She smiled at him happily, and before she could open her mouth to tell him how much she loved him, he uttered the most unbelievable and unexpected words.

“Marry me, Arielle,” he said in a voice filled with emotion.

Arielle stopped breathing and was unable to either move or speak. She felt that the whole joy of the universe had just fallen into her lap. She felt pure joy, bliss, harmony, and fear all mixed up together. She closed her eyes and thought, I don’t have to imagine what heaven must be like, it’s right here. Tears welled up in her eyes and she started to sob.

“Arielle, I am asking you to marry me, baby, why are you crying?” he said again, in his velvety voice. She reached for him and held him tight as she whispered.

“Oh, my God, Sebastian,” she sobbed. “I’m ecstatic, I’m elated! And yes…yes…yes… I’ll marry you, and I’ll love you forever!” she stammered between sobs.

“You mean you’ll love me for eternity,” he corrected her.

“I don’t know about eternity,” she said. “But I’ll love you for as long as I’m on this earth.”

He took her left hand and placed a gorgeous ring on her finger. It was the most beautiful ring she had ever laid eyes on, and it looked as if it was from another era. A large diamond was set in the center of the ring, which was composed of tiny intertwined diamonds and sapphires. Its beauty was absolutely breathtaking.

Their lips locked in a hot kiss. Arielle couldn’t believe that she was engaged and that this gorgeous man was going to be her husband. She put her hand on the nape of his neck and pulled him onto the bed. He lay next to her and pressed his body against hers in greedy eagerness. She could feel his arousal against her stomach, and she moaned anxiously. She stroked him softly but fervently, and he stilled. She pressed her lips at the hollow of his throat and sucked in a deep breath. He moaned deeply as his arms tightened around her body, trying to keep his hips from trembling. He began to make love to her with unbelievable passion. She could hear him moan with pleasure as she rolled her body over his and he stopped breathing. He groaned as her lips brushed his face. Her tongue traced the side of his jaw, across his collarbone and back up, circling his beautiful lips. His breathing quickened and he moaned in clear anticipation. She felt complete satisfaction knowing that she was the one sending waves of bliss across every part of his body.