Arielle Immortal Fury (The Immortal Rapture Series Book 6) by Lilian Roberts Page B

am I kidding? This is much harder on me than on her. Her warmth in my bed nearly undid me. For a long moment, he remained quiet, filled with passion and desire, fighting the maddening thoughts that were ripping into him like wild fire. I would much rather be home with her, celebrating her birthday alone, but it’s too late to scratch the plans. He had already paid to throw an amazing surprise party for Arielle. Eva and Gabrielle had phoned all their friends from school, and there had been a great response. All he needed to do was to get her to Gabrielle’s place.
    “Would you mind if I make a quick stop at Troy’s?”
    “Something wrong?”
    “No, he has some papers that he wants me to look over prior to our morning staff meeting.”
    “No, I don’t mind,” she replied sluggishly.
    Sebastian bent down and nuzzled her hair. She was half asleep, and he chuckled. She didn’t seem to care about much right now. She really did look exhausted, but he was sure that she would be pleased.
    When they arrived at Troy’s, everything seemed quiet. The house was completely dark except for a couple dim lights on the upper level.
    “I’ll wait for you right here,” she said, leaning back at the headrest and closing her eyes.
    “I don’t think I would like that. I don’t want you sitting in the car alone,” he said firmly. He walked around and opened her door. He pulled her into his arms, pressing a soft kiss on the tip of her nose. “Wake up, sleepy head,” he said against her ear. He kept his arm around her as they reached the front door, and he pressed the doorbell. It was a couple of minutes later when the front light came on. Troy opened the door and took Arielle’s breath away. He stood in the doorway shirtless, wearing a pair of jeans.
    “Come on in,” he said. He reached over and gave Arielle a hug.
    “Is Gabrielle asleep?”
    “Not yet, but she’s in bed,” he replied with a soft smile. “Do you want me to get her for you?”
    “No, no, don’t bother her. Sebastian and I are going out for my birthday.”
    “Oh, that sounds like fun,” he gazed at her for a short moment. “Are you certain?”
    “Yes…yes…let her rest. I know she must be exhausted after a whole day riding,” she said. “I feel pretty much the same way right now.”
    Sebastian exchanged a glance with Troy. He spoke quickly to cover the awkward moment. “I’ll get those papers for you,” Troy called out as he disappeared around the corner toward his office. They stood in the foyer. Sebastian snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. There was complete silence in the house, which was strange because Gabrielle loved music and played it night and day. She saw a dim light go on in the kitchen.
    “Hey, Sebastian come here a minute.”
    Sebastian pulled her softly, and they both walked through the study toward the kitchen. They were halfway there when suddenly all the lights came on with a blinding flash. Arielle stilled and drew a shocked breath. She blinked, and her jaw dropped. The room was full of familiar faces, faces that she loved.
    Everyone shouted out, “Surprise! Surprise!”
    Gabrielle and Eva ran towards her with open arms. “Happy birthday, Arielle!”
    Arielle appeared lost for words. She looked around, disbelief in her eyes. She stared as tears blinded her view once again.
    “When did you guys do all this?” Arielle asked, wiping her eyes, searching Eva's and Gabrielle’s faces.
    “Oh, it was all Sebastian,” they replied simultaneously, motioning toward him. “He took care of all the details, the catering, the flowers, and the music. He only asked us to help with the invitations,” Eva said. She was beaming with excitement.
    She immediately looked back. Sebastian stood between Ian and Troy. He had a huge smile plastered across his face. She ran to him, falling into his arms.
    “Thank you!”
    He stared down at her with a mischievous smile on his face. “You can thank me when we get home,” he