Page 53 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
“Where are we going?” Her own voice sounded a bit pinched.
“It is only a little further,” Gabriel explained, putting his hand on the small of her back.
Gemma stiffened at the touch and Gabriel quickly dropped his hands.
They walked in silence for a few more moments before a small house came into view.
“What is this?” Gemma looked perplexed.
“It is an old dower house. It is meant for a widow to live in when her husband passes. I knew we had one on our estate, so the clue was quite obvious.”
Gemma nodded in understanding. The house was like a nostalgic relic from the past.
“My parents would have loved this place,” Gemma said quietly.
“Tell me more about your parents,” Gabriel insisted suddenly.
Gemma missed her parents dearly and she looked at the open look on Gabriel’s face, knowing he truly wanted to hear what she had to say.
“Well, they were the kindest people I ever knew. We would often travel to Kew Gardens, a favorite place of mine.”
Kew Gardens was an indoor garden in a huge building. It held exotic plants and had such a calming atmosphere. It was the Whitmore family's favorite place to go to explore nature and see plants that they would not normally be accustomed to.
Gemma explained all of this to Gabriel with a softness in her voice.
“We would even play games among the lush expanses, guessing where plants originated and even seeing who could name the most. My father always loved that game. He knew everything.” Gemma said with a warm sigh.
As she recounted her cherished memories it became clear to them both that Kew Gardens was not just a garden, but a place near and dear to Gemma’s heart. A place where she could visit fond memories of her parents and remember their love for her.
“We shared many laughs there and each trip was full of adventure. Kew Gardens held an echo of my parents' laughter. Each time I have visited the garden since their passing, I feel as if I can reach out and touch them and feel them embrace me. Kew Gardens was a place of peace for my family, and it still is for me.”
“That is beautiful,” Gabriel said. “I am sure they are watching over you as is my father.”
Gemma wiped a tear from her eye. “Tell me about your relationship with the duke. I miss him dearly as well.”
Gabriel paused, unsure of what to say. After a beat he finally spoke.
“He used to read to me when I was younger. Books about business of all things. It never took me long to fall asleep to those” Gabriel chuckled.
“He was trying to prepare me for my duties of taking over for him, but I was always much more interested in the topics of natural science. He hated that but I knew he cared for me when he would read to me. It was always as if we were the only two people in the world. While my father and I did not always see eye to eye, I truly do miss him.”
Gemma took a step towards Gabriel and grabbed his hand in hers. She held it firmly as they looked into each other's eyes.
“I know you and the late duke did not always get along, but he loved you. He talked about you all the time,” Gemma confessed.
This caused Gabriel’s heart to burst, as he was overcome with emotion.
Gemma saw the light change in Gabriel’s eyes.
From hurt to wonder to something darker. Something not so innocent.
“What’s wrong?” Gemma asked.
Gabriel pulled Gemma’s hand and she fell into his chest. He stared at her, an intense longing in his gaze.
Gabriel surrendered to raw emotion as he whispered a confession. “I desire you.”
Gemma’s breath hitched and her lips trembled with anticipation. What did the duke’s words mean? He desired her? Whatexactlydid he desire?
