Page 59 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions, heavily laden with thoughts of the implications of her impassioned encounter with Gabriel.
To distract herself from these thoughts and the memory of what they had done together, Gemma decided to seek refuge by exploring the next clue which Gabriel had left outside of her door after the tea party. While it pained her that he had not waited with the clue, a part of her was glad to be able to focus on it alone. The ancient parchment in her hands held the final clue. A cryptic word and detailed sketch promising the discovery of a secret location within the estate.
The thrill of the hunt provided her with a momentary respite from her inner turmoil.
What was the treasure? Where would this final clue lead? What was to be found at the end of the hunt?
Gemma roamed around the manor, trying to find the hidden location within the estate.
As she rounded a corner she ran into the object of her thoughts.
Gabriel.
Gemma tripped over her own feet in an attempt to flee and fell to the ground but was caught by his big hands.
“Are you alright, Lady Gemma?” Gabriel asked.
Gemma gazed into his eyes and wanted nothing more than for him to kiss her.
Gabriel appeared conflicted. His eyes shadowed by remorse and burdened by fear for the ramifications of their secret.
The air between them was charged, a tangible testament to the deep connection and shared history that binds them together.
Gabriel subtly cleared his throat before speaking again. “Is that the next clue? Could I offer my assistance?”
Gemma looked at Gabriel, wondering why he had gone days avoiding her but now wanted to offer his help. He had clearly seen the clue before, but instead presenting it to her in person, he had left it at her door. She should say no and walk away from him.
She wanted to scream and demand he explain himself. She wanted to never see him again. But she also wanted to spend more time with him, to never part with him. Perhaps this would lower his guard and give her some answers.
“I would appreciate your help,” Gemma said in a soft tone.
Their minds aligned to decipher the intricate puzzle.
“I think we should head outside; the light will be better to read the clues,” Gabriel insisted.
Gemma agreed and they walked to the garden, hands brushing as they did.
Once outside, they stood side by side, the scent of roses filled the air. The intimacy of their physical proximity was overwhelming.
Their whispered conjectures and shared theories intensified the atmosphere, stirring raw emotions and amplifying the undercurrent of tension.
As the two spoke about their ideas, Gabriel reached out, in a fleeting moment of tenderness, and plucked a blooming rose.
“You are fond of roses, yes?” he asked softly.
“Yes, they are my favorite,” Gemma whispered. “Lord Langley gave me a dozen when he first wanted to court me. They smelled lovely.”
“And what do you think of this rose?” Gabriel said, his eyes dark but intense on her face as he held the rose up to her nose. Gemma breathed in the sweet scent. The bloom was not like the ones Lord Langley brought, perfectly coiled petals around a center. This rose was big, wild, and its colors bled on the petals like paint.
It was exquisite.
“It is divine.” She looked into his eyes. “And I prefer a genuine rose, in a wild garden, than ones grown to look the exact same.”
Gemma watched as Gabriel swallowed. “I agree. The wild beauty can’t compare to those bred for society.”
He gently handed it to Gemma before getting down on one knee.
“Gemma Whitmore, will you marry me?” Gabriel asked with regret and worry clouding his eyes.
