Page 6 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
Instinctively, Gabriel rushed to her side and crouched down to aid in the retrieval of the broken shards. As he reached the glittering pieces, he brushed Gemma’s hand, sending jolts of electricity up his arm. His heart beat against his ribs.
He noted the subtle pulsing in her neck which matched his own and her hand was warm and soft. His breath caught in his throat as she looked up at him under her lashes, captivating his soul. Gone was the timid young girl. In her place blossomed a beautiful young woman.
Time had certainly changed a few things at the estate, including Gemma Whitmore.
Chapter 3
The unexpected touch sparked a flame of awareness in Gemma that she hadn’t anticipated. Her heart pounded fiercely in her chest, mimicking the rhythm of Gabriel’s own racing heartbeat which she could feel through their entwined hands. His touch was cool and firm against her warm fingers, stirring unfamiliar feelings in the pit of her stomach.
As she looked up into his eyes, there was a heat to his gaze. It was a tantalizing intensity that she had never seen before. She had not interacted with him during his brief visit after his father’s passing. Seeing him now threw her off balance.
Gemma felt on edge at the sight of the heat within Gabriel’s gaze. It was rather unsettling.
Her breath hitched in her throat, struck by the fierce determination and hint of gentleness in his stormy gray eyes that tugged against her heart.
Time stood still as Gemma and Gabriel sat frozen, eyes trained upon one another.
Lost in the uncharted territory of emotions, Gemma barely registered the arrival of Elizabeth Harrow, the estate's devoted housekeeper.
“Is everything alright?” Mrs. Harrow clucked disapprovingly. She regarded them both sternly.
The interruption broke the connection and pulled both Gabriel and Gemma back to reality. The moment evaporated into thin air.
Gemma withdrew her hand from Gabriel’s but felt a sense of loss washing over her as the coolness of his touch faded. How had his touch pulled her in so completely?
His presence, once so irritating, now felt strangely comforting, leaving her in a turmoil of emotions.
“Penelope!” Mrs. Harlow’s shrill voice rang out. Gemma winced and felt as if she had gone a bit deaf.
“Penelope! Do get out here and help to clear up this mess at once.”
Mrs. Harrow appeared vexed as a young, portly woman rushed down the hallway and immediately began to take over the cleaning up of the shards of the vase.
As Gabriel stood up and awkwardly regarded Gemma, who was also attempting to right herself into a comfortable standing position, the two of them each coughed lightly as if to break an invisible tension in the air. And in that moment, Gemma made the announcement of the upcoming dinner party.
“There will be dinner guests arriving soon,” Gemma said, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. “It is a celebration of your return as the rightful Duke of Ashbourne.”
Gabriel stiffened and Gemma worried that she had irritated him. He looked uncomfortable at the mention of dinner. What an odd reaction to a celebration in his honor, she thought to herself.
“I am fresh from my journey, and I need some time to adjust to my new life before I entertain guests,” Gabriel explained in a crisp tone that he hoped would put an end to the conversation.
“It is important that you attend. Everyone must see that the Ashbourne Estate is in good hands,” Gemma stood firm. “Your presence is required.”
Gabriel gazed at Gemma with a look that pierced her skin, and she fought the urge to look away. This was not the time to lose her nerve. She found her resolve and maintained her gaze.
“I am The Duke of Ashbourne, and I will decide whether my attendance is required, Lady Gemma.”
With that, Gabriel exited the hallway and headed back to his rooms.
Gemma felt as though she needed to catch her breath. It was difficult to decide if Gabriel really was that arrogant or if he was simply exhausted from his travels, that he might wake up more polite than the present moment.
Mrs. Harrow cleared her throat, breaking Gemma from her thoughts.
“Lady Gemma, that was quite the exchange,” Mrs. Harrow spoke, still stern and crisp. Her face was pinched tightly with disapproval.
Gemma felt her stomach tighten. She pulled her lips tightly, breathed deeply and responded in a polite manner.
“I had thought that the duke might be more open to the grand dinner in his honor.” She could feel the blush on her face again and desperately hoped that Mrs. Harrow did not notice it.
