Page 62 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
“Well…” Gemma spoke, peeling her gaze away.
Gabriel shook his head, trying to remember why he was here.
“Oh, there is a ball tonight, and we will be attending together. Just the two of us.”
Gemma’s eyes widened as did her mouth.
“So, now you want to spend time with me? I thought after you left me alone after our intimate encounter that you wanted nothing to do with me. Then you ask me to marry you out of guilt and worry for my reputation, and then ignore me again. How can you keep doing this to me, Gabriel? It is cruel to behave in such a manner. You appear to be a very confused man, indeed.”
Gabriel gulped, though Gemma had agreed to marry him, he still felt regretful for their encounter. Not for the act itself, as that had been amazing, but for performing it before they were married.
“I am sorry Gemma. I was scared and felt guilty for taking your virtue. I had no idea what to do and I fled. I was weak and it was a cowardly thing for me to do and I promise I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you. If I could go back and change it, I would. Please Gemma, allow me to be the man that deserves you.”
Gabriel apologized from the bottom of his heart. He hoped that Gemma would understand where he was coming from as he realized just how much he had hurt her.
He was being selfish at that moment, thinking only of himself. He hadn’t realized just how much damage he might have done to Gemma’s psyche by leaving her after their intimate moment together.
“Alright then,” Gemma finally said after a beat of silence. “What are your requests for what I should wear?”
Gabriel couldn’t tell if that was saucy or if she was being genuine but answered.
“Something white,” he answered her immediately, and tried to bite back a smile. It did seem as if it was the most appropriate suggestion.
Gemma nodded with a tilt of her mouth, and Gabriel stared at her lips. He wanted nothing more than to kiss his fiancé but after all he had done, he did not want to make her even more uncomfortable.
“The ball is in a few hours. I shall be waiting by the carriage for you when you are ready,” he said. Gemma nodded and Gabriel quickly took the dismissal to prepare himself for the ball.
As he stood by the carriage waiting for Gemma, Gabriel tugged at his collar which was a bit too tight for his liking. He wanted to wear his nicest suit jacket as it would be his first outing with his soon-to-be bride.
Looking up, Gabriel made eyes at the sun. He thought of when he was a little boy and how he would gaze at the sun, trying to figure out how it could exist. He would stare until his eyes burned and everything looked red. His father would scold him and pull him back inside, but Gabriel had stared at the sun countless times since.
“What are you doing with all of this fidgeting?” Gemma asked, interrupting Gabriel’s intense stare down with the sun.
“I was just…” Gabriel started before the words died on his tongue.
Gemma looked like a vision in a pearl gown. It hugged her waist and flowed out at the skirt. There was just a hint of cleavage on display. Just enough to drive Gabriel mad.
“Is there something wrong with my dress?” Gemma said, rubbing a hand across the skirt.
“No, no, not at all. In fact, you look divine.”
Gemma blushed at his words and Gabriel perked up. Knowing that he could still make her flush was a good sign. It meant Gemma was still affected by him. Maybe she was just as affected as he was by her.
“Do we not have somewhere that we need to get to?” Gemma smirked, as she tried to bring Gabriel’s attention back to where it needed to be.
Gabriel shook his head, breaking his stare from Gemma.
He held out his hand and helped her into the carriage.
Gemma sat on one side and Gabriel sat across from her. Gemma evaded Gabriel’s eyes, but he let himself take her in. She was like the sun at that moment. He couldn’t take his eyes off her, and he didn’t want to. All Gabriel wanted was to figure out what Gemma was thinking and if she was thinking about him.
“You’re staring,” Gemma said with a kick to his shoe. There was a twinkle in her eye, something that made his heart skip.
Gemma was acting quite unladylike, which was unlike her, but Gabriel found he enjoyed this sassy side of her too much to say anything.
He loved getting to see all sides of her and all strokes of her behavior. He knew he brought out her intimate side, but he was eager to learn everything about her.
“I cannot help it. You look beautiful,” Gabriel said leaning forward. His eyes searched hers deeply.
