Page 13 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
These thoughts burst forth from within her mind at a feverish pace as Gabriel approached her.
***
Gabriel was caught off guard seeing Gemma in the grand library. As a child, he had spent much time there and did not ever remember crossing paths with her. Yet now, here she was in all of her beauty, holding a book and seeming to blush at the very sight of him. He’s not sure he’s ever seen that shade of red on anyone.
Gemma looked cozy sitting against a brown couch, but his gaze lingered a moment too long. Drinking in Gemma’s beauty sparked an unanticipated desire within him. That feeling of deep heat within his body was back.
He swallowed the lump that was forming in his throat. A sudden awareness of their solitude washed over him. It was improper for an unwed lady to be alone with a man, but Gabriel could not help himself as he took a few steps closer. Plus, he was her guardian now so no one would suspect anything too ungentlemanly if they were caught. Or this is what he told himself.
The thought of being alone with this woman was stirring deep feelings within him. As he struggled to dampen the desires, his body was only betraying him further.
He had no right to be thinking such elicit things about a Lady, especially while staring into her eyes. However, these thoughts and all of their sensuousness remained at a heightened pitch.
Gabriel diverted his attention to the book in Gemma’s hands, recognizing it as one he had loved as a child.
“Are you enjoying the book?” Gabriel asked to distance himself from the brink of inappropriate intimacy.
“Very much so. Gulliver is a rather interesting protagonist,” Gemma confessed as she took her feet off the couch and set them on the ground in front of her, crossing her legs demurely.
Gabriel watched the action as he caught sight of her ankle. His body shuddered at the sight of her naked skin between her dress and her sock. It was only a quick moment, but it had the same effect over him as if her naked body was sitting on that couch.
The sight made him take another involuntary step closer.
“Which part is your favorite?” Gabriel pondered.
“I’ve only read part one and half of part two but so far part one,A Voyage to Lilliput,is quite memorable indeed.”
Gabriel had to agree though his favorite was part three due to the flying island of Laputa which he found fascinating. In his younger years, he wished to escape to that flying island and put some distance between him and his father.
The pair continued to talk about the book, and Gabriel did his best not to spoil the other parts for Gemma. It was a private book club for two, and he was fully enjoying her attention and company.
Gemma even continued to read part two aloud to Gabriel. He listened with rapt attention at her sensual voice, which deepened when she read Gulliver’s part, mesmerizing his senses and soothing him in ways no other had ever done. He loved her voice and wished he could sit there and listen to her forever.
After Gemma finished her reading, the pair sat in awkward silence, neither one sure of what to say or do next.
Gabriel was counting on the smoothest of deliveries when he gave her what he hoped was an endearing compliment. “You are quite the young lady,” Gabriel stated with intensity and enough huskiness in his voice to fully grab Gemma’s attention.
He worried it came out wrong, that he didn’t quite hit the mark, but the blush on Gemma’s cheeks assured him that he did indeed, give a proper compliment.
Gemma’s blush deepened, and she nervously tucked a strand of auburn hair behind her ear.
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
“You do not need to call me ‘Your Grace’ when we are in private, Gemma. Gabriel will do just fine.” He paused thoughtfully. “I find it hard to believe that you have not found yourself a husband yet.”
Gemma’s mouth fell open, but Gabriel ignored it and continued. “It is a necessity for you to find a suitable husband. I will take it upon myself this upcoming social season to help you find one if you are unable to find one for yourself.” Gabriel winced at how the last part came out.
“That is unnecessary,” Gemma argued. “I do not yet need to marry. I am still so young yet.”
“You are about to be twenty-one, being young is in the past. It is now time for you to do what ladies do and be wed and start a family of your own.”
His eyes brightened as an idea.
“In order to give you the best advantage, I will call up the seamstress and get you fitted for an entirely new wardrobe. The Ton won’t know what hit them when you arrive on scene.” He secretly congratulated himself on such a fine idea. This will give her quite an advantage, indeed.
“No thank you,” Gemma said standing up. Her annoyance was prominent in her lovely features.
Gabriel followed her lead and stood as well. “I am now your guardian. As is custom for a lady in your situation, you will have a new wardrobe and you will attend the upcoming season. To make it easier for you, I have hired a lady’s companion.” Gabriel stood tall, his authority unquestionable.
