Page 73 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
Gemma, absorbing every word, felt an overwhelming surge of emotion. Gabriel’s passionate confession set her heart a blaze. The man she had secretly loved was laying his heart bare, professing his love for her.
A wave of relief, joy, and love crashed over Gemma.
“Gabriel,” Gemma whispered, her voice barely audible. “I love you too.”
The confession was from her heart, an acknowledgement of the deep bond that had grown between them.
“I have loved you for so long, and it warms my very essence to know that you feel the same,” Gemma said louder.
Gabriel drew Gemma closer and laid his lips upon hers.
This kiss was one full of love and intention for the future. The kiss was deep and passionate. Each of them putting all of their love and affection into that kiss.
“Take me home,” Gemma mumbled against Gabriel’s mouth.
Gabriel nodded.
“Of course, my love.” Gabriel kissed her once more, passionately.
The two walked out of Kew Gardens hand in hand, showing the world that they were together. As they walked toward Gabriel’s horse, Gemma was on top of the world. Nothing could tear her down from the happiness that she was feeling with Gabriel.
They rode back to Ashbourne Estate and shared secret kisses as they entered the manor.
“Lady Gemma!” Felicity called out.
Gemma broke away from Gabriel’s grasp with just enough time for Lady Felicity to throw her arms around Gemma.
“I am so glad you are okay, we were worried sick,” Felicity spoke.
Gemma felt guilty for leaving so abruptly, but everything seemed to have worked out for the best.
“I am sorry for fleeing, but I am here now,” Gemma said. “I am not going anywhere.”
“That is good to hear, Lady Gemma. We are glad you are safe,” Hugh spoke from beside Felicity, his hand on the small of Felicity’s back.
This did not go unnoticed by Gemma as she smiled at the small contact, happy for her dearest friend.
“Gemma, now that we are home, there is something I must inform you about,” Gabriel said. “If we could go to my study.”
Gemma followed Gabriel, unsure of what exactly he had to say to her.
Gabriel took Gemma over to the couch along the wall of his study, sitting them both down. He took her hand in his as he gazed into her eyes.
“I want to start by saying I am so sorry that I have to be the one to inform you of this,” Gabriel started, eyes deep with sorrow.
“Gabriel, you are worrying me, what is going on?” Gemma felt her heart rate quicken.
Gabriel took a deep breath before squeezing Gemma’s hands.
“Constable Taylor stopped by earlier to inform me of some deeply disturbing news. It seems that the carriage accident that took your parents' life was no accident.”
Gemma gasped and released Gabriel’s hands.
What on Earth was Gabriel talking about?
“A maid at Sagewood Estate confessed that The Countess of Sagewood has admitted that she was behind the carriage accident. The constable is opening an official investigation.”
Gemma stood up, not sure how to take the news.
