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They continued talking and laughing as the carriage rolled on. The sun soon began to dip beneath the horizon, lengthening the shadows of the trees around them.

They passed through a small town where the inn awaited them. The simple structure looked cozy and welcoming, like a cottage nestled in the heart of the countryside.

After settling into their rooms, Gemma and Elizabeth eagerly went down for dinner. The innkeeper had prepared a nourishing meal that was simple but satisfying. They were served bread, and a rich stew of fresh vegetables and roasted meats. It was notlike the fancy meals served by the ton, but it was nourishing and warm, and just what they needed after a long day of travel.

Elizabeth smiled at the food, clearly delighted by the hearty meal.

“This is wonderful,” she said, her voice full of appreciation. “I have never eaten anything so delicious.”

Gemma couldn’t help but smile at her sister’s reaction. “I am pleased that you like it,” she said, savoring a bite of the stew. “It is nice to be treated so well, is it not?”

Frederick, who had been sitting with them, nodded. “Eat as much as you like,” he said with a smile. “Do not worry about the cost. Tonight, you are free to enjoy yourselves.”

Elizabeth’s eyes lit up. “Really? I can have more?”

“Of course,” Frederick replied, his tone warm and encouraging. “The meal is yours to enjoy. And do not forget the baths afterward.”

The mention of baths made both girls look at one another eagerly. After a day on the chilly road, they both longed for the luxury of a hot bath.

Once they had finished their meal, Elizabeth hurried off to take her bath first, leaving Gemma to relax by the fire.

It was a quiet moment as she sat in silence and listened to the wood crackle musically in the grate.

Gemma leaned back in her chair, her thoughts turning once more to Frederick. She could not wait to be in his arms again. Her body ached for him, and the thought of his strong hands caressing her body and his lips kissing hers made her restless with need.

When Elizabeth finally emerged, her face rosy from the warmth of the bath, Gemma smiled at her sister.

“All clean?” she asked.

Elizabeth grinned. “Yes, and I feel like a new person. Now it is your turn.”

“All right, but you look exhausted, Lizzy,” she smiled, moving with her to the bed. “Get some sleep, all right?”

“I am a bit sleepy…”

“I do not blame you. After all the excitement and the long road behind us, you need a good night’s sleep.”

“So do you… Gemma… I… I am sorry about how mother treated you…”

“Do not worry yourself about it. It was never your fault and, honestly, it is now in the past where it belongs. We never have to look back, Lizzy.”

Elizabeth yawned, nodding as she slipped under the covers. Gemma watched her, sitting next to her on the bed until she drifted into a peaceful slumber.

Gemma could have watched her forever, really. But she needed that bath. She stood up and walked to the room’s washbasin. It didn’t take long to slip into the tepid water, and she scrubbed herself as best she could.

She lingered as she washed, touching herself gently, imagining Frederick’s rough touch and demanding pace. Going over the exquisite details of her times with him was something she hadn’t allowed herself to think about since she left Blackridge.

After leaving the warmth of the bath, she began to dress when an irresistible desire overcame her. She could not wait any longer, not when Frederick was so close.

She grabbed a long chemise and a robe, slipped out of her room and made her way toward his.

The halls were quiet, and the night air felt alive with promise. She needed him, she wanted him, and she would let him ravage her all night if that was what he wanted.

When she reached Frederick’s door, she knocked lightly. A moment later it swung open, and there he stood, shirtless and freshly cleaned from his own bath, steam still rising from his skin. His gaze locked with hers and she propelled herself into his arms.

Without a word, Frederick’s lips crashed down on hers in a kiss that was hungry and deep, and full of weeks of pent-up longing. As the door clicked shut behind them, Gemma grasped onto him tightly and let everything she had been holding back pour out of her and into their all-consuming kiss.

“Gemma…” he whispered as his lips traced the contours of her collarbone. “Gemma.”