The Forbidden Throb (Emma and Daniel) novel Chapter 138

Chapter 138

Emma’s POV

The Metro car lurched to a stop at Université Paris Descartes, and I squeezed through the crowd of afternoon commuters, my fingers still

clutching my phone.

Where are you?

The question burned in my chest as I emerged from the station into pale winter sunlight.

I typed out another message as I walked. I got your note I’m here at the entrance. Where are you?”

Around me, the medical college campus unfolded in layers of history and prestige.

The main building had been a monastery in the 18th century, all red brick and Gothic arches, now interspersed with modern glass structures that caught the afternoon light.

A few tourists clustered near the entrance, taking photos of the ornate stonework, their voices carrying in accented English and French.

But no Daniel.

The entrance courtyard opened onto a tree lined avenue, bare oaks stretching skeletal branches overhead. Fallen leaves carpeted the stone pathway, half-buried under melting snow that crunched beneath my boots.

I started walking, following what I hoped was the general direction of rear garden, my phone’s GPS flickering uselessly between buildings.

Third time. I stopped again, staring at the little blue dot on my screen that claimed to be me but could have been anywhere in this maze of medieval architecture and modern additions.

I turned in a slow circle, trying to match the buildings around me to the satellite view.

Maybe I should go back to the entrance. Start over. Text Daniel again-

‘Miss Johnson? Is that you?’

The voice came from behind me, warm and faintly amused.

I spun around to find Professor Hermann approaching, his familiar face creased in surprise beneath a shock of grey-white curls that the wind had thoroughly disordered.

He wore a camel-colored cashmere coat and carried the lingering scent of expensive cigars, though I noticed him depositing a half-smoked one in a nearby waste bin as he drew closer.

Professor Hermann. Relief and embarrassment warred in my chest. “What a coincidence.”

Professor Hermann.

51 am PPP

Chapter 138

We’d met just days ago at the medical conference he was the first one whod handed me his card with genuine warmthit perfunctory politeness Id expected from someone of his stature.

Indeed. His expression shifted from surprise to confusion. ‘Do you need help? Where do you want to go?

Heat crept up my neck. Was I that obvious? ‘I… yes, actually. The rear garden. I’m supposed to meet someone, but I seem to have gotten turned

around.

fell into step beside me without waiting for an invitation, steering us down a side path I hadn’t noticed

ed my shoulder with grand

1. “Come. I have the whole afternoon free. Let me show you around Daniel’s old haunts.”

fessor Hermann

The modern

glimpsed

rough an archway into a quieter section of campus.

Taded behind us, replaced by the hushed atmosphere of the older buildings. Through tall windows, I is, students bent over microscopes and tablets.

ld finally, gesturing to a wooden door set into an ivy-c

my ribs. This was it-the rear garden Daniel had writ

to a small courtyard that took my breath away.

ugh here.”

We’d arrived.

but it felt like stepping into another century.

er stood a stone fountain, clearly modeled after R

shells, catching the pale sunlight in flashes

he edges, wrought-iron trellises suppor and weather, offered places to sit

wn to fit the intimate space. Water trickled over carved

st be spectacular roses in summer. A few wooden benches, dark

Daniel.

slow turn, scanning

over the

ntain. The benches. The single oak tree in the far corner, its branches

nter-bare.

beside it. His hand trailed along the stone edge. “Do you know about our knockoff

s coins into it. He demonstrated the motion, his movements fluid despite his age

e lovers with the one you like. The second means you will truly love each other. The third…” He paused. as you wish to marry the one you love and return here together.”

together?”

8:51 am

Chapter 138

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