Claimed By Chaos (11 page)

Chapter 20

“A letter and a delivery have arrived for you, Sir Alastair.” Hendrick announced as he lowered the salver towards Alastair.

Everyone was in the sitting room and dinner was to be served shortly. Giselle was comforted to see that she wasn’t the only person that leaned forward as Alastair read the letter. He placed it inside his coat and looked up as he rose from his seat.

“We can discuss this after dinner. If you’ll excuse me, I need to tend to another matter. It should only take a few minutes.” With that, he strode from the room. Mirabelle’s mouth twisted and she tiptoed to the door and peeked out.

“He’s going toward the kitchens. What sort of delivery would he get that would require he go there?” She was attempting to whisper but Giselle would be surprised if Alastair couldn’t hear her. From the kitchens. Lucien shook his head.

“Come and sit, sweetheart. I’m sure he’ll explain, if he wants us to know.”

“But what if he doesn’t? I think I should follow him. Or, Giselle could!” Mirabelle turned and looked at Giselle expectantly. “You can sneak after him and report whatever it is you see. It should be easy enough for you.”

Giselle looked to Lucien for help. As curious as she was, she wasn’t going to start sneaking around Winthorpe, spying on Alastair. Lucien looked at Mirabelle sternly and shook his head.

“No one is going after Alastair. At least not anyone with manners.” He teased. Mirabelle pouted as she took her seat next to Lucien.

“Everyone has secrets while I’m just plain old Mirabelle and get left out of all the fun.” She sighed dramatically. Lucien looked at her pointedly as he raised her hand to his lips.

“As I am privy to most of your secrets, I can assure you that you are anything but plain, my love.” His voice was low and the glance they exchanged was heated. Giselle was sure they had forgotten her and she began to examine the sleeve of her dress closely. Thankfully, Lucien remembered and cleared his throat as he looked across the room at Giselle. “I’m sorry, what were we discussing?”

“Secrets.” Mirabelle said a bit too loudly. Giselle grinned as she took a sip of her wine. She considered the irony of the conversation. Mirabelle wished for more secrets and danger and Giselle couldn't help but envy the scene she had just witnessed. Mirabelle and Lucien were so close and had few secrets. Their life was so comfortable and uncomplicated, they were so well suited, obviously happy and deeply in love. And it was secrets that would keep Giselle from having what they had.

“Secrets are rarely good and those that live with them are rarely happy.” Giselle said softly. She knew it was a very revealing statement and she regretted it almost as soon as she said it. Lucien’s eyes narrowed and Mirabelle sucked in a silent breath. Her head tilted and she stared at Giselle. She was about to say something when Alastair returned. He crossed the room and took his seat across from Giselle’s. Mirabelle shook her head softly and turned her focus to Alastair.

“What was all of that about?” She asked sweetly. Alastair’s face was blank as he took a drink from his glass.

“If I had wanted you to know, I would have invited you to come with me or I would not have returned empty handed.” He explained. Mirabelle cut her eyes at him.

“I find it hard to believe we were raised by the same mother. The disparity of our manners is shameful.” She declared. Alastair nodded in agreement.

“Indeed. Your lack of any is appalling. What sort of hostess would ask a guest to spy on another guest?” He returned. Mirabelle’s eyes flared and she gasped indignantly.

“When one’s guests are actual spies and one’s own brother and being sneaky, it is perfectly acceptable.” She argued as she looked to Lucien for support. He quickly looked down at his glass and became absorbed in it’s contents. Mirabelle rolled her eyes and looked back at Alastair.

“I’m sure that’s a rule in some etiquette book. Not that I imagine you’ve ever bothered with one.” Alastair said dryly. Mirabelle crossed her arms.

“I could write an entire book on etiquette.”

“I’m sure. Mirabelle Haviland’s Guide To Terrorizing Friends And Family And Tree Climbing, it would be wildly popular.” Alastair raised his glass in mock salute. Giselle had to cover her mouth to stop the laugh that threatened while Lucien made no effort to stifle his. He stood and laughed heartily as he saw Hendrick approach to announce dinner.

“As you can see, my contacts from the War Office have returned four names of lords that provided and lost ships during the war. I can’t place the seal in any of their hands yet.” Alastair said as he stood over the note he had placed on Lucien’s desk for everyone to study. Lucien shook his head as he looked over the names.

“None of these will be easy to sell to the House of Lords. Particularly Ridgeworth and Weering. They won’t want to try any of them but those two in particular will create a lot of resistance.” Lucien said as he frowned at the list.

“What are your instincts telling you?” Alastair asked. Lucien tapped his finger on the paper.

“Definitely not Ridgeworth and I doubt strongly that Everton would. Weering or Clayton.” He looked up at Alastair. Alastair nodded and looked across the room. His eyes flickered and bounced for a moment before he returned to the letter.

“I’ll have my investigator focus on Weering and Clayton’s finances. It will save us a lot of time. I’ll send word first thing tomorrow but I anticipate that it will take him at least a week.” Alastair said as he looked around the room. Giselle bit her lip as she stared at the letter. She’d done a lot with much less information in the past. Two names were a child’s game.

“We should go back. It won’t take me more than a few days to search two homes and find the proof we need.” She looked at Alastair and Lucien. Both were shaking their heads.

“You need to have a lot more than this before you break into these homes, Giselle.” Lucien said as he pointed to the list. “If you’re caught, this won’t be enough. Not to mention, if
you
are caught prowling around the homes of a marquess or an earl, the scandal would be catastrophic.” Alastair nodded in agreement.

“And it would give away our entire investigation. The last traitor would be gone the next day. Keep in mind, whoever this is, he has ships at his disposal.” Alastair’s eyes searched Giselle’s. She was tempted to argue that she wouldn’t get caught but she had promised to be cautious and find evidence first.

“We could at least go back and start watching them. I need to learn my way around London and the ton.” She found more hesitation from Alastair and Lucien.

“You won’t be able to sneeze in London right now without making the gossip sheets. Everywhere you go, you’re going to be surrounded by people just waiting to see who and what you’re looking at.” Lucien advised. Giselle felt her temper simmering. Alastair was watching her closely.

“Give it a little time to settle. Gilles will keep us updated about the gossip and traffic at Spencer Place. Hopefully, we’ll be able to move around easily enough together once we’ve established that we’re engaged but it’s going to be rough in the beginning.” Alastair picked up the note and tossed it into the fire. Giselle watched it curl and glow before it turned to ash. She sighed in exasperation.

“All my life, my name has been a curse. The only time I was free of it was when I was someone else, in France. Now, it’s like a weight around my neck.” She complained as she started to pace. It made her crazy, knowing she had two strong candidates that she couldn't investigate. Meanwhile, she was being teased and tempted with things that she couldn't have at Winthorpe. Lucien looked at her, his eyes were sympathetic and he smiled gently.

“You have to start looking at your name as an asset, Giselle. I was able to move about freely within the ton and get close to high ranking noblemen that were traitors or associating with traitors. My name gave me access to areas most people would not have. You’ll be able to open almost any door in London, just give it time.” Lucien smiled reassuringly and Giselle couldn’t help but feel the tension ease within her. She nodded and settled into a seat.

“Very well, we’ll wait for more information and give the ton more time to settle.” She couldn’t help but smile as she watched Alastair and Lucien relax.

“Marvelous!” Mirabelle announced. “Now, do you think you could tell us about this delivery?” She asked as she stared at Alastair. Alastair returned her stare for a few moments before he blinked and turned to refill his drink.

“No.” He said as he poured the scotch. Her eyes flared and she looked to Lucien who shrugged as he crossed the room to take the seat next to her on the couch. He put an arm around her and pulled her close.

“Have I ever told you about the time Lord Gasden and I released a flock of geese in his mother’s music room?” Lucien offered in a gallant attempt to distract Mirabelle. She turned and looked at him as if had lost his mind. He raised a brow and she swatted him playfully as she laughed.

“They are referred to as a gaggle, not a flock, Lucien. And I believe there must be at least five.” Mirabelle corrected. Alastair nodded as he sat.

“Unless they are in flight, then they are a skein.” Alastair added.

“So they are, thank you. There were nine. The amount of feathers was fantastic.” Lucien exaggerated. Mirabelle snorted.

“I’m sure it wasn’t fantastic. Anyone would guess that nine panicked geese would leave pillows worth of feathers. Fantastic would imply that you were up to your ears in feathers.” Mirabelle argued. Giselle felt her lips curving and Lucien winked at her. If his intent was to distract Mirabelle by arguing semantics, he was doing an excellent job. “And you know how angry I am with Eric. He hasn’t visited his mother in years and the poor old dear has not been well. And he’s the only family she has. I don’t understand why he is never in London. What could possibly keep him in Cornwall or wherever it is that he lives now?” She lamented. Alastair’s brows pulled together and Lucien shook his head.

“Eric is often in Town, I believe he lives there almost exclusively. I see him regularly at White’s.” Lucien said as Alastair nodded. Mirabelle gasped.

“I only assumed that he was always away because he never calls on Lady Gasden! How could he be so callous? There’s no excuse for him to go so long without calling on her if he's always in Town!” Mirabelle was almost seething. “Has he explained his behavior to either of you?” She looked to Lucien and Alastair.

“As it is none of my business and never asked, no.” Lucien said. Alastair shrugged his shoulders.

“I assumed he avoided her because she’s a miserable old tartar, as we all do.” He mumbled. Mirabelle’s mouth hung open.

“She is not! I think she’s lovely. And she’s lonely, Alastair!” Mirabelle argued. Lucien rubbed her arm soothingly.

“Your sister has a soft spot for Lady Gasden because she sees much of herself in the old dragon. She’s afraid the family will send her into exile when she’s old and unbearable.” Lucien explained. Alastair’s eyes became unfocused as he considered. A moment later he nodded thoughtfully.

“I do believe she’s correct. I estimate she has approximately twenty more years before we send her away.” Alastair said. A moment later he shifted to the right, dodging a biscuit that flew past his ear. “See. It’s behavior like that that will cause you to become an outcast.” He frowned as he brushed crumbs from his shoulder.

Giselle was helpless to stop that laughter that burst from her. She clapped her hand over her mouth but it was too late. It didn’t help that she looked at Lucien and he was shaking and turning red as he tried to maintain his composure.

Chapter 21

Alastair went to great pains to have everything ready before Giselle slipped into his room. He pulled her aside after dinner and told her to wait until the clock struck the eleventh hour and he excused himself a half hour prior. In his room, he found the tray he requested waiting for him. Twenty chocolates rested under a napkin and he smiled as he placed it on the bed. Alastair stripped down to his shirt and trousers and poured himself a drink before sitting to watch the door. The twenty minutes that followed were excruciating.

When Giselle finally opened the door he was tightly wound. He forced himself to remain still, to appear relaxed as his eyes swept over her. She'd left her peignoir and slippers and was dressed only in a transparent nightgown. Alastair felt his body harden as he lifted his glass to his lips. She smiled as she drifted toward him and stepped between his legs.

“You've been very mysterious tonight.” Giselle said as she reached for his glass. She finished it and set it on the table. Alastair rose and tilted her chin so he could press his lips to hers. They were warm and tasted like scotch. He was about to pull her to him and lose himself in her mouth when he remembered his plan. He lifted his head and grinned.

“I have a surprise.” He said softly as his thumb brushed against her lower lip. Giselle's smile was brilliant and it filled his chest with warmth. He had another moment of shock when he took her hand in his, feeling her palm pressed against his made his arm tingle. Alastair ignored it as he led her to the bed. He sat and lifted the tray and watched as Giselle inhaled rapturously.

“Is that…?” She whispered excitedly. Alastair pulled the napkin away and her eyes lit up as she danced giddily. He was momentarily mesmerized by the bouncing of her breasts against the sheer fabric of her gown. She crawled on the bed and reached for the tray. Alastair slapped her hand and pulled the tray back. Giselle's mouth hung open briefly before her lips formed a pout.

“I'm sorry, mademoiselle. This is not free chocolate.” He announced as he plucked a piece from the tray. Her eyes narrowed as they followed it. “You will have to earn each piece.”

“Earn?” She smiled, her mind obviously focused on a more physical transaction. “What would you like me to do?” She crawled toward him sensually. He shook his head.

“Not do, darling.” He informed her. “You can earn these by answering questions.” He smiled as her brows pulled together and her lips pushed out.

“More questions!” She whined. “I'm rather tired of talking about myself.” She sat back on her heels and crossed her arms. Alastair considered the chocolate between his fingers and shrugged before he popped it into his mouth. Giselle gasped as she watched him chew.

“It’s very good.” Alastair murmured after he swallowed. He leaned forward. “Would you like to taste?” He whispered as he offered his lips. She licked hers as she set her hands on the bed and stretched forward. Her tongue swept along his lips before sliding in to find his. Giselle moaned in delight at the soft, rich flavor that coated his mouth. She kissed him hungrily and his eye flared as she sucked his tongue into her mouth greedily. When she sat back it took him a moment to catch his breath.

“That was… well…” Alastair cleared his throat and picked up another piece. “Would you like one? Though I must confess, I wouldn't mind doing that again.” He teased. Giselle smiled and presented her palm.

“Your first question.” She replied. He sighed in not quite mock disappointment. He decided on an easy question to start with.

“Favorite food, aside from chocolate.” He almost laughed at her expression. She was expecting something else. She opened her mouth to speak and then scowled.

“I’m not sure I should say. What if you decide to tease me with it tomorrow?” She grumbled as he let the sweet hover closer to his lips. She sat up and started to protest before he laughed.

“Clever girl. I should point out that you were the one that started this when you threatened to withhold yourself unless I earned my treat by eating my meals.” He voice became low as desire washed through him. Giselle pursed her lips.

“Pasties.” She declared as she snatched the chocolate from his grasp and bit into it. Her eyes rolled back and she groaned. Alastair's body responded. His cock was beyond hard as her tongue slid across her lips. He shook his head and returned to her answer.

“Pasties?” He asked dubiously. She nodded enthusiastically. “Seriously?” He was thoroughly surprised.

“They are the perfect food. You have all you need in one neat little package and you can eat them whenever it's convenient.” She replied as she stared at the tray. Alastair laughed. Of course, she would pick something functional and portable. Unfortunately, he did not want them in his bedroom. “Your next question?”

“Your eyes. Aldous had brown eyes. Was it your mother that had them?” Her head tilted in surprise, possibly that he recalled her father’s eyes. She smiled and nodded.

“Maman and grand-mére.” Giselle held her hand out expectantly. Alastair set another chocolate on her palm and watched as she set it on her tongue.

“Poor Aldous, he couldn't help but fall in love.” He mused to himself and Giselle blinked as she considered his statement. He hadn't meant to say it aloud. She shook her head softly as she pushed the thought away. Like him, she avoided emotions. Alastair wasn't comforted by the similarity. He decided it was time to start asking questions he wanted answered most. “Why do you fight off your release when I pleasure you?” His voice sounded too deep. Giselle became still and her expression clouded as she tried to form her answer.

“I suppose it's because it's slightly frightening. It's not at all like I was expecting it to be, I was quite surprised yesterday. I can't control myself and toward the end I feel like I might faint.” Giselle said softly. Alastair nodded as he considered. It was the most telling statement she'd made so far.

“You're meant to lose control.” He whispered. His head jerked as he recalled the first half of her answer. “Why were you surprised yesterday?” He asked. She smiled and held out her hand.

“That's another question.” She stated. Alastair snatched a piece from the tray and dropped it in hand, he was no longer interested in the chocolate and was impatient as he watched her chew and swallow. “I'd never experienced that before you, before yesterday.” Giselle became shy and studied the blanket as she blushed. Alastair was speechless. What sort of man could have a woman like her in his hands and not want to pleasure her? Seeing her climax was one of the most arousing sights he had ever experienced. He shook his head.

“Your past partners must have been clods.” He decided. He couldn't help the smile that pulled at his lips, he enjoyed the idea that he didn't have any competition. Giselle laughed.

“Past partners!” She giggled. “I'm a lot of things but I'm not a whore, Alastair!” She looked at him accusingly and he knew his mouth was hanging open. When he closed it, he swallowed then tried to speak.

“But you've… that is to say, you're not a…?” Alastair didn't care that he was spluttering, he was sure that he had misunderstood her. Giselle smiled mischievously.

“I’m certain that's a question.” She teased. He nodded stupidly as he passed her another piece. “Of course, I'm a virgin, silly man.” She shook her head as she popped the chocolate between her lips. Alastair felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him and was grateful to be sitting down. When his eyes started to feel dry from staring he hauled in a breath and blinked.

“How? I mean, how is it possible that you… You've said things! And you definitely act as if you have.” He felt lightheaded. “You killed a man with your breasts!” He accused. Giselle laughed, no doubt enjoying his complete bewilderment. He wanted to shake her. When she finally stopped she gestured toward the tray. Alastair pushed the whole thing at her in exasperation before he fell back on the bed. He scrubbed his face with his hands and groaned. He should have been relieved or flattered but he felt more panicked than anything. Seducing a virgin, even if he had every intention of marrying her, was a direct violation of his morals. Deflowering virgins was something he'd never been curious about and had been happy to avoid his entire adult life.

“Alastair?” Giselle whispered. He turned his face toward her and opened one eye. Alastair was suddenly too aware of how thin the silk of her gown was and the way her hair trembled with every breath she took and that she smelled like paradise. If paradise had full, soft breasts, pouting pink lips and sleek, delicious thighs. It must. He decided. He cursed and covered his eyes with his arm.

“Please, just explain.” He begged.

“I've seen a lot of sex and even you would be shocked at the things that have been said to me. The French court isn't a place for the meek and mild. I learned quickly that it was much safer if men didn't think I was a virgin. If they did, they would pursue me just to take that from me. And that was the only thing I refused to sacrifice.” Giselle paused and Alastair heard her chew and swallow. “Men can be stupid, simple creatures. I could lure a man with a few naughty words or disarm them by baring my breasts. I'm good at making a man think that he's about to make love to me up until the point that I kill him or render him unconscious.” She sighed and Alastair looked over to find her staring longingly at the last piece of chocolate just before she slipped it between her lips.

“I can’t believe you would put yourself in such danger! Do you realize how lucky you were that none of the men you seduced weren't able to overpower you?” He rose up on his elbow and stared at her. Alastair's cock throbbed angrily as she smiled deviously.

“That’s exactly why I did it! No one thinks to overpower someone if they don't believe they need to. People are very accommodating when they think they're getting what they want.” Giselle waited for him to argue. He found he couldn't. It all made sense in a very uncomfortable way. He frowned.

“Very well, I understand how you came to be the most experienced and unlikely virgin alive. Why now, with me?” Alastair tried to appear calm while his heart started to pound wildly as he waited for her answer. Her grin became wicked and she scooted closer.

“Oh, but you're out of chocolate!” Giselle pushed the tray from between them until it slid off the bed and clattered to the floor. Alastair’s eyes flicked to hers and he tried to swallow. “This game just became interesting.” She placed her hand on the bed between them and lowered her lips to his. “What will you give me? We both know you won't be able to stand it, you have to know.” Her words were soft and hot against his lips. He licked them and tried to breath.

“What do you want?” His voice was barely there as he watched her reach for the buttons of his shirt. His eyes flared and he felt his skin prickle.

“Give me your shirt.” Giselle's voice was low and her eyes were heavy as she stared at him. Alastair felt his heart pounding in his ears. He was certain that it was a bad idea but he needed to hear her answer. He sat up and quickly dealt with the remaining buttons before he pulled his shirt off. She bit her lips as she rose on her knees and gently placed her hands on his shoulders. Giselle sighed in delight as she slowly swept them down his chest. Alastair clenched his teeth and held his breath as light flooded his vision and his ears rang. Her lips against his welcomed him back. “Are you alright?” Her voice was gentle, concerned. He nodded.

“Why do you want to give yourself to me?” His voice broke as need and uncertainty overwhelmed him. How could this mad, irresistible little creature be so sure she wanted him? Giselle’s gaze was stubborn and hungry when she looked up at him as she leaned close and pressed her lips to his chest. Alastair hissed as he reached for the bed post. “Please!” He gasped.

“I think I'm winning this game!” She sang as her fingertips traced the ridges of his stomach lightly. He ground his teeth and cursed.

“Why?” He growled as he fisted a hand in her hair and he pulled until her eyes met his. She licked her lips and gasped in delight. Alastair snatched his hand back as if she'd burned him.
She will kill me
. He thought.

“The other night, at Burton Place, when we first met and you were holding me… I've never wanted a man before but I
needed
you. Yesterday, I thought you were flirting with a maid and I wanted to rip my hair out and break everything. Sometimes, I look at you and I feel like I'm going to die if you don't touch me.” Giselle's eyes were so big as she stared up at him, Alastair felt like he was drowning. “You have this power over me and I can't resist it, I don’t want to.” She slid her hands into his hair and pulled him down to her. Alastair groaned as he took her lips. They parted as his tongue slid into her mouth and began tangling with hers. He angled his head and kissed her urgently as he filled his hands with her nightgown. He tugged and he felt the straps tear. Giselle's eyes widened and she squealed against his mouth. Alastair was beyond caring, he ran his hand up the seam along her ribs until he reached her bodice and pulled swiftly. He heard it tear and growled as he pulled his lips from hers. He grabbed each half of the ripped seam and separated it until her gown gaped along her side. He wound his hand in the sheer fabric and whisked it away from her leaving her naked, on her knees before him.

Giselle stared at him in shock. Alastair smiled wolfishly and reached for her waist. She gasped as he lifted her and threw her back onto the pillows. She giggled as she rose up on her elbows. He felt his mouth water as he stared at the curls between her thighs. He looked up and saw that her pupils we dilated and her chest was rising and falling rapidly. She knew what he wanted and was aroused.

Alastair wrapped his hand around her ankle and pressed his lips to the delicate skin. He licked inside of her calf until he reached her knee. He bit the inside of it and she twisted away, laughing. She was ticklish. He would keep that in mind. He gripped her thighs and held her still as he pressed open mouthed kisses and licked his way toward her center. Alastair spread her wider and was about to bury his face in her glistening flesh when she pulled his hair, stopping him. He looked up to find Giselle staring down at him intently.