Claimed By Chaos (19 page)

“What did Gilles say?” Mirabelle couldn’t believe that Lucien hadn’t said anything about it. He shrugged as he rolled on his side and reached for the edge of her bodice. She slapped his hand away and he scowled.

“Alastair has been with a lot of women. If you think about it, it’s not that surprising. You know how he is, he has to learn all there is about everything and practice until he’s an expert at whatever it is he’s studying. Apparently, he was very thorough and academic in his approach to women and sex.”

“How many is a lot?” Mirabelle couldn’t help it, really. Lucien shook his head.

“It was a lot. That’s all you need to know.” He looked at her sternly and she pursed her lips.

“A lot, like you? Or more? What do you consider to be ‘a lot’?” She attempted.

“There is no way I’m answering that.” Lucien replied as he tried to slip his hand beneath her skirts. She swatted his hand away and he pouted. “Please! We haven’t since yesterday morning.” He whined. Mirabelle snorted as she scooted back.

“You’re the one that drank half a bottle of scotch and had to spend the better part of two days sleeping.” She pushed against his shoulder as he tried to lean closer. “This is important, Lucien! My brother is some sort of secret sexual savant and has a terrible disability and I’m the last one to know. Why didn’t you tell me?” Lucien groaned as he flopped back on the bed.

“Mirabelle! He just told me about his condition yesterday, and this is really the first time we’ve talked since then. And why in the world would I discuss his sexual experiences with you?” He squeezed the bridge of his nose. “I can’t believe we’re discussing this at all.”

“We tell each other everything!” Mirabelle argued. He rose on his elbow.

“I’m certain we do not.” Lucien looked at her pointedly. “You know everything you need to know about me. I have never deceived you but there are things that are better left where they are. Alastair has always been a very private person. You know this. There’s a lot we don’t know about him and I think that that’s for the better. He has his reasons for not telling us about his condition. As far as any gossip that I may have about either of your brothers, I only withhold what I feel is unfit to discuss with you. And anything to do with other men and sex, I generally classify as unfit to discuss with you.” He raised his brows as he waited for her to accept his explanation. She rolled her eyes and laughed.

“But this is Alastair! This is like finding out that Maman has been swallowing swords when we’re not around.” Mirabelle insisted. Lucien shrugged.

“We don’t know how she passes the time, maybe she does.” He managed to keep a straight face until she fell on the mattress and started laughing. He pulled her to him and rose over her. “Why is it so hard to believe that your brother has sex, with women?” He tried to find her lips but she dodged him.

“I have no problem believing that Alastair has sex with women. It’s the way Giselle described him that is so shocking. It’s like he’s this entirely different person.” She explained. Lucien raised an eyebrow, clearly he thought she was exaggerating. “She said he’s insatiable, wicked, affectionate, sensual… vigorous!” That did it. Lucien raised himself and sat back on his heels.

“Wicked?” She nodded. “Insatiable?” She nodded again. Lucien’s eyes widened and he shook his head in disbelief. “Well… that is surprising. And this condition of his doesn’t prevent him from being… vigorous? Vigorous?” He looked thoroughly perplexed. Mirabelle nodded.

“That’s how she described him.” She felt Lucien’s hands stroking her legs beneath her skirts and she bit her lip as she tried to ignore how warm it was making her. “I’m worried, Lucien. What will happen to Alastair if she doesn’t marry him? He needs her.” Mirabelle focused on his eyes but she knew he’d opened his breeches and shifted closer to her. She gasped when she felt his fingers enter her.

“I need you.” He whispered as his fingers stroked within her. She decided he deserved a little more teasing. She rose on her elbows and looked at him seriously.

“My brother’s happiness is at stake and all you can think about right now is that?” Mirabelle scolded. Lucien’s grin was wicked as he pushed her back onto the mattress.

“This is all I can ever think about.” His voice was low and deep. She was helpless to stop the moan that escaped her lips as his erection pressed into her. He chuckled as his tongue tickled her ear. “I also know something very, very important that makes me think that the odds are very much in Alastair’s favor.” Mirabelle shivered and gasped when she felt his thumb caressing her most sensitive spot.

“What do you know?” She asked breathlessly as she pushed her hands into his hair and pulled his lips to hers. She felt them curve as they pressed against hers.

“You have to pay my price, first.” Lucien whispered the words and she felt them on her lips. He thrust deep within her as his thumb continued stroking her. Mirabelle struggled to breath as she felt her body tightening.

“What do you want?” She whimpered as her back arched and she clawed at the sheets.

“Come for me, my love. I want to feel you squeezing my cock as you shatter.” Lucien growled the words against her neck. Mirabelle felt his teeth dig into her flesh as he thrust harder.

“Oh, Lucien!” She screamed as her body stiffened. His thumb swirled quickly as he filled her with long, deep strokes.

“That’s it, sweetheart. Jesus, you’re so tight.” He groaned. Mirabelle felt her nerves burst as lightening streaked through her from the place where Lucien’s body met hers. She felt paralyzed for a moment and then everything within her melted. He clenched his jaw as he continued rocking his hips. “You feel so good.” He wrapped her legs around his waist and cradled her face in his hands as he continued driving into her. His mouth covered hers and his tongue slid between her lips. Mirabelle used her arms and legs to pull him in closer and tightened the muscles within her, gripping his length where he thrust into her. Lucien’s head snapped back. “Dear, God! Mirabelle!” He yelled as his body arched against hers. The muscles in his neck strained as he gasped for breath before his body started to convulse. Mirabelle moaned as she felt heat explode within her. Lucien thrust a few more times as the last tremors of his release rippled through him before he fell onto the bed next to her.

Mirabelle waited for her heart to settle into its normal rhythm before she rolled onto her side. She pressed her hand against his chest and felt his heart pounding rapidly. He covered her hand with his as he tried to catch his breath.

“Well?” She asked. Lucien smiled and held up his hand signaling that he needed a little more time. Mirabelle drummed her fingers impatiently on his chest. Eventually, he rolled and pulled her against him. He pressed his lips against hers as his arms closed around her.

“Giselle is a virgin.” He whispered.

Mirabelle was certain she must have resembled fish out of water. Her mouth was wide open and her eyes blinked rapidly as she tried to make sense of what she’d just heard. Her lips started to form into the shape of a question but she wasn’t sure which to ask. She felt Lucien start to shake with laughter.

“Well… that’s very… goodness!” Mirabelle gasped. “But she’s so…”

“I know.” He replied.

“Wow.”

“I know.”

“I’m furious with Alastair.” She whispered. Lucien sighed and held her tight.

“I know.”

Chapter 35

Alastair was already exhausted and at the end of his patience when Mirabelle cornered him in the sitting room. He’d spent all day trying to get a moment alone with Giselle but she was avoiding him. He was about to knock on her door after he was done dressing for dinner but he heard Mirabelle instructing the maid in regard to Giselle’s hair. Alastair backed away quickly and made his way downstairs. Lucien saluted him as he walked in.

“Glad to see you survived.” Alastair grumbled as he settled into one of the armchairs. Lucien smiled as he took the chair next to his. He yawned as he stretched.

“I’m still tired as hell. I don’t know how we did that every night when we were younger.” He groaned as he pressed his hand to his stomach. Alastair looked at him out of the corner of his eye and shook his head.

“I did not drink like that every night.” He said as he looked at the clock. For the first time in years, he wanted to go to bed and sleep.

“I didn’t mean ‘we’ as in you and me. I meant it collectively. Most young men go to Town and make asses of themselves. Drinking, women, gambling… all the things you were smart enough to avoid.” Lucien smiled as he shut his eyes. Alastair suppressed a yawn and looked at the clock again.
Why are they taking so long?
He wondered.

“If they don’t hurry, I’m going to skip dinner and go to bed. I’m so bloody tired.” Alastair admitted. Lucien cracked an eye open and shook his head. Alastair narrowed his eyes at him. “Unlike you, I got up early. I barely slept and I’ve had a rather frustrating and disappointing day.” Lucien grimaced as he sat up and leaned close.

“I wouldn’t, if I were you. Your sister’s not too pleased with you at the moment. In fact, you might…” Lucien cleared his throat and sat up straight. Mirabelle swept into the room and went straight for Alastair. Lucien rose and tried to intercept her. “You look lovely this evening!” He leaned in for a kiss and Mirabelle offered her cheek impatiently.

“It won’t work, Lucien.” Mirabelle warned as she stepped around him and glared at Alastair. “You! How could you?” She hissed. Alastair frowned as he stood.

“I’m not sure what you’re referring to.” He crossed his arms and stood his ground. It was never good to let Mirabelle think she had the upper hand in an argument.

“Of course you aren’t! How many things are you hiding that would make me angry?” She yelled. Alastair felt his temper stirring. Of all the times for her to start a fight…

“Nineteen.” He replied. Mirabelle’s head pulled back in confusion.

“Nineteen?” She asked. Lucien made a choking sound as he tried his best not to laugh. Alastair looked at Mirabelle pointedly.

“I can think of nineteen things that I am certain would make you angry.” He clarified. Mirabelle’s eyes widened and her fists clenched at her sides.

“Shit.” Lucien whispered. Alastair’s eyes flicked toward him and then back to Mirabelle.
Shit, indeed.
He concurred. She started to charge at him and was about to push him, he braced himself as her hands froze in front of him. She flung them in the air and cursed as she turned on her heel and began pacing.

“Maybe you can explain to me why you’ve hidden your condition from everyone that loves you!”
She yelled. Alastair’s ears rang and he stepped back in shock and looked to Lucien. He shook his head softly.
It wasn’t me
.

“No one needed to know.” His throat felt tight as his head started to pound and he was trapped. He could feel his control slipping.

“No one needed to know?”
Mirabelle screeched. “How can you say that, Alastair? We’re your family! You were in pain and you didn’t tell anyone!” Alastair shook his head to keep his vision from blurring and started to pace. He had to move or else the pressure would build. He pointed at Mirabelle.

“Do not yell at me.” He swiveled his neck, trying to diffuse some of the tension. She snorted defiantly and he narrowed his eyes. “Has it ever occurred to you that everyone already thinks I’m abnormal and that perhaps I don’t always enjoy being viewed as some sort of freak?” Mirabelle gasped and her eyes became wild.

“Do not ever call yourself that!”
She screamed and he squeezed his eyes shut. Alastair’s head exploded with pain and light flashed. He covered his ears and grit his teeth to stop the roar that tried to burst from his throat. When he opened his eyes Mirabelle and Lucien’s expressions were a blend of shock, concern and sadness. He felt dizzy and his skin burned.

“No, do not pity me! This is exactly what I didn’t want. I don’t need everyone looking at me like I’m strange
and
pathetic, Mirabelle.” He kept his voice low as he tried to force his anger down. Mirabelle frowned and stepped toward him. He held his hand up in warning.

“Of all the things to keep secret, Alastair! And from me! Do you know how much it hurts that you didn’t trust me?” She looked hurt and it was like he’d been punched in the stomach. He snapped.

“No! You can’t make this about you!”
He roared.
“I’m broken, Mirabelle!”
He clawed at his clothes, they felt like they were rubbing his skin raw. She covered her mouth as she stepped back. He tried to pull the rage back in but his blood felt like it was boiling.
“I’ve never cared what anyone thought about me! But the family, I just wanted to be as much like all of you as I could! You don’t get to decide which secrets I keep or judge me for them. They are how I protect myself and how I protect you! And you sure as hell don’t get to act like you don’t have your own, you beat the hell out of Lucien with a bloody riding crop for God’s sake!”

“Alastair.” Giselle’s voice reached through the haze and he felt her hand on his arm. It was as if someone poured cool water over him. He turned to her and he could breathe. She pressed her hands to his chest gently and began straightening his clothes. “It’s alright.” Her voice was soothing and her eyes were large and calm. He wanted to fall into them. Alastair raised his hands to her face as his lips started to lower toward hers. “Not now.” She whispered and smiled softly. He raised his head and stepped back. He looked around the room.

Lucien was standing in front of Mirabelle protectively. Tears streaked down her cheeks but she was watching them with open curiosity. Alastair frowned as he looked at Lucien.

“I would never hurt her.” He whispered. Lucien nodded and stepped to the side.

“I know but I’ve never seen you like that, Alastair. I don’t know that I’ve ever heard you raise your voice before but you we completely unhinged.” Lucien said softly. Mirabelle rushed to Alastair and hesitated for a second before she threw her arms around his chest. He staggered back but wrapped his arms around her.

“I’m sorry!” She whispered. She looked up at him and her eyes were watery. “Am I hurting you?” Alastair shook his head and pressed his lips to her hair.

“No, brat.” He teased and her smile wobbled. “You can hug me whenever you wish.” He promised.

The sound of a throat clearing had everyone turning toward the door. Hendrick tried to appear aloof but it was obvious that he was effected.

“Dinner is ready.” He said softly before he bowed and left the room.

“Poor man, the things we put him through…” Mirabelle sighed. “Do you think there’s a chance that anyone in the house didn’t hear Alastair say that I beat my husband with a riding crop?” She asked casually as she looked around the room. Giselle and Lucien shook their heads in unison.

“Sorry about that.” Alastair grimaced. Mirabelle shrugged and laughed softly.

“I suppose it’s not that bad, as far as secrets go.” She said. Alastair nodded his head.

“That’s pretty bad, I think.” He said softly. At least he thought so.

It started with Giselle. She giggled which caused Lucien to start laughing. Mirabelle slapped her hand over her mouth as she attempted to control herself but she failed and bent at the waist as she gasped for air. Alastair looked at the three of them and his eyes froze when they reached Giselle. His eyes traveled down her body and his heart stopped. He tried to speak but his mouth wouldn’t work. Three pairs of eyes stared at him. He pointed at Giselle as he swallowed past the tightness in his throat.

“What is that!” His voice was hoarse. She looked down at herself and then back at him.

“I believe it’s a dress, Alastair.” She teased. He stepped closer to her and his eyes grew wider as he saw more of her cleavage.

“I know it’s a dress!” He hissed. “But I’m not sure you’re meant to wear that outside of the bedroom, Giselle.” He heard Mirabelle snicker and he turned to her. “You put her up to this, didn't you?” She smiled deviously.

“I thought you’d like it!” Mirabelle giggled. Lucien grabbed her arm and tugged her toward the door.

“Our dinner is going to be cold.” He announced as he towed her from the room. Alastair turned back to Giselle and she looked annoyed. She crossed her arms and the dress shifted and Alastair thought it was going to slide off.

“Oh, God! Be careful!” He gasped as he moved to catch it. Giselle slapped his hands away and stepped back.

“It’s just a dress, for goodness sake! I realize it’s not the sort of thing I can wear in London but I assure you, this is perfectly acceptable in Paris.” She swept past him and he growled when he saw the back. It was more revealing than the front. Alastair caught her before she reached the door. He pulled her against him as he reached past her and swung it shut. He turned her and backed her against the panels.

“The men in Paris are either blind or impotent if they can let their women go about like this without wanting to rip their clothes from them and take them where they stand.” His mouth crashed against hers. His hands gipped her waist before they slid up to her breasts. The silk was so sheer, he could feel her heat through the layers. His thumbs brushed across her nipples and he could feel the puckering through the fabric. “You have to take this off!” He groaned.

“Right now?” Giselle whispered against his mouth as she ran her hand down his stomach toward the aching bulge in his trousers.

“Yes!” He gasped. “Wait. No!” He pushed against the door until his arms were extended and there was space between them. “They’re waiting for us! What am I doing?” He stepped back and shook his head. “What are you trying to do to me? It’s difficult enough as it is to control myself without you dressing like that!” He scolded as he pulled the door opened. Giselle bit her lip and blushed.

“I like when you lose control.” She whispered as she took his arm. He shook his head.

“I don’t think you’re ready for the consequences.” Alastair’s eyes searched hers. “Unless you are, I suggest that you don’t allow Mirabelle to pick your gowns.” Giselle nodded weakly as he led her into the dining room. Lucien and Mirabelle didn't even attempt to act like adults.

“Did you get lost?” Lucien asked as Alastair held Giselle’s chair for her. Mirabelle winked at her husband.

“I’m sure they had something very important to discuss, Lucien.” She looked at Alastair expectantly. Hendrick cleared his throat as he poured his wine. Alastair scowled at Mirabelle.

“We were discussing your appalling lack of manners.” He replied.

“Were you?” Mirabelle pretended surprise. “I was sure you were discussing your very ardent opinions on women’s fashions.” She teased. Alastair refused to dignify that with a response. Instead, he turned the topic in a more constructive direction.

“How did your assessment of Giselle’s wardrobe go? Will she have enough gowns for our purposes or will she need to order more?” He looked at Giselle. She bit her lip and reached for her wine. He turned to Mirabelle. She grinned as she shook her head.

“Oh, she’ll need quite a few new gowns.” Mirabelle waved her fork at Giselle’s body. Which was entirely unnecessary as Alastair’s eyes couldn't seem to stray from it for more than a few seconds. “Almost all of the one’s she has now are like this, or worse.”

“Worse?” Alastair croaked. “Why would you buy so many gowns you knew you wouldn’t be able wear?” He asked incredulously. Giselle raised her shoulder and he felt himself lean forward as he watched the fabric slide around her cleavage.

“It was too hard to pick just a few and I would have been so sad to leave them behind. And I think I can find a use for them.” Giselle smiled suggestively. Alastair tugged at his cravat as he reached for his glass. Mirabelle giggled.

“She can wear them around the house. I think we’ll be able to have a few of Elise’s dresses altered to fit her until Anna and Alice can make her new gowns.” She smiled as she bit into a roll. Alastair looked at Giselle.

“Around the house?” He shifted in his seat, trying to find a position that made his trousers feel a little less tight. Lucien chuckled and raised his glass.

“Ladies. I can’t remember a meal that I enjoyed more. This is brilliant.” Alastair turned to him.

“I can’t remember you ever being more of an ass.” He replied. Lucien smiled widely.

“I’m sure you could, if you tried.” He laughed.

The rest of the courses passed slowly for Alastair. By the time the last of the plates were removed he was tired and surly. He was about to excuse himself for the night when they entered the sitting room but Charlotte was brought in. He decided if he was going to remain downstairs, he would take his niece. The ladies settled on the chaise and immediately began discussing gowns. He shook his head and turned to leave.

“We’re going to the library.” He announced as strode into the hall.

“I’ll join you.” Lucien said as he followed.