Claimed By Chaos (8 page)

Chapter 15

For all Alastair knew, he could have eaten a shoe for dinner. His every sense stretched and wrapped around Giselle as she sat across from him. It didn't help that he could smell her every time he raised his hand to eat or drink. Her essence teased him through the meal. By the time a tart was placed on the table before him, he was craving something much sweeter.

Alastair had never made love to a woman with his mouth. Unlike Gilles and Lucien, he never looked for partners within the ton. He had no patience for flirtation and no desire to know the women he bedded. Instead, he carefully chose from the best courtesans of the demimonde. No matter their beauty or skill, he could not bring himself to put his mouth to a woman that traded her body for money. He had observed the act, performed between two women, on a number of occasions. As in all things, Alastair approached sex as he had any other skill, academically and he practiced until he mastered it. He had a reputation among the Cyprians for wearing a woman out. When he finally gave into his body’s needs, he would engage a woman (or two) for days. Stopping only when he was completely exhausted. When he returned home, his clothes were utterly destroyed, rumpled from hours almost fully dressed in bed and reeking of a woman’s body.

Now, he couldn't stop thinking about how soft and hot her flesh had felt. How tight and wet she had been. Alastair felt a twinge in his jaw as his mouth watered. He shifted in his seat and looked across the table at Giselle. Her eyes locked with his and she licked her lips. He had to cough to cover the groan that escaped his throat. Gilles narrowed his eyes at Alastair and Lucien cleared his throat. Alastair looked up to find Mirabelle pressing a napkin to her lips in a poor attempt to hide her smile.

The last of the plates were removed and as Alastair started to rise Gilles pinned him with a stare. Alastair sat and waited.

“Ladies, go on ahead, we won't be long. Lucien, might I trouble you for some port?” His voice was low. Lucien's brows rose as he leaned back and looked to Hendrick.

“You don't like port, Gilles. Why didn't you just say you wanted to discuss something?” Alastair asked as Gilles stood and took the seat next to him.

“May I offer you a piece of advice, in the form of a request?” Gilles’ eyes searched his, Alastair kept his face passive.

“Certainly.”

“Don't go too fast with Giselle, no matter how hard she pushes.” Gilles urged. Alastair was perplexed. How did he know that she would be so forward? Did he question his intentions, did he think he would take advantage of Giselle and not act honorably?

“Why?” He asked. Gilles leaned back in his chair as he sighed. Hendrick appeared with the port and began serving. Gilles watched him, waiting. Once the butler shut the door behind him, Gilles’ gaze returned to Alastair. He took a sip of his drink and grimaced.

“For two reasons. If you don't engage her emotionally and you develop a bond that is purely physical first, you may not get the chance to claim her affections. Giselle is very loyal to those she cares for but she's very like you in that she can be too pragmatic. If she can get what she wants from you without it being complicated by feelings and a commitment, she will. Not because she's cold or selfish but because she will think it's best for both of you. She's never had to look farther than a few weeks or a month.” Gilles paused to sip his drink again. He shook his head and pushed his glass away. Alastair felt his brow furrow. He knew Gilles was most likely correct. Unfortunately, the physical part was very easy, the emotional part made him nervous. Giselle already aroused emotions within him that he had never experienced. Possessiveness, jealousy, desire for a specific woman… He suddenly felt out of his depth. He pushed his discomfort away.

“What's the second reason?”

“Have you ever spent time with any of the three and sixty women you've bedded, when you were no longer involved with them?” Gilles looked at him directly. Lucien spat port across the table and began coughing. Alastair’s eye flicked in his direction.

“Are you serious?” He gasped. Gilles nodded. Alastair ignored him.

“No. Why would I associate with courtesans?” He asked. Gilles eyes widened.

“All of them?” He was incredulous. Alastair shrugged.

“Where does one go when one needs a pair of boots? It seemed nonsensical to attempt to woo a woman for the purpose of a temporary arrangement when I could simply go to a woman who specialized in exactly what I required. Besides, how many women do you think I would be able to persuade purely on the merit of my personality?” Alastair asked and Lucien nodded.

“There is that.” Lucien muttered. Gilles shot him a severe glance before he turned back to Alastair.

“What of the thrill of the hunt and the art of seduction?” Gilles asked.

“Both seemed boring and inefficient. Frankly, I had better things to do with my time.” Alastair picked up his port and took a sip. It was sweet and heavy but it did little to satisfy his craving for Giselle. Gilles threw his hands up.

“My point, God, my point… I'd like you to consider what would happen once your relationship with Giselle came to an end, if it was merely an affair. I don't want to lose her again, Alastair. I meant it when I said she could stay with us. Could you comfortably sit across the table from her over breakfast if you two were no longer intimate?” Gilles stared at him pointedly. Lucien shivered.

“That would be quite awkward.” He offered. Gilles nodded. Alastair let his gaze settle on the opposite wall as he thought through various scenarios. After several moments, he concluded that there were only two outcomes. He was successful and Giselle married him or he failed and he couldn't face her. It would be doubly painful because he would give her the family. One of them would have to go and he wouldn't deprive her of something she had never truly had or make Gilles part with her after they had just been reunited. When his gaze returned to Gilles’, his eyes were sympathetic.

“How do I do this?” Alastair whispered. “I don't know how to make someone like me, getting a woman to fall in love with me seems impossible.” He looked back and forth between Gilles and Lucien. Lucien smiled broadly.

“I think she's already halfway in love with you. And you're too hard on yourself, Alastair.” Lucien rose and took the seat on Alastair's other side and rested his hand on his shoulder. For a moment, he felt crowded, between them. Alastair picked up his drink and downed half of it. “The few times you have tried to make friends have been very successful.” Lucien said and Gilles nodded in agreement.

“Look at you and Elise. The two of you are very close and I know you love each other as if you've always been brother and sister.” Gilles’ confidence made Alastair relax.

“Learn all you can about her and let her see the Alastair we know and love. When you know a woman, inside and out, you’ll be able to give her everything she needs. The rest will fall in place on its own.” Lucien said as he squeezed Alastair’s shoulder. He started to nod but paused.

“This from the man that took over twenty years to realize he was in love.” Alastair said as he drained his glass. His face twisted and he waited for his eyes to stop watering. He was enjoying the warmth of the fortified wine, it made him feel looser. Lucien laughed and sat back.

“I've never claimed to be a genius but I am very happily married.” His grin became wide as his mind started to drift, he looked towards the door. Alastair was beginning to understand Lucien and Gilles’ fixations with their wives, though he occasionally resented Lucien’s.

“I’ve never been susceptible to my desires before and I've never indulged in spontaneous sex with a woman. Now, I find myself distracted and unable to focus. How do the two of you get anything done?” Alastair asked as he pushed a hand through his hair. Gilles snorted and Lucien laughed softly.

“I get very little done, I assure you. I have excellent land managers and solicitors.” Lucien mumbled as he sat back.

“Absolutely, I’m fairly worthless half the time.” Gilles admitted. Alastair felt him become distant and he sighed. He knew his brother missed Elise and Ethan. He turned to Lucien.

“How do I put off being physically intimate with her until I learn enough to make her fall in love with me?” He cleared his throat and looked at Gilles before turning back to Lucien. “She's quite intent and has already proven to be very persuasive.” Lucien smiled wolfishly.

“I don't think Gilles is expecting you to behave like a monk.” Both looked in Gilles’ direction and he scowled. Lucien rolled his eyes and continued. “I'd suggest a little quid pro quo. String her along slowly as you tie her to you romantically. There's no reason you can't enjoy yourself, in other ways, until you're confident her heart is engaged.” Alastair liked this plan. And if there was anything Lucien was an expert in, it was women. He nodded his head as he began to build a strategy. Gilles groaned and stood.

“Let's join the ladies. It wouldn't be prudent to leave the two of them alone for too long.” Lucien became alert and his head whipped in the direction of the sitting room. Gilles laughed. “If you thought Mirabelle was dangerous before, wait until she's learned a few things from Giselle.” Lucien grabbed Alastair by the arm and hauled him out of his chair.

Chapter 16

When the men entered the sitting room, Mirabelle and Giselle had their heads together and were giggling. Alastair noticed they were nearly to the bottom of a bottle of wine. Lucien’s eyes narrowed as he went to the sideboard.

“What's so funny, my love?” He asked as he started pouring three glasses of scotch. Alastair retrieved his and felt Giselle’s eyes on him.

“We were discussing the time you beasts filled my bed with fish. Giselle has been quite informative, I'm finally getting the full story.” All three men exchanged tense glances. “Which reminded me that I never truly got my revenge.” Their eyes became wide with worry. “I was telling her about my thwarted plan involving the rat in the hat box.”

“I think the rat would have chewed it’s way out of your boot, Lucien.” Giselle stated and both women dissolved into fits of giggles. Lucien’s face twisted in horror.

“Is anyone else in the mood for cards?” He asked.
Good. Change the topic, quickly.
Alastair thought. He shrugged and took a seat across from Giselle. Mirabelle jumped up.

“I'll get the cards!” She declared. Lucien sat next to Alastair and seemed relieved. When she returned to the table, Mirabelle pressed her lips to Lucien's cheek and he smiled dreamily. “Don't think this is over, darling.” She whispered before she sat down. Lucien frowned. “What shall we play?” She looked around.

“I think I'll sit out.” Gilles leaned back and sprawled inelegantly on the couch, one arm under his head and the other holding his drink on his chest.

“I say vingt-et-un and Alastair has to deal.” Lucien suggested. Giselle looked at him in confusion. He leaned toward her and dropped his voice. “He takes all the fun out of cards, he never loses.” She clapped her hand over her mouth and laughed. Alastair shook his head as Mirabelle handed him the deck.

“It's true.” She agreed. “He always knows what everyone has in their hands.” Alastair shuffled and began dealing the cards. For once, he didn't mind being dealer. It left him free to plan his next move with Giselle and he could study her while everyone around him focused on their cards.

Mirabelle’s focus didn't last long.

“I'm curious, Giselle. How do you kill a man with a playing card?” She asked. Lucien sat up straight and looked slightly panicked.

“Come on, sweetheart! It was over twenty years ago!” He begged.

“Hush! I'm not going to kill you over some fish in my bed.” She soothed. “That would be too merciful.” She smiled sweetly for a moment before turning back to Giselle expectantly. Gilles sighed and lifted his head to take another sip of his drink.

“Go ahead. She’ll get it out of you eventually.” He said. Alastair felt warmth spread as Giselle smiled wickedly.

“If you were to cut someone here.” She scraped the card down the side of her neck. Alastair felt his groin tighten and shifted in his seat. “It would be almost impossible for them to save themselves from bleeding to death.” Mirabelle’s eyes became wide and she looked from Alastair to Lucien. They nodded. Giselle held a card up between two fingers. “If used with enough speed and force, this card is very much like a blade.” Her hand moved so quickly, it was a blur. There was a faint “thwip” sound and the card was gone. Three sets of eyes looked to her right to find the card stuck in the wall.

“Claws, indeed!” Mirabelle whispered in awe. All interest was lost in the card game as Mirabelle immediately started whipping cards at the wall. Lucien laughed and reclined in his seat. “I'm still amazed that someone so lovely and sweet could be so dangerous!” She mused as she reached for more cards. Giselle smiled as Lucien refilled their glasses.

“Very few people are what they appear to be. Most have a side to themselves they hide from the world.” Lucien and Mirabelle exchanged a heated glance and Alastair tensed. Before he could stop her, the words were out of her mouth. “It's like Alastair and his tattoos, no one would look at him and think that so much of his body is covered…” Mirabelle spun in her seat, stunned as all of the air left Lucien’s lungs in a loud “whoosh” and Gilles nearly fell off the couch.

“I beg your pardon!” Mirabelle exclaimed as she stared at Giselle who looked equally stunned. She turned to Alastair to find he had his eyes squeezed shut. He groaned painfully.

“They don't know!” She gasped. “How could they not know?” Giselle stared at Alastair. Gilles managed to regain his feet and crossed the room as Mirabelle stood.

“Is this true?” Mirabelle came around the table as Gilles gripped the back of the chair across from Alastair, as if he needed the support. “I need to see this!” She demanded.

“No, no, no, no, no…” Alastair shook his head and Lucien jumped to his feet.

“If you think you're getting out of this room without showing us, you've lost your mind.” Lucien declared. Gilles was still stunned but he nodded in agreement. Giselle was shaking her head.

“Please, If he doesn't want to show you, don't make him!” She begged as she looked around. “I thought you knew. Really, how did no one notice?” Gilles pointed at her.

“Unless you'd like to explain how
you
came to see that ‘so much of his body’ was covered in tattoos, I suggest you allow us to continue.” He warned.

“Very well… Sorry, Alastair!” She whispered. He shook his head in resignation.

“I'd really rather not.” He said flatly. Gilles and Lucien shook their heads. Mirabelle snorted.

“There's no way we’re leaving this room until we see them.” She vowed.

Alastair was still for several moments. He was trying to think of a way out.

“Just get it over with!” Lucien ordered and Alastair narrowed his eyes at him.

Deciding there was no way around it he stepped away from the table and shrugged off his coat and carefully draped it over the arm of the couch. He looked across the room.

“The door please, Gilles.” His voice was hard. Gilles nodded and quickly shut the door. Alastair cleared his throat. “No one touches me. Is that clear?” He looked around the room and waited until everyone agreed. His fingers fumbled as he dealt with the buttons of his waistcoat. It was placed next to his coat. He tugged off his cravat and tucked it into the coat pocket. He heard Mirabelle fidgeting impatiently. Alastair unbuttoned his shirt slowly. Once he was done he took a deep breath before he untucked his shirt and pulled it over his head.

“Holy Hell!” Mirabelle whispered as she stepped closer. Lucien was speechless as he began circling Alastair. Gilles was frozen. “Is this it or do they…” She gestured at his legs.

“This is it.” Alastair said tightly. Gilles exploded, laughing hysterically. Everyone stared in shock as he wiped his eyes.

“‘This is it.’, he says!” He crossed his arms. “Half of his bloody body is covered in bloody dragons and he says ‘This is it’!” Mirabelle shushed him and turned back to Alastair.

“The work is exquisite! Where did you have this done?” She asked as she went around to his back. Lucien turned to her.

“Do not get any ideas.” He warned. Mirabelle rolled her eyes.

“China.”

“China!” Mirabelle, Lucien and Gilles were a stunned chorus.

“When did you go to bloody China?” Gilles’ voice was getting louder.

“After school, you’ll recall I decided to travel before I went to Town.” Alastair explained.

“You said you were on the continent!” Louder, still.

“China is on a continent. I was not specific.”

“Brilliant!”
Gilles yelled and Alastair flinched as his ears rang. “What the hell were you doing in China?”

“I traveled with the East India Company and spent a good deal of time in China learning about the tea trade.” Alastair hissed and jumped, his back stung angrily.
“I said no touching!”
He shrieked.

“Sorry!” Mirabelle bit her lip. “How long did it take?” She asked.

“Days.” Alastair mumbled.

“Isn't it supposed to be painful?” She was examining his arm closely and her hand hovered.

“No touching, Mirabelle.” He reminded. She grumbled. “Some areas weren't bad but some were excruciating.” He admitted.

“How did you bear it?” She looked up at him in awe.

“Opium.”
Why stop now? They wanted to see.
Alastair thought. Gilles swore violently and fell into a chair.

“Jesus, Alastair!” Lucien whispered as he took a seat.

“May I dress now?” Alastair looked around the room. Everyone but Mirabelle nodded, she shrugged. She seemed disappointed that she couldn't continue to study him. Instead her mind turned to a new line of questioning.

“What was it like?” She asked as she settled next to Lucien.

“Opium?” Alastair pulled his shirt over his head and began tucking it in. “Nauseating, calming, painful, indescribably glorious, disorienting…” He flicked at the buttons on his sleeves. “It's cloying but the after effects are minimal as long as you don't become dependent.” He turned as he buttoned his waistcoat. Four pairs of eyes stared at him in disbelief. He shook his head as he crossed to the mirror and tied his cravat. Everyone remained silent as he pulled his coat on and buttoned it. He retuned to the table and sat between Lucien and Gilles, across from Giselle. Somehow, she seemed least effected.

“Well, China sounds like it was fun. How was India?” Mirabelle broke the silence.

“Bloody terrible country.” Alastair said as he picked up his scotch. Lucien chuckled.

“And did you bring back any souvenirs from India that we should know about?” Gilles asked sarcastically. Alastair let his head tilt as he considered his brother’s reaction.

“I did tell you earlier that there are many things that you don't know about me, Gilles. It is not my responsibility to make you comfortable with something you chose to see or learn despite my objections. I am no different than I was before I took my shirt off. I would argue that you are the one that has changed and I tried to prevent that from happening.” Gilles sighed as he rose and went to the sideboard to refill his drink.

“Well? Did you bring back something…” Mirabelle gestured towards Alastair's body. He smiled wryly.

“I was convinced I had malaria but it was merely a violent fever that lasted for nine days.”

“That's nice!” Mirabelle teased. “Did you try anything interesting while you were there?” Gilles shook his head and muttered something under his breath.

“Cannabis and hashish are very widely used in India.” Alastair explained.

“And?” Mirabelle prodded.

“Neither are as addictive as opium but not nearly as lovely.”

“Find something else to talk about, Mirabelle.” Gilles warned. She crossed her arms and pouted.

“You all make me feel positively boring. I've never even been to Cornwall.” Mirabelle complained. Lucien reclined and reached for a curl that had slipped loose and twirled it around his finger.

“I think you're fascinating.” He said softly. She turned to him and stared for a moment. Then, she stretched and made a very obvious attempt at a yawn.

“Goodness! I'm exhausted, think I'll go to bed now.” Mirabelle pushed her chair back and looked at Lucien suggestively. He cleared his throat.

“I've had a long day as well. I'll see you all tomorrow morning.” He bowed and the two of them nearly ran from the room. Gilles shook his head and returned to the couch and fell back upon it. He rested his crossed feet on the arm and nursed his scotch. Giselle stood and crossed the room. She leaned down and kissed Gilles’ cheek.

“I think I'll go up as well.” She said softly. Gilles took her hand and squeezed it briefly. Alastair tried not to feel jealous of the affection they shared for each other. Giselle was almost through the door when she turned and looked at Alastair, her eyes were full of promise and expectation. Every part of his body responded, he had to grip the arms of the chair to keep from going after her. He waited until she turned and left and he trusted his feet not to carry him in her direction before he stood and moved to a chair by the couch. He sat and reclined as he stared at Gilles.

“Go back to London tomorrow. There's no reason for you to stay and you're not happy.” Alastair could see Gilles considering. He shook his head and sighed.

“Lucifer is an impressive fellow but I doubt two days has been enough. Lucien needs him longer.”

“Take the coach. Giselle and I can ride back, I'll go on Lucifer.” Alastair offered. Gilles frowned.

“You know how he is, he won't let you ride him. You'll kill yourself before you get to London.” Gilles sipped his scotch and Alastair chuckled.

“I'm sure we can manage. If not, I'll ride a mare and he can follow us back. And I've learned that I'm practically indestructible. If I’ve survived the worst that I can do, I can survive a horse.” He smiled softly as he stared into his scotch. Gilles sat up.

“Maybe. Alastair, all the things you've done… the tattoos, the opium and hashish and whatever else, was it because I didn't do enough to make up for father not being there?” His voice wavered and Alastair felt a pain in his chest. He shook his head and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he stared at Gilles.

“All the times you risked your life in France, was that because father was gone?” Alastair asked softly. Gilles shook his head. “It's who you are. Most of the things I’ve done, I would have done if father hadn't died. I did them because I needed to know. There were times that I was more reckless because I felt generally useless and the curiosity wasn't enough but it wasn't because of you. If anything, it was you that pulled me back at the darkest moments.” Alastair paused to sip his drink. He could see that Gilles was about to ask for details. Alastair shook his head in warning and Gilles settled. “After father died, you grew up so quickly. You were just a boy but you lived for me, Mirabelle and Maman. Everything you did was for us. When you came back from school, you were so much older than your peers and ready to take responsibility for us all. I was relieved when you went to France. I knew it was dangerous but in a way, there was less pressure on you.”

“I couldn't have gone if you weren't here to watch over everyone in my absence.” Gilles said as he stood and went to refill his drink. When he sat down his gaze was direct, searching. “I've been worried about you lately. Mirabelle and Lucien as well. The Mothers are distracted with the babies but I'm sure they have noticed too. You've been restless since the war ended. I'm afraid that once this last traitor is found we’ll lose you again, that you’ll let your need to know everything take you from us. This thing with you and Giselle makes me worry even more. If it doesn't go well, I'm afraid you'll be hurt and restless and you’ll go even farther.”