Claimed By Chaos

by Abigail Graves

  An idea came to him as he discarded the towel and fixed his trousers before he returned to the bed. He’d talk to Lucien. While Alastair understood the mechanics of sex and giving women pleasure, Lucien understood women. And as much as he tried to ignore the fact, he knew that Lucien had been with at least one virgin. Alastair prayed that the conversation wouldn’t be too uncomfortable as settled next to Giselle and pulled her close against him. He felt her body become tense.

  “What’s wrong?” He asked gently. She turned in his arms until she was facing him and sighed. Alastair felt it against the skin of his neck and he suppressed a shiver as he stroked her back.

  “I should go back to my room.” She sounded unsure and sad. I can’t take it if she’s sad. Alastair worried. He pulled her closer and inhaled her scent.

  “I don’t want you to go. We still have hours and I like holding you while you sleep.” She stiffened in his arms and he pulled back and dipped his head so he cold see her face. “Giselle, what’s wrong? Talk to me.” He pleaded. She shook her head and tried to turn away. Alastair held her chin and forced her to look at him. “Tell me.” He demanded. Giselle sighed and bit her lip. She was very still for a moment and he was certain it was the longest of his life.

  “I’m… I’m just getting…” She growled and tried to pull away but Alastair held her close. “Everything is getting so… confusing! And complicated!” She pushed against his chest but he didn’t let her go. “We’re supposed to be looking for a traitor, not pretending we live in some… fairy tale. I don’t know what we’re doing anymore.” Giselle complained as she tried once more to twist out of his arms. Alastair held her until she stopped and then kissed her hair.

  “You’re going to sleep and I’m going to hold you until it’s time for you to go back to your bed. We don’t have to figure anything else out right now and there’s nothing we can do about the traitor tonight. Just sleep, Giselle.” He whispered as he started kneading the muscles of her back and neck. Alastair felt her relax and she moaned in delight as the tension drained from her body. Once her breaths became slow and soft, he smiled.

  Alastair didn’t like the idea that she had been so upset but the fact that she was confused was good, he thought. She was no longer certain that she didn’t want to marry, which meant that her emotions were overruling her mind. He just needed to find some way to tip the scales in favor of her heart, and him. Which had him frowning. He knew very little about winning a woman’s heart but he had a feeling he would have to lay his bare in the process.

  Chapter 30

  “You taste particularly sweet this morning.” Lucien murmured against Mirabelle's lips as he lifted his head. Her gaze followed his to the study door and he was about to suggest that she let him lock it on their way to the couch. She stood and tugged on his lapel, guiding him toward the door.

  “Let's go upstairs.” She whispered as she pressed herself against him. Her hand slid down his stomach until she cupped him through his breeches. He nodded jerkily before he turned her and pushed her toward the door. Lucien's patience broke at the top of the stairs. He picked Mirabelle up and tossed her over his shoulder and he strode quickly down the hall. She giggled as he kicked the door closed behind them and let her slide down his body. He cradled her face and kissed her hungrily as he backed her toward the bed.

  He growled in approval as her hands attacked the buttons of his waistcoat as he shrugged out of his coat. A moment later, she was pushing his shirt up his chest and kissing his skin. Lucien ripped his shirt off and started with the falls of his breeches.

  “Pull your skirts up, I can't wait to get your dress off.” He said as they fell upon the bed. Mirabelle pushed against his shoulders.

  “I was thinking of something else.” She smiled mischievously. He raised an eyebrow as he looked down at her. She rolled away and crawled for the pillows. She reached behind them and pulled the two strips of silk from behind the mattress. “Take your boots and breeches off.” Mirabelle ordered as she waited on the bed.

  Lucien pulled his boots and stockings off and then slid out of his breeches. He turned and crawled toward her. He pulled her lips to his as he fell back against the pillows, pulling her on top of him.

  “Are you sure you want to keep this on?” He asked as he started pushing her skirts up her thighs. She nodded as she leaned down to take his lips.

  “Raise your arms.” She whispered. Lucien’s brows rose but he did as he was told. He was enjoying himself immensely when her breasts pressed against his face as she tied the straps around each wrist. His pulse started to pick up when she tied a cloth behind his head, covering his eyes.

  “This is a bit… aggressive for this time of day.” He mumbled as he lifted his head, trying to see beneath the blindfold. He gasped as he felt Mirabelle's body slide down his. His cock throbbed as her hand caressed his abdomen as it drifted lower.

  “Spread your legs.” Her voice was soft and low and he felt it against his thigh. He let her spread and extend them as anticipation and need flared within him. He jumped as he felt cloth wrap around an ankle. A moment later, the other ankle was secured and he heard Mirabelle purr as she crawled between his legs. He felt her raise and then straddle his stomach. Lucien’s erection jumped and he bucked beneath her. His arms instinctively tried to reach for her but the bindings held them in place. He tried to twist but found himself immobile. “Open your mouth.” Mirabelle’s finger traced his lips and he dropped his jaw as his tongue tried to find it.

  Lucien moaned in shock as he felt fabric fill his mouth. He shook his head from side to side in protest as he groaned around it, begging as his instincts told him he was in trouble. He felt Mirabelle's hands push against his chest as she sat back. Her bottom pressed against the head of his cock and it swelled, not realizing the danger they were in. He felt her shift and her hand wrapped around him and she tugged a few times, making him excruciatingly hard.

  “I'm going downstairs now, Lucien.” She announced. He groaned around the fabric again and she laughed softly. “I want you to grunt once if you'd like me to send Alastair up to help you, twice of you’d like me to summon Hugo or three times if you'd like to wait for Mary to come to tidy the room.” Lucien attempted to sigh and considered his options before he grunted once. “I thought so.” She sang as she pushed off of him. He felt her weight leave the mattress and he moaned loudly to get her attention. “Yes?” She asked.

  Lucien raised his head as he turned his cheek to her, requesting a kiss before she abandoned him. She chuckled as she pressed her lips to his skin.

  “I had considered waiting before I sent him up but I won't since you're accepting your punishment so well.” Lucien nodded just before he felt her tongue slide along his jaw. “This isn't easy for me. You look so impressive, stretched out like that. It's very tempting.” The pout in her voice had him straining. She sighed and then the door clicked shut.

  If he had been able to, he would have smiled. Instead, Lucien focused on pushing the gag out of his mouth. It took a few minutes but once it was out he laughed softly. He wasn't going to enjoy what was about to happen but in the grand scheme of things, it could have been worse. And it was a relief to know that he wouldn't have to live in fear of her retaliation any longer. His smile grew wider as he considered one very good thing to come from his predicament: Mirabelle was most likely making plans to tie him up again and next time, she would not be leaving. Lucien tugged against the bindings again and then relaxed. There was nothing he could do but wait and admire her patience and planning.

  Alastair looked up as Mirabelle rushed toward him. He put the book back on the shelf and watched as she looked around before she leaned in close.

  “Something disturbing has happened in our room and Lucien needs your help!” She whispered urgently. Alastair looked in the direction of the ducal chambers and frowned.

  “Mine? Can't you or his valet help him?” He grumbled. The idea of entering their bedroom made his shoulders tight. She sho
ok her head and stared at him, her eyes full of pleading and concern. Alastair nodded slowly and strode from the room.

  Once he reached the door, he tapped softly and waited for Lucien to answer. He pushed the door open and stuck his head in cautiously. He swore when he saw Lucien.

  “Alastair?” He called as his head turned this way and that, waiting for a response. Alastair stepped back and tried to pull the door shut silently. “Don't you dare leave!” Lucien whispered urgently. Alastair cursed as he stepped into the room and shut the door.

  “You’re naked.” He was appalled to see Lucien's mouth spread into a smile.

  “Of course I am, this wouldn't be humiliating if I weren't.” He replied jauntily. Alastair averted his eyes and spotted a robe on a chair. He snatched it and tossed it over Lucien’s groin.

  “You could at least have the decency to control yourself.” Alastair gestured toward the erection that tented the fabric of the robe. Lucien chuckled.

  “What can I say? I'm glad you're here.” He replied. “Could you get this blindfold off? After the gag, it's the worst part of all of this.” He lifted his head in expectation. Alastair scowled as he leaned over Lucien and pulled it off. “Oh, that's better!” He said as he looked at his hands and then down at his feet. “She did a marvelous job! I didn't suspect a thing until it was too late.” He tugged again and laughed as he looked up at Alastair.

  “If you don't mind, I'd like to get this over with.” He bent down and reached within his boot for a knife. When he stood, Lucien shook his head.

  “Don't cut the straps!” He pleaded. Alastair was sure he'd lost his mind. “I'm quite attached to them.” He explained as Alastair crossed his arms and stared down at him. Lucien grinned sheepishly. “Obviously. But they're rather handy and Mirabelle uses them to…” He stopped and raised his eyebrows suggestively. Alastair waited until the urge to strangle Lucien passed before he turned back to the door. “Wait! Don't leave me here!” He called.

  “I'll send Hugo.” Alastair said as he reached for the door.

  “No! Not Hugo! You'll cost me my valet if you do that.” Lucien begged. “I'm afraid he's already on the verge of resigning. He's been very uncomfortable since I married Mirabelle and I'd hate to lose him.” His eyes were large and pleading when Alastair turned. “I'd rather wait for Mary.” Alastair shook his head.

  “I can't allow you to expose Mirabelle's maid to such a display. It would be inappropriate.” He said as he considered. Lucien grimaced.

  “I'm sure Mary would be happy to see me strung up.” He offered. Alastair felt his brows pull together in confusion. Lucien smiled guiltily. “I've been very destructive with Mirabelle's gowns lately.” He confessed. Alastair set the knife on a table and stepped away from it before he was tempted to use it. He waited until his anger subsided before he approached the bed. He swiftly punched Lucien in the groin. His head fell back and he groaned hoarsely. “What the hell was that for?” He whispered weakly.

  “That was for getting us into this and whatever it is you've been doing to my sister.” Alastair said sternly. Lucien nodded as he squeezed his eyes shut and breathed through the pain.

  “Alright, I'll take that.” He gasped. Alastair hoped his balls were sore enough to keep him off of Mirabelle for a few days. He smiled as he felt himself relax.

  “What were you thinking when you decided the fish stunt was a good idea, why did I go along with it and what in God’s name could possess you to marry Mirabelle? She's a terror.” Alastair asked as he untied one of the straps. Lucien laughed softly.

  “I always had to torment her. It was like an itch.” He explained. “You went along with it because you wanted to get back at her for catching more fish than you. God, how that got to you!” Lucien’s smile softened. “I had to marry her, Alastair. I couldn't help myself any more than I could when I pulled her hair and threw mud at her when we were children.”

  Alastair let his eyes sweep over Lucien and he frowned as he went to the foot of the bed and tugged the knots free around his ankles. Lucien was covered in bruises and scratches.

  “Have you been in a fight lately?” Alastair asked as he bent over the knots at Lucien's other wrist.

  “No. Why?” He asked as he sat up. Alastair’s eyes widened as he saw a crosshatching of red welts covering his back. Lucien turned and looked up at him and laughed as he swung the robe over his shoulders and pushed his arms through. “Mirabelle can get a bit carried away.” Lucien jumped from the bed and started picking up his discarded clothing.

  “Is that from a crop?” Alastair regretted the question as soon as it was out. Lucien smiled and nodded as he stepped into his breeches and pulled them up under his robe. He slipped the robe off and sat as he pulled on his stockings and boots.

  “You don't keep a riding crop in your room?” Lucien teased as he stood and pulled his shirt over his head. Alastair scowled as he strode for the door.

  “I swear to you, Lucien, if I ever find out that you've used one on her, I'll break both of your arms.” He cursed as he pulled the door opened and stormed out.

  Chapter 31

  A few hours later, Alastair was leaning against the wall in the music room as Mirabelle and Giselle had their first piano lesson. He reminded himself that it was Giselle’s first since childhood and that she would improve with time. His eye twitched and he cringed as he pushed away from the wall. Once in the hall, he smiled. It had only taken him a week to learn to play well but no one knew he could. Alastair didn't want to deny Mirabelle the pleasure of Giselle’s budding talents.

  Alastair found Lucien in the study and decided to take advantage of the ladies’ preoccupation and shut the door behind him. Lucien looked up in relief.

  “Thank God! Giselle may be brilliant at many things, but the piano is not one of them.” Lucien laughed as he came around the desk.

  “Actually, I was wondering if I might discuss a private matter with you and ask for a bit of advice.” Alastair settled into one of the armchairs and Lucien pulled the other closer as he sat.

  “Certainly. After this morning, I believe I owe you for your assistance.”

  “Don't mention it. Honestly, I'd like to forget the whole incident.” Alastair said flatly. He looked at the door and waited until he heard a tortured cry from the piano. Lucien chuckled.

  “I assume this is about Giselle. Are things going well between the two of you?” Lucien asked softly. Alastair nodded and his eyes returned to Lucien.

  “I believe so. As you and Gilles suggested, I have taken things slowly despite her objections. I don't think it will be necessary to wait much longer. That is to say, I have learned a great deal about Giselle and I am confident that she cares very deeply for me. If she is not fully in love with me already, further intimacy between us will only aid my purpose.” Alastair finished and watched Lucien, waiting. Lucien’s brows fell and he steepled his fingers as he sat back.

  “Right… Well, put like that, I can imagine she's quite keen. If I'm understanding you correctly, you think it's time you made love to Giselle.” Lucien looked to Alastair and he nodded stiffly. “Wonderful! I can't imagine what advice I could give you. If you've made love to three and sixty women, I'm sure you know how everything works.” Lucien teased as he winked playfully. Alastair frowned and shook his head.

  “I've been with three and sixty women but I didn't make love to any of them. It was always in pursuit of experience or to take care of my physical needs.” Alastair looked at the door nervously. Lucien tugged at his cravat and looked toward the sideboard.

  “Experience. Well, that helps.” Lucien nodded. “I would think it would be the same but more romantic. Kiss her more and say prettier things?” He offered. Alastair blinked at him for several moments.

  “I don't have a problem with the actual intimacy, Lucien. Giselle and I are very compatible and if anything, I feel too much with her.” Alastair mumbled as he began to consider the sideboard as well. Lucien relaxed and laughed.

  “W
hat can I help you with, then?” He asked as he rested his boot on his knee. Alastair frowned as he leaned in close. He looked at the door briefly before he dropped his voice.

  “Giselle has never actually… with a man. Or a woman. I mean, she's just never… with anyone.” Alastair knew he was flustered and acting like an idiot but he was comforted by Lucien’s expression. His jaw hung open and his eyes were wide, he barely breathed for several moments. Alastair had to clear his throat loudly and push Lucien to get him to focus. Once he did, he leaned forward.

  “Are you telling me she's a virgin?” Lucien asked incredulously. “She's killed men with her breasts and was the Crown’s most successful spy and assassin. And she's a virgin?” Lucien whispered as he looked toward the music room. “How is that possible?” He looked to Alastair who could only shrug and shake his head. Both looked at the sideboard and then nodded in agreement. Lucien rose, poured two drinks and handed Alastair his scotch as he returned to his seat. “Though I can't imagine anyone forcing her.” Lucien said thoughtfully. Alastair could only frown and nod as he raised his glass. He took a long swallow.

  “As you can imagine, I have no experience with virgins.” Alastair stated as he wished for a much larger glass. Lucien looked pained.

  “I understand your predicament. But as I've only been with the one, I'm afraid I can't offer too much in the way of experience.” Lucien explained. “Given Giselle’s temperament, I would warn you to avoid making the mistake that I made.” He paused when he noticed Alastair becoming hostile. Lucien held up his hand to calm him. “I was far, far too cautious for much longer than I should have been. Mirabelle almost left me for being too gentle.” Lucien smiled sheepishly and Alastair relaxed.