Claimed By Chaos Read Free Page A

distance between them and reached for her. He cradled her jaw and his lips fell upon hers. Alastair felt her pull his lapels as her mouth opened, welcoming him in. He groaned as her tongue danced against his. He wanted to keep her. The idea of letting her leave made his chest ache. He wanted to carry her up to his bed and learn all of her secrets and explore her body. Suddenly terrified, Alastair set her away from him and he waited until his heart stopped pounding.
    “I'll call on you in the morning.” He hoped he would have regained his senses and have more information about her by then. His thumb brushed against her lip and he felt pulled towards it. He leaned back and looked at her. Her eyes were heavy as she nodded. He clenched his jaw and released her. Giselle took a deep breath and stood. He followed and looked at the clock. It was getting late, he hoped his brother was still available as he led her from the room.
    In the hall, Briarly rushed toward the door and held up her cloak. Alastair lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. It was the first time he had ever performed the gesture.
    “I will see you tomorrow.” He promised. She smiled and nodded as Briarly opened the door.
    “Until then.” Giselle whispered and turned to leave. Alastair frowned as she waved to a hackney that passed. It stopped and she looked over her shoulder, smiling as she stepped in. She was gone before he could protest. He turned and looked at Briarly. He was pleased. He cut his eyes at him.
    “Well done.” He grumbled as he strode out the door and down the steps. “I'm going to see my brother, I shouldn't be long.” He stated as he signaled for another hackney.

Chapter 3
     
    “Sir Alastair?” Bennings held the door wide and eyed the hackney with concern. He was even more disturbed to see that Alastair was without a hat, gloves or cane. “Is everything alright, sir?” Alastair pressed the older man’s arm and nodded.
    “I believe so but I need to see his lordship immediately.” Bennings looked in the direction of the earl’s chambers and frowned. “It's urgent, Bennings.”
    “Yes, sir. Please make yourself comfortable in his lordship's study.” With that, he left. Alastair turned and strode down the hall.
    Once in Gilles’ study, he went to the sideboard and poured a brandy. He walked toward the desk and examined the items on the top. A news sheet and ledgers. Everything seemed in order, there was nothing urgent or of concern. Alastair inhaled. He could smell the baby among the typical smells of the study. Is Ethan asleep? He wondered. He enjoyed his nephew immensely and didn't like the idea of visiting Spencer Place and not seeing him. It was most likely too late.
    He settled into the chair and stretched as he rested his foot on his knee. Alastair sipped his brandy and revisited the events in his parlor. In the aftermath, he was able to admit that it was very likely that he was in love with Giselle. He had all the disturbing symptoms. Mainly possessiveness. He wanted to claim her and keep her for himself. It made no sense to Alastair. Her overwhelming beauty aside, she was a collection of all of the same parts as any other woman. She would probably move and feel like any of the others he’d bedded. What was it about her that cindered his control? It was like a compulsion, he had to kiss her, he needed to touch her. Even more disturbing was how urgent he was for her to touch him. In the past, he went to great lengths to keep his partners from touching him. He certainly never enjoyed kissing them. He could have kissed Giselle for hours. Lucien had said he felt as if he could live in Mirabelle's mouth. At the time, the statement was confusing and mildly disgusting. Now, it made perfect sense.
    What surprised him most was how calm he felt. Alastair was certain there would be a great deal of suffering ahead. Despite knowing little about Giselle, he determined that she was impetuous and vivacious. She would be