Claimed By Chaos Read Free Page B

quite unsettling for him. She was also very forward and sensual, that had the potential to be uncomfortable for him as well. There was also the matter of her identity. Aside from her name, he knew very little about her and he sensed that there was something very important beneath the surface that he couldn't yet decipher.
    Alastair looked up as Gilles strode into the study. Gilles’ eyes swept over him and he relaxed. He'd been worried. Alastair smiled as he took in his brother’s appearance. He was still in trousers and a shirt but his feet were bare and his hair was disheveled.
    “I was told it was urgent. If you'd shown up five minutes later, you'd be cooling your heels for hours.” Gilles turned to the sideboard and poured himself a drink. “What is it? Or did you just come to drink my brandy?” He smiled as he sat across from Alastair.
    “A lady called at Burton Place this evening. She just left.” He said softly as he retrieved her calling card from inside his coat. Gilles raised a brow and stared. A moment later, he smiled and saluted Alastair.
    “Congratulations! You're a man now, Alastair.” He teased before he took a long swallow. Alastair snorted.
    “And you are an ass. She was looking for you.” He stretched as he passed the card to Gilles.
    His brow furrowed as he reached for it. He sat back and raised the card. The color drained from his face and the snifter slipped from his hand and landed on the rug with a soft thud. Alastair leaned forward. Gilles swallowed loudly and shook his head violently.
    “This isn't possible.” His voice was a hoarse whisper.
    “Gilles?” Alastair called to him but he didn't hear. He was still shaking his head.
    “This isn't possible.” He repeated as he stared at the card. His head snapped up and his eyes were tortured as he stared at Alastair. “Describe her to me!” His eyes became wild as he waited.
    “Exquisitely lovely, petite, black hair and the most curious eyes. Not blue but…”
    “Violet.” Gilles whispered as his head fell into his hands. As Alastair watched as he began to shake and his breathing became rapid. Alastair was extremely concerned and confused.
    “Gilles?” Alastair said softly. When Gilles looked up, his eyes were flooded with tears.
    “Was she well, Alastair? Did she look… was she alright?” He asked urgently. Alastair nodded.
    “She was well, I noticed nothing in her appearance that would suggest she wasn't.” Alastair tilted his head when his brother started crying and laughing. He stood, picked up his snifter and returned to the sideboard. When he turned and leaned against it, his expression was one of overwhelming relief. He chuckled as he swirled his glass. Alastair frowned. “Why is it impossible that Lady St. Claire would call upon me this evening?” He asked. When Gilles looked up, his expression was utterly serious.
    “Because I saw her die on a beach in Calais.” Gilles pushed away from the sideboard and returned to his seat. Alastair stared and waited for an explanation. Clearly, his brother was mistaken. “I saw a man point a gun at her back and fire it. I saw her fall and blood pour from her body. By the time I reached the beach, the tide had carried her body away.” He was remembering it. Alastair felt rage curling within him as he imagined it.
    “The dreams? They were about her?” He asked once he could trust his voice. Gilles nodded.
    “Where is she now?” He asked.
    “Grillon's.” Alastair heard Gilles groan. “She said she would wait for your instructions. Who is she?” Alastair waited as Gilles stared across the room for several moments before he swore and began pacing.
    “We have to get her out of there. I’ll direct her to have her things sent here but we have to get her out of London immediately. I need to talk to her and find out what happened, away from the ton.” He squeezed his temples.
    “Who is she, Gilles?” Alastair was starting to feel his temper stir. It rarely did but nothing