Saved By A Siren: Spencers in Love Book One Read online

  Again, Alastair's face showed confusion.

  "You know how to make tea and braid hair?"

  Gilles shook his head, a large smile split his face.

  "No! But I want to learn just so that I can do it for her."

  "I would not consider that a recommendation, as far as love goes."

  "But it is. I want to be everything to her and I want everything from her. I want to know her completely and bare myself to her in every way."

  "How is any of that desirable?"

  "To be so close to someone that they know, understand and accept everything about you. To be able to have an entire conversation without speaking. To have someplace where you can lose yourself and be free of the world. Could anything be more desirable?"

  Alastair attempted to sort and assess the details of their conversation. Mirabelle still loved Lucien, was putting her life on hold and might find herself deeply hurt soon. This belonged in the negative column. It was clear his brother was happy and more and more like the man he was before France. Definitely a positive. But if Lady Elsie rejected him, he could be unhappy for a very long time. He could regress back to the man he was in London. Definitely a negative. Alastair could make no conclusions about love or why a person would want it. The only thing he was sure of, it seemed too unsettling for him and he certainly had no desire to learn to make tea.

  Just as Alastair set the examination of love and his siblings' futures aside, his brother became alert, sitting up and setting his whiskey down. The sound of fingers snapping and stairs creaking softly reached his ears. He smiled as his brother went to the door. A moment later, Lady Elise stepped over the threshold carefully. Gilles met her and took her hands in his, raising them to his lips.

  "Did you need something?"

  Lady Elise smiled warmly and Alastair noticed that one of her fingers escaped Gilles' hold and traced his lower lip. He quickly looked away, feeling like a voyeur.

  "Your mother and sister are having a few dresses altered with Anna and Alice. I snuck away and thought I'd see if you two were free. I smell whiskey." Gilles led her to the couch and she pulled him close as she sat. "Could I have a little? I used to enjoy a glass with Basil from time to time."

  Alastair felt his brows rise. She was full of contradictions. Gilles poured her a glass and relaxed beside her. Alastair noted the immediate easing of his brother and that his arm extended along the back of the couch and his fingers toyed with her hair. He seemed to not be aware he was doing it or the fact that he was observed. Lady Elise looked as if she was about to settle into the seat before she straightened and turned in Alastair's direction.

  "I have an unusual favor to ask, Sir Alastair."

  "I'll do my best not to disappoint you." He replied as he sat up.

  Her fingers tapped nervously against the glass in her hand.

  "As you're aware, I use my hands to help me see. I can't see what a person looks like but I can use my hands to help me make out the features of their face."

  Gilles' posture became tense and he looked swiftly at Alastair. He lifted his shoulders, signaling his lack of understanding. Lady Elise sensed Gilles' change of demeanor.

  "I assure you it will not be the same." She whispered. He relaxed fractionally. "When I was with your sister and mother, they let me feel their faces. While Mirabelle is taller than Celine, she does resemble her. As does Gilles."

  "I favor my father." Alastair supplied.

  "That's what they said. I'm curious to know what you look like. May I touch your face?"

  For a moment Alastair could only blink. Then, he slowly rose and crossed the room towards her.

  "May I?" Standing next to the couch, he gestured to the spot Gilles occupied next to Lady Elise. He noticed his hesitancy. What was he afraid might happen? Alastair understood that it was an irregular request and was a bit uncomfortable being touched in that manner. But he understood the purpose and could think of no reason to deny her. He had spent most of his time at Longwood studying her, was she not allowed a similar opportunity? Also, he was curious as to how she would perform the task and what she would observe. That gave him pause. She was highly intuitive and sensitive. What would she find?

  Sitting, turned towards her, Alastair became nervous as she lifted her hands to his face. She paused and her head fell sideways.

  "I won't hurt you!" Lady Elise whispered.

  Alastair nodded.

  "I know."

  She rested her hands gently against his face, feeling it's entirety.

  "Are you afraid of what I might learn?"

  "Yes."

  Lady Elise leaned forward and spoke softly.

  "Sir Alastair, I already know the more interesting and important things about you."

  With that, the pads of her fingers and thumbs began sweeping and pressing against his face. If he hadn't been so tense, it might have been relaxing. Her face would shift with each feature she encountered, smiling or frowning.

  When Lady Elise finished assessing his whole face she tapped the space between his brows.

  "This is often pulled tight. You're always worrying and wondering. You're always considering a problem." She moved on to his nose and smiled. "This is the same as Gilles. You must get that from your father. It's a proud and strong nose. Like my Perseus sculpture."

  Gilles snorted.

  "I'm glad it's the only protrusion that resembles that poor statue." He mumbled as he took a large gulp of whiskey. He was much less tense than when Alastair sat down but not completely relaxed.

  Lady Elise blushed. Alastair found that very telling. Was it because she was familiar with Gilles' anatomy or had thought about it?

  "Hush, you!" She hissed, though her lips curved. "You have the same strong jaw as well. But you hold your face much tighter, like a shield. The muscles of Gilles' face are loose and stronger around the eyes and mouth because he laughs often."

  "He hadn't for a long time. Not until you." Alastair whispered. He felt her hands pull away and she trembled. She waited for a few breaths and then resumed.

  "Your face is always very still. Except your forehead. Your questions show here." Lady Elise tapped him above his brows. "But not very often. Most people have very little to tell you that you don't already know. You are very handsome but in a different way than your brother. You're almost... Sleek." She set her hands on his shoulders and quickly slid them to the ends and squeezed briefly. "You're a little taller but not as broad. But you aren't thin. I think women find you very attractive but don't know how to capture your interest. They don't know what to do with you." She patted him on the knee, signaling that she was done. "Thank you."

  "I dare say a few knew." Alastair mumbled as he rose and returned to his chair. He felt restless and slightly exposed.

  Lady Elise smiled and reached for her glass as Gilles sat back down. His hand resumed it's spot next to her head and his fingers brushed her hair. A small sigh escaped Lady Elise and she leaned back, curling her feet under her.

  "I should go back up but it feels so nice in here."

  "Stay a bit longer, I'm sure they'll be at it for a while." Gilles scooted along the couch and his hand brushed the hair from her face.

  He's not going to kiss her is he? Thought Alastair, with rising panic. With him in the room? They acted as if they'd forgotten he was there. He jumped to his feet and made for the doors at the back of the room. The garden sat quietly on the other side of the glass. It seemed like the perfect place to be just then.

  "I'm going for a walk." Alastair's hand was already on the handle.

  "Good." Gilles responded, absently.

  Alastair turned and paused.

  Gilles had pulled Lady Elise close and was kissing the inside of her wrist.

  "I missed you." He breathed against her skin causing Lady Elise to shiver.

  "I know it's just been a few hours but it felt like the day had stopped." She replied breathlessly as she leaned into him.

  "Tell me, my lady, do you know what to do with me?"
Gilles had released her wrist and his forehead rested against hers. He inhaled deeply as he shut his eyes.

  "I do. But you'll never know if you don't kiss me." Lady Elise tilted her face, brushing her lips against his.

  "Yes, ma'am." Gilles teased as he took her lips.

  Alastair quietly shut the door, his eyes wide and blinking. If what he witnessed was any indication, Lady Elise was not likely to reject his brother. She seemed as infatuated and invested in him emotionally as he was her. What had been most illuminating was the tenderness and how completely absorbed they were with each other. He had never witnessed two people as connected or content. Alastair had never experienced anything like that with a woman and probably never would. As he shoved his hands in his pockets and strode towards the garden, he decided that he really didn't mind.

  Chapter 21

  Gilles stood at his usual before dinner post at the bottom of the stairs. Try as he might, he couldn't put his heart into feeling guilty for the display he was sure Alastair had witnessed. Discretion had always been his mantra. He wouldn't have survived if he hadn't perfected it as an art. He'd been the center of an intricate web of secrets during his time in France. He'd used every one to his advantage and had never slipped. Now, he was acting like an inexperienced youth. He smiled as he rolled a coin across his knuckle. Elise did things to him.

  Just as he was beginning to imagine things he hoped she'd one day do to him, Gilles looked up to see Elise and his sister, arm in arm at the top of the stairs. He was grateful for the wall behind him. If he had not been leaning against it, he would have collapsed. His knees had turned to water and he felt as if he'd taken a blow to the head. She'd taken his breath away every night but tonight she'd taken the air out of the room.

  The gown was the simplest of any she'd previously worn. It was the fabric that caused his pulse to race once it returned. It was the finest, lightest satin in a shade of peach just a touch darker than her own skin. The shoulders were simple and minimal and the bodice clung. The skirts had very little volume and hugged her legs. As usual, she wore no shoes. The effect was one of nudity. She was completely gowned in a dress that in any other hue and material would have been unremarkable but he felt as if she'd come to dinner in nothing but a smile. Gilles was still reeling when she stepped off the last stair. He pushed away from the wall on shaky legs and approached her.

  "Maman and I picked this. Isn't it lovely?" He'd completely forgotten Mirabelle was there.

  Gilles nodded and tried to form words.

  "I... I... I... That is to say... Yes?" What was the question?

  Mirabelle laughed and squeezed Elise's arm.

  "I told you he'd love it!"

  Elise blushed.

  "I believe there's supposed to be an overlay but it seems to have gone missing."

  "Funny, that... But it's smashing without it." His sister insisted.

  Gilles considered telling his sister right there that she didn't need to force his hand, it wasn't him that needed convincing. He settled Elise's hand on his sleeve.

  "Maman and Alastair are in the parlor waiting for us."

  Mirabelle glided off leaving them alone in the hall. Gilles looked around, came up behind Elise and pulled her against him. His lips found her ear and he licked along the outer edge. She shivered and her hand reached up to cradle his cheek.

  "You have to marry me. Soon. If you have any mercy, please say yes. I would give all that I have to be able to carry you upstairs and make love to you right now."

  She trembled and moaned so soft and low he felt it more than heard it.

  "Gilles, please! This isn't the time." She stepped forward, pressing her hands to her stomach and breathed deeply.

  Gilles swore under his breath as he stepped along side her and returned her hand to his sleeve.

  "Then I suggest you think twice about allowing my mother and sister to help you pick your gowns. I believe they're initiating a game with stakes a lot higher than you're wanting to play."

  Elise could only nod as they entered the parlor. Pleasantries were exchanged for only a few minutes before Holderson called them to dinner. Gilles turned and caught a full glimpse of the back of Elise's gown. His mood turned darker. He grabbed his sister's elbow and pulled her to the side of the room after everyone else had departed.

  "Gilles? Let go!" She scolded as she tugged her arm from his grasp.

  "If you're so set on meddling, perhaps you might turn your efforts in the other direction. I don't need convincing." He hissed.

  "You've asked her?" Mirabelle's excitement was barely contained. If she hadn't been dressed for dinner and trying to have a private conversation, she probably would have leapt in the air with a loud cheer.

  "Not officially. She doesn't think we'd suit and says she won't accept."

  "Is she mad?"

  "Possibly. And if you keep dressing her like that," he gestured out the door, "I'll be as well."

  "It's just a dress. What harm could it possibly do?" She shrugged and turned to leave. He stalked along side her.

  "You may as well have put a whip in her hand." He muttered.

  "Brother, dear, whatever you get up to behind the privacy of closed doors is no business of mine."

  Gilles stopped her again, his expression stunned and embarrassed.

  "What the hell, Mirabelle? I'm this close to packing you off to a convent!" He held his hand up, his fingers illustrating a very small gap. She shrugged again and walked away.

  "Don't act as if you're a prude. Most of what I've learned came out of your library." She laughed.

  Gilles put his arm around her shoulder and whispered in her ear.

  "I hate to disappoint you, brat. But those books were already there when I inherited Spencer Place. I believe you can thank our parents."

  Mirabelle froze.

  "Oh, good lord. There goes my appetite." She grimaced and sat down.

  It didn't feel as if they were even but Gilles decided it was a small victory.

  Pacing in his room, Gilles rehearsed the speech he was determined to deliver the moment Elise walked through the door. Sitting next to her through dinner and then watching her play the piano and laugh with his family had him wound tight. Hours of imagining her naked had taken it's toll. His control, his patience, his sanity... It all felt frayed and he was grasping at the scraps.

  "Come to me as soon as you can." He'd whispered as they parted. Her to her room, him to his study with Alastair. He hadn't lingered. They'd discussed a letter he'd received that evening from Lucien about an investigation he was concluding and shared a drink. Gilles tried not to appear too anxious as he made his excuses and left.

  He needed to make Elise understand. She had to agree to be his before matters went any further between them. It went beyond reputations and being compromised. This was a matter of life and happiness. Gilles' conversation with Alastair and the display afterword had clarified the situation for him. He needed Elise and he was incapable of hiding that. It was one thing to slip around his family but it was a matter of time before a servant or a visitor saw something beyond acceptable. Mostly, he just wanted to start a life with her. He didn't want society dictating how they lived.

  Gilles knew that they couldn't continue as they had. He couldn't count on his control any longer and once they crossed that final boundary, once he'd had her, there was no going back. It would no longer be her decision to make. He'd use any means to make her his. Gilles wanted her to choose him without coercion and time was running out.

  His speech and good intentions evaporated as soon as Elise opened the door. She'd left her robe behind and her gown was little more than sheer panels that parted at her hips. As she crossed though the moonlight every curve and sweep of her body was on display.

  Gilles snapped. Need clawed at him as he rushed towards her. His body already tense and his erection throbbing, he was nearly mindless as he scooped Elise into his arms. Stunned at finding herself swept off her feet and surrounded by him, Elise gasped. Her
disorientation was brief, the smell of him and the heat of his naked body aroused her like nothing else and she clung to him. She whispered his name and found his lips. She tasted the desperation and passion that drove him and answered with her own. Their kiss became wild as he set her on the bed. Elise whimpered as he pulled away from her.

  "I need to taste you." Gilles rasped as his lips tickled the soft skin of her ankle. He sent his lips, teeth and tongue up the insides of her legs, torturing her with with nibbles and licks, suckling as he swept the fabric out of his way.

  Writhing and begging, Elise reached for him, trying to urge him on. She bucked against him and sobbed as his mouth covered the tender folds of her womanhood. Gilles licked and lapped at her as if he were a dying man and she a cool pool at an oasis. His fingers tickled and filled her, alternating with his tongue, probing her heated core. Elise twisted and arched, trying to open further for him one moment then trying to retreat the next. Everything had become his mouth upon her. The room and the bed were no longer there and Gilles could hear nothing but her frantic breaths and mindless cries. Her body was gone save for the part he worshiped with his hands, tongue, lips and teeth.

  Gilles' body screamed with lust, his cock felt as if it had turned to lead but he couldn't pull away. He wanted to taste her when her release broke upon her, he wanted to drink the rush of nectar that would flow from Elise when she exploded. Gilles knew she was close. Her head was thrashing from side to side and her fists were twisted in the sheets, her thighs quivered as her hips attempted to rise off the bed. He held her steady in his hands and tilted her so he could lap at her more thoroughly and enter her more deeply with his tongue. Elise bit her finger and shrieked. Gilles chuckled against her soaked flesh. Her distress mirrored the turmoil within him as his raging cock burned against his leg demanding to replace his mouth at her entrance. He took the sensitive knot of flesh between his lips and suckled as he filled her with two fingers. She was already so tight and became shockingly more so as she squeezed around him and his erection pulsed urgently. Elise hauled in a desperate breath as her body tensed and froze, her back arched and her head was thrown back. She seemed to hang there for moments before her body began to shake and convulse. Gilles' name poured from her mouth as a long moan, releasing the tension from her body as she collapsed boneless and weak upon the mattress.