Page 12 of Highlander’s Dangerous Gambler

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His eyes filled her vision. Blinking, Aileen came to. For a minute or two, she was in a daze. Her head was back in the Duncan castle; her bedchamber was misty and vague. The bed beneath her seemed a little hard, and she was certainly not as comfortable as she might be.

"Sonny?"

The man's voice came toward her, gruff and vague. She still could not hear too well. It took a while for her senses to come to. Then, she awoke, with a start.

He had been chasing her. That much she did know. Fearfully, she sat up, attempting to quell the fear in her heart. Beneath her chest cavity, it was pumping ten to the dozen. And, looking down, she noticed the armor for the first time. It took some time for her memory to filter through. Then it clicked.

She had been wearing armor. Looking around curiously, she remembered the rest. The race, the man talking to her, and Billie, her brother.

"Son?" the man inquired genially, setting his foot closer to her. Instantly, Aileen tensed. She could not let him see her like this.

"Nay," her voice creaked into life, muffled and indistinct. She meant for him to keep his distance, but he did not seem to register. Seeing him move close, Aileen stirred herself. As much as she hurt, she managed to get shakily to her feet.

As she did so, she saw his violet eyes, pinned tightly to her. There was something in his gaze that made her uncomfortable. Briskly, Aileen moved toward her horse, still waiting nearby. The glenside was still, all sounds muted by a leaden silence which descended overhead. The throng of the race had long since disappeared. Wherever they were, it was far away from the crowd.

"Ye’re hurt," said the man, his face watching her intently. She still had the bascinet down, and the armor hid her wound. But what it could not disguise was the blood gushing down, seeping out from her sleeves.

Aileen shook her head, trying to avoid his gaze. But it was no good; he was upon her.

"Och, I'm only trying to help ye, laddie!" said the man, exasperation creeping into his face for the first time. But Aileen wasn't listening. She was too busy running.

She had spied her chance, and was going to take it. Pushing herself on, she darted through the damp grass, hoping to get to White Star before he could reach her.

But she was reckoning without one thing—the pain.

As soon as she moved, it hit her: a sudden, stabbing jolt behind the ribs. The pain doubled her up, completely taking her breath. She tried again, but had to stop. Her breaths were coming falteringly. Even that hurt her.

Dragging herself upright, a wave of hot hell hit her, burning and prickling all over. For the first time, she realized she was seriously hurt. And the man did not stop following her.

"Lad?" he called, peering into the undergrowth.

Aileen moved to turn around, as she had grown hot and faint. Everything was fading to white.

"Sonny?" he asked.

She felt his arms behind her, holding her tight. Aileen struggled to open her eyes. But it was impossible. She was too far gone. Without a single murmur, she passed out into his waiting arms. All she could remember was the intense blue of his eyes.

"It's alright. Ye’re safe. Nothing's gonnae get ye here."

She woke up to his azure-blue eyes, as deep as a summer sky, staring right at her. Seeing his smile, she leaped.

Mistake. Searing pain shot through her body. Aileen groaned.

"Och, dinnae move, lassie."

The last word made Aileen leap harder.

Lassie?

Fearful, she turned to the man. His smile assured her that he knew everything. Touching her face, Aileen realized her helmet had been removed, and she was lying secure in the stranger's strong arms.

Instantly, she recoiled, fear stabbing her heart. Her horror must have shown in her face, because instantly, the man laughed.

"Och, wee lassie, dinnae fash yersel’. I can keep yer wee secret if that's what's bothering ye!"

Aileen was so stunned she could barely move. After a bit, she nodded. Even that hurt. At that moment, it seemed that every part of her ached.