Page 13 of Highlander’s Dangerous Gambler

"So listen, we need to move ye. Do ye think ye can do that?" The man looked keenly into her eyes. In them she saw a lot of things, with curiosity leading the pack.

Solemnly, Aileen nodded. She didn't really think she could move, but she had to try. Slowly, she allowed the man to lift her, taking her carefully from the point on the ground to his waiting horse.

There, he lifted her up. As soon as he did so, she yelped out loud. A sharp stab ran through her. In desperation, she looked up.

"Dinnae fash, wee lass; we can take it slow," said the man. But inside, Aileen was in a panic. Her heart had not stopped thundering in her ribs since she had woken up.

Suddenly, she was no longer in charge of the situation. Without warning, she was in a stranger's arms, being pulled who knew where. Worse still, her secret was out, and she was badly hurt.

It could not have gone more wrong.

Looking at the man, Aileen came to her senses.

"Nay." Finally, a sliver of sense made it into her head. "Nay, I cannae go wi' ye."

It took effort, but she pulled herself free of his grasp. She could not go with this man. But he had other ideas.

"Lassie, I promise ye, I'll nae hurt ye, but ye need attention." He cast his azure eyes over her broken form. She could tell what he was thinking. The concern in his eyes was real, but pulling away, there was no way Aileen could go with him.

"Aye," croaked Aileen. "I need to go home."

She made to go for her horse, but did not make it further than a couple of steps. Before long, she had collapsed in another deep groan. The world swirling, Aileen could barely stay conscious.

Then his scent was around her. Murmuring, the tall stranger was guiding her, keeping her safe. And when she looked, she was safe. He smiled.

And he really did have the comeliest smile. Pitched somewhere in between wickedly sly and wryly amused, there was an edge to this man she had only just picked up on.

He was there for her. Immediately, his warm thick arms lifted her, keeping her steady.

"Ye cannae ride on yer own, lassie," he said. "Ye'll have to come wi' me if ye want to get oot o' here."

Limply, Aileen agreed. Just at that minute, she wasn't in any position to refuse. However, there was one thing she wanted to know.

"Nae until ye tell me one thing," she demanded feebly. Aileen may barely be able to put one foot in front of her without wobbling, but she was determined to know more about this mysterious man.

The man raised his light-blue eyes amusedly. "Aye?" he said.

"Yer name," she replied briskly. "I need to ken who ye are."

For a moment, there was silence, as if he was thinking. Then, he fixed her with his blue eyes.

"Scott McFadden, at yer service."

The corners of his mouth turned up with insouciance, but within a minute, he was serious again. Bewildered, Aileen stared into his well-toned face. He was about twenty-five, with a golden tanned complexion and sturdy, well-shaped features. Everything about him was perfectly toned; right from his muscle prowess to the angle of his cheekbones.

"I-I am pleased to meet ye," said Aileen, when she realized he was waiting for her to say something. Self consciously, Scott's eyes met hers. Inside, Aileen's mind raced about.

What was she supposed to say and do? She had the distinct impression that this was wrong.

"Do ye want me to take ye to yer clan?" asked Scott, his blue eyes following her keenly.

Aileen raised herself from a semi-slumber. The shock of her accident was making her sleep.

"Nay!" She stirred. Inside, a horrible fear gripped her. This was about the last thing she wanted. "I cannae," she said in a panic. "They will be livid. They cannae find out I ran away an' took part in the race."

Aileen's eyes were wide with desperation. Silently, Scott comforted her. Softly, he brought his arm around her, stroking her hair with his spare hand.

"Dinnae fash, lass," he murmured. "We'll get ye out o' here. Ye can come an' stay wi me."