Page 14 of Highlander’s Dangerous Gambler

It was tempting. Especially as she was in so much pain. But she knew it was madness.

"Nay," Aileen murmured. But she knew it was no use. "I need to get home."

Even as she said the words, uncertainty hit her. How could she go home looking like this?

"Braw," said Scott, patting her shoulder. He seemed to approach her a little gingerly, as if she might break. Which, on balance, she might. "So let me take ye home. Where's yer clan?"

Aileen moved to get up, but faltered. Scott took her hand.

"Steady on, lass. Like I said, ye’re in no fit state to go anywhere on yer own!"

He was right about that. Sighing, Aileen glanced about the wild glenside. In the distance, the sounds of cheering continued. She would never get anywhere without help. All the same, she could not turn up like this.

"Nay, nae home. At least, nae yet," she said furtively. In her mind, she was running through her options. She had friends in the clan she could stay with. If she could at least get on a horse, then maybe she could go to them.

But looking at her weary form, Scott shook his head. "Well then, where?" he twinkled. He set her with his firmest blue gaze, and Aileen felt a little uncomfortable.

"Ye’re coming wi' me, lassie. The clan physician will give ye a look-over. An' I'm sure he will agree ye’re nae up for any gallivanting right noo!" He gave her such a clear look that Aileen had to concede.

Falling back into his arms, she nodded. "Thank ye."

"Dinnae fash," said Scott, and began very gently lifting her. By that point, Aileen had closed her eyes, and allowed her whole body to flop. There was a certain calm in giving in. No longer able to fight, she leaned back as Scott carried her to his horse. Then, very carefully, he placed her behind him.

"I'll take it slow," he promised, as Aileen nodded softly, The next thing she knew, they were trotting off, very sedately across the green hillside. But Aileen did not see any of it. All she could remember was clinging to Scott as they rode off into the horizon.