Page 22 of Highlander’s Dangerous Gambler

The cool water traveled down Aileen's throat, bringing with it some relief. Finally, she smiled drowsily.

"Tomorrow, we can get the physician," said Scott.

Aileen could only roll her eyes at this suggestion.

Braw,she thought. Dinnae spare the leeches! But she was already too cozy to say anything. Instead, she nodded her head sleepily.

"An' we will talk further. I am very sorry for disturbing ye," Scott continued. But his voice was further now. Without raising her eyes, Aileen could feel him retreating. He was going, leaving her.

Aileen felt a brief pang inside her, but she did not really know what. She was nearly asleep already. The night was taking her.

"Good night, Aileen...an' may all yer dreams be sweet ones."

His kiss glanced across her lips. For a few minutes after falling asleep, Aileen could taste it, sweet and mysterious in her dreams.

The scent of his body swum across the darkened room. Maybe it was fever, but it felt real. Even when Aileen opened her eyes the next morning, she felt certain he had kissed her.

Except, he hadn't. That was a little game her mind was playing with her. And it strayed into Aileen's dreams—fevered and fetid—as she tossed and turned.

At least the fear was gone, but when Aileen woke the next day, she was still soaked in sweat. Blinking, her eyes took in the newly brightened room. The sun streamed in through the unshuttered windows. Looking around, she blinked again. She could not remember the window being opened. The storm of the previous night had given way to a fresh autumn day. And despite her pallor, Aileen was keen to throw herself into it.

A restoring blast of air came through the opened windows. It was gentle in contrast to yesterday but still cool enough to rally her. Propping herself up in the bed, Aileen smiled.

Last night had been such a confusion. All the uncertainty and pain melted in the golden sunlight, and although her aches were still there, suddenly, she did not care.

Gathering herself, Aileen pulled herself from the bed to take a closer look out of the window. Just as she went over, a voice at the door stopped her.

"Glad to see ye up an' about."

Aileen turned around swiftly, so much so it nearly knocked the shawl from her.

"Och!" Blushing, she grabbed at the cape on the chair beside her and wrapped it around. She had not expected to be visited so soon.

"Knocking," said Scott, motioning to the door. He looked chastened. As well he might.

Recovering herself, Aileen pulled herself to the chair and sat formally in it.

All the while, her mind was racing. She must look a mess. She had not so much as run a comb through her hair, and here was Scott!

But the light of the morning stopped her from reacting icily. At that moment, she was glad to be here and simply pleased to have come out of the night.

So, despite herself, she gave Scott the benefit of the doubt. Turning to him, she smiled.

"I...I am sorry about last night," she said, although when she said it out loud, she could see no reason why she should be. He was in a woman's bedchamber after all! However, she was embarrassed about it.

"Nay, lass, I am sorry," said Scott seriously. He looked thoughtful this morning, the dark-blue plaid bringing out the depths of his eyes. Aileen found herself gazing upon them. "I didnae mean to startle ye. But that's nae all..."

His eyes connected with hers again then switched back. Behind them, the maid entered the room. Bustling about, the wee lass was unaware of the atmosphere between them. Scott waited as she collected the things before coughing.

"Och, Nessa, go an' fetch Miss Duncan some o' the famous McLeod porridge," said Scott, with a wink. Aileen was just about to protest that she did not feel very hungry, especially for porridge, when she realized this was just a distraction.

The lass vanished, leaving Aileen and Scott face-to-face. A moment or two passed until Aileen dropped her eyes.

"So then, Scott, what was it ye needed to tell me?"

Aileen raised her chin to the window and began watching outside at the scene by the gates. A group of the laird's men was mounted on their horses, ready to ride away. Aileen felt a pang and wished she could join them. All she wanted was to get home again.

"I came to apologize," he said, lifting his blue eyes to hers. Aileen tried not to look. She found his gaze uncomfortable and hard to resist. Instead, she looked around the room.