Page 58 of Highlander’s Dangerous Gambler

"What about him?" she asked.

Scott cleared his throat. "I ken it's none o' my business, but he is nae the right man for ye, Aileen, an' I cannae sit back an' watch ye give yersel' to a man who isnae worthy o' ye!"

Aileen listened to all this carefully. But inside, conflict raged. Yes, Brodie was not perfect, but was he really that bad?

"Och, pish," remarked Aileen, trying her hardest not to look away. All the same, her heart beat a little harder as she caught his eyes staring at her. He was jealous. She was sure. A little smile curled around the edge of her lips.

But Scott was serious. "Listen, Aileen, I ken him a whole lot better than ye do, so ye must believe me when I say, he is nae trustworthy!"

Aileen found Scott's eyes were shining, burning into her. It was impossible not to look as their light-blue rays flickered in the dark.

"What do ye mean?" she asked, refusing to look away. "Give me an example; tell me what ye mean?"

Her eyes scrutinized his in the semi-light. For a moment, she nearly lost her control. The sheen of his skin was so sweet, the desire to stroke him overwhelmed her.

Somehow, Aileen fought the urge to embrace him, but it was tough. And now, Scott was looking at her uncertainly.

"Och, it doesnae matter."

Aileen raised her eyes. "It does matter if ye’re telling me nae to marry him!" she snapped. Her eyes flashed pointedly.

Scott looked uncomfortable. Then, his face changed.

"Alright, think about it. Ye really want to marry some man that ye dinnae ken? What about the rest o' yer life? Yer future...the racing?" Scott's eyes danced impetuously as he placed his hand on her shoulder.

Aileen felt the security of his touch; it was warm and tingled. If only this could be real. But despite her feelings, a little voice inside kept things cool.

Can I trust him? He had already used her once.

Eyes full of uncertainty, she watched him. It hurt her to the core, but the evidence was not good. Scott had already profited from her misfortune once, so what was to stop him from doing it again?

"No," said Aileen finally. "I have thought about it, an' the answer is no. The fact is, I dinnae ha' any reason to mistrust Brodie, but I have a muckle load o' reasons to mistrust ye!"

Scott looked as if he had been slapped. His eyes opened wide. "What? Nay, like what?"

"Like earning a wager off me an' my accident for a start!" she retorted, and when he looked, her eyes flared furiously. Suddenly, Aileen was hot. She could not believe his nerve! Edgily, she backed away, enraged.

"But... I..." began Scott, open-mouthed.

But Aileen was not done.

"Maybe find some other lass to profit off if ye want to get rich, but dinnae try it wi' me!" she shot.

Scott had just opened his mouth to protest when a muffled sound from the hall made them both freeze.

"Aileen?"

A slurred voice from outside knocked ice into Aileen's heart. She motioned to Scott to be quiet.

"Aileen!" the voice came again, excitedly.

Aileen sighed. It was Brodie.

"Um, what is it?" she asked, in barely a whisper. Beside her, Scott stood, frozen.

"Can I come in?" he hissed.

Aileen's eyes met Scott's. She couldn't help feeling slightly surprised.