Page 21 of Highlander’s Dangerous Gambler

Sitting that close to him, Aileen squirmed. A strange feeling crept around her. She did not know whether she could trust him.

"I only came in to see if ye were alright!" Scott insisted. He sounded put out, as well he might be. "An' I got lamped wi' a candelabra for my troubles!"

Seething, Aileen's fear turned to rage.

"What do ye expect wandering a lass's bedchamber!!!" she snarled, her temper just getting started. "Ye’re lucky I dinnae bray ye again for yer troubles!"

Now she could see him. Slowly, her eyes attuning to the light, Aileen caught the glints from his eyes, shimmering on the dim light from the hall.

"I'm sorry," he said haplessly. But then he fixed her with his eyes. "But I really did just come to check on ye."

If this was meant to placate her, it failed.

"Did ye?" she asked, as quick as a flash. Fear and anger prickled their way back inside her. She still was not sure of his motives. "Scott, what are ye doing here? More to the point, what am I doing here? I dinnae ken what's going on!"

Despite herself, Aileen heard her voice spiraling. She hadn't wanted to, but she could not hide the stress in her voice. The last few days had been rough. And she still was no nearer to making it home. Suddenly, Aileen had had enough.

"I'm sorry." Scott's voice faltered as he brought his hand a little closer towards her. Sensing his face in the dark, Aileen paused.

She wasn't sure how she felt about him. Something inside her longed to trust him, and as he leaned in near, searching for her face, she wanted desperately to stroke him.

But at the same time, she itched to slap him, furiously, across the face for the way he had scared her!

"Aye?" said Aileen, her voice wringing with suspicion yet again.

Maybe she did not notice the door creak open a little further, bringing with it a trickle of light. Now she saw Scott's features gradually illuminating in the haze, his eyes shimmering.

A pulse ran through her. Maybe it was fever. Maybe it was fear. Maybe it was pure, straight insanity. Whatever it was, Aileen got the feeling to trust Scott.

And what was more, something literally got inside Aileen. One minute she was swaying, uncertain, the next, she was overwhelmed by a desire to touch him.

Scott pulled his face near. He was sitting at the end of the bed. Maybe he felt it too? Aileen was not sure; all she knew was her hand desperately wanted to stroke him. He looked so sincere.

But then she stopped. She had no idea who this man was, not really.

"Aye," said Scott, his voice faltering. The moon shed its pale light over the room. For the first time, she saw him properly, as his skin shone in the silver light. "Ye just had a dream, lass. I heard ye calling oot."

"Och," said Aileen, abashed. She settled herself back on the bed, embarrassed.

"Dinnae fash," said Scott calmly. "I, um, will fetch a lassie to help ye."

"I dinnae need help," began Aileen, but before she could finish, the door opened ajar.

"Nessa," Scott called to the waiting maid. To Aileen's astonishment, a tiny lass stood waiting at the entrance to the room.

Apologetically, the maid came forward.

"Sir," murmured the lass. She came into the room carrying a lit candle which she placed by the bedside. Aileen recognized her as the housemaid who had brought her meals.

"Nessa, can ye help Miss Duncan to bed?" asked Scott. Now that the maid was in the room, he withdrew a little. Aileen could sense his discomfort. Her disorientation still present, she looked blankly at the girl.

"I dinnae need any help," she grumbled, but from the way she flailed about, it was clear that she did. Eventually, she submitted, allowing the girl to help settle her back into bed.

"It's alright, miss," said the lass in a nervous voice. "Ye’re quite alright, an' safe here."

"Aye," said Aileen. She was beginning to feel slightly embarrassed. "I ken."

Reassured, she lay back and allowed the maid to tuck her into bed. Inside, her head was buzzing. Her temples were moist and feverish. The young maid poured a glass of water from the jug and helped her take a sip.