Page 49 of Ensnaring the Dove
What to do with me?Alarm tightened Colombia’s ribcage. It sounded as if he intended to send her back to Italia, pack her off like something he was ashamed of.
“Here will do just fine,” she replied, stopping before him. “No one can overhear us.”
A deep groove appeared between Linus’s dark brows as his gaze roved over her face. “What’s come over you, Colombia? You weren’t this outspoken back in Asculum. I must say I’m not fond of your scold’s tongue. I don’t—”
“I can’t marry you,” she cut him off, her pulse accelerating.
His dark eyes snapped wide, and for a moment, she could have sworn she saw relief flare in them before he scowled. “What?”
“We’re not suited. I realize that now.”
“You were happy enough to accept my proposal five years ago,” he growled. “What has changed?”
“Me. I was infatuated with you once, but not any longer.”
Linus’s lips parted, shock rippling across his face.
Her bluntness no doubt stunned him—indeed,shewas surprised by it. Nonetheless, there was a freedom in speaking her mind without worrying about what others thought of her.
Tension coiled under Colombia’s ribcage as she waited for him to respond. And when he didn’t, she exhaled sharply. “Do you love me, Linus?”
Their gazes met and held, the moment stretching out. A heartbeat passed, and then another, and then he slowly shook his head.
“So, why did you propose?”
He snorted. “Our union was never about love, Colombia,” he drawled. “I’d been passed over for a number of promotions … and believed I’d spend the rest of my days training troops outside Asculum. But then I discovered that Commander Juventus was back from the frontier for a few weeks. I also heard he was intent on finding a husband for his daughter.” Linus paused then, his gaze glinting. “As soon as you accepted my proposal, I received the promotion I wanted.”
Colombia tensed. His admission stung, for, in her innocence, she’d believed he was as taken with her as she’d been by him. She’d had no idea she’d been a poor second choice to a glittering career. No wonder he’d never returned to Italia to visit her.
“Would you have ever called for me … if I hadn’t taken matters into my own hands?”
His mouth pursed before he shook his head once more.
Colombia reached down and pulled off the golden band upon her left hand. “Here,” she said softly, holding it out to him. “This belongs to you.”
Linus hesitated. He didn’t want her, yet he didn’t like being bested by a woman either.
Moments passed, and then he reached out, and with ill grace, snatched the ring from her.
The commander stiffened, and his face hardened.
Watching her father’s reaction, Colombia swallowed hard. She hadn’t looked forward to telling him she wouldn’t be marrying Linus. But like her confrontation with her betrothed, this couldn’t be put off either.
They were seated in the triclinium, platters of salted bread, cheese, and dried fruit between them. Moira had just brought in their supper, although Colombia had delivered her news before she or her father touched it.
Severus’s brow furrowed. “But you only just arrived here?”
Colombia drew in a deep, steadying breath. “I know, but all it took was one conversation with Linus to realize I’d made a mistake.”
Her father muttered a curse. “One of many, daughter.”
Colombia’s cheeks flushed hot, and she dropped her gaze to the calix of wine she gripped. “I know I’ve disappointed you,” she murmured. “But Linus didn’t want to marry me either.”
The commander snorted. “Nonsense. He had every intention of honoring your betrothal.”
Her chin kicked up, her gaze ensnaring his. “He only proposed to me to gain favor with you … to further his career. He admitted it.”
Her father’s expression veiled, and when he replied, his voice was dangerously quiet. “Did he?”