Page 52 of Ensnaring the Dove

The matron’s chin kicked up. “Lady Colombia,” she gasped. “This …filth… just groped me.”

Colombia stiffened at this news. Since her arrival at Onnum, she’d marked an increasing sense of disorder within the fort. Usually, her father’s men were respectful, yet one or two leered at her these days when she was out and about. She hadn’t said anything to Severus, for she knew he’d punish them for it. Nonetheless, it made her a little wary about stepping out alone for a stroll.

It didn’t surprise her that this legionary was drunk when he should have been at his post—for her father had been forced to deal with a growing amount of disorderly conduct of late—yet the fact he’d dared lay a hand on the magistrate’s wife did.

Meeting the legionary’s glazed stare, Colombia frowned. “What’s your name, soldier?”

“Futue te ipsum!”he growled.

Both the matron and Moira, who’d stopped behind Colombia, stifled gasps. Around them, the market went quiet.

The legionary had just cast a gutter insult her way.

Stepping closer to the soldier, Colombia held his eye. “Malum,” she growled, her answering insult causing a titter in the crowd behind her. “You’re speaking to Commander Juventus’s daughter. Now give me your name.”

Across the square, Aedan watched Colombia stare down the drunken soldier.

He didn’t normally venture out to the market at this time of day—for mornings were the busiest time in the workshop—yet Keir had a bad cold at present, and had asked Aedan to pick up some fresh milk and vegetables.

He’d been casting an eye over the stacks of cabbages, carrots, and onions at a stall, and wondering how many Keir actually wanted, when a commotion on the other side of the wide space drew his eye.

And there she was.

Over the past month, Aedan had tried not to think much about Colombia Juventus. He knew she resided within the fort, yet he deliberately kept away from places where he might see her.

However, as the altercation between the two women and the legionary drew out, Aedan tensed.

He couldn’t hear what had passed between them, for he was too far away, yet he could tell from the belligerence of the soldier’s stare and the high spots of color that appeared upon Colombia’s cheeks that he’d insulted her.

Aedan’s mouth thinned, and he took a step away from the vegetable stall. That bastard looked like he needed his nose flattened.

An instant later, he checked himself.What are you doing?

Ever since settling in Onnum, he’d known his and Colombia’s paths might cross again. Yet, it wouldn’t be today.

Not enough time had passed since they’d parted ways. Aedan was settling in well here. He enjoyed working with Keir. The man was a patient and able teacher, and Aedan was able to explore his gift for woodworking. It was a good life, and he didn’t take it for granted.

Yet the sight of Colombia made him feel restless—made him feel as if, despite his newfound contentment, something was missing.

Shewas missing.

His gaze devoured her, noting the way her slender frame tensed, and her grey eyes narrowed imperiously as she said something else to the soldier.

The drunk’s face stiffened, and he lowered his gaze, mumbling a few words.

Colombia looked down her nose at him as she continued speaking. Moments later, the soldier climbed gingerly to his feet, nursing his crotch as he did so.

Aedan’s gaze widened. Had she kneed the man in the cods?

Face screwed up, the soldier limped off toward the compound, while Colombia turned to the portly Roman matron standing a few feet away. They exchanged a few words before Colombia moved off. A statuesque, flame-haired Brigante woman fell in behind her. Dressed in a plain tunic and sandals, the redhead was clearly a house-slave.

Aedan’s gaze tracked them across the square. They were heading with purposeful strides toward an egg vendor on the far side.

Pulse quickening, Aedan turned back to the vegetable stall and hurriedly made his purchase.

Catching sight of Colombia had unbalanced him. She didn’t know he had settled at Onnum, and despite that he longed to approach her, to hear her soft voice and have that smoky gaze settle upon him, he knew it wasn’t wise.

No doubt, she was wedded to her Roman by now. She was moving on with her life, and he had to do the same.