Page 57 of Ensnaring the Dove
“More like a carpenter’s apprentice. I’m learning fast though.”
“I visit the vicus often … I’m surprised I haven’t seen you?”
Aedan stepped away from the workbench and approached her. “That’s not so surprising … I spend most of my time in here, learning my trade.” He halted a few feet back from her, his gaze roaming across her face, and when he spoke once more, his voice had lowered. “It’s good to see you, Colombia.”
“And you,” she whispered back. She wet her lips then. Her mouth had gone dry, and she felt oddly lightheaded. “And do you like this new life you’ve made for yourself?”
“I do.” Reaching up, Aedan massaged a muscle in his shoulder, although his gaze never left hers. “Keir is a good teacher and a fair master. I hope to one day run my own workshop, although I’ve still got a lot to learn.”
A soft cough sounded behind Colombia then, reminding her that they weren’t alone.
Cheeks warming, she turned, beckoning her companion forward. “Moira … this is Aedan. He’s the man who rescued me a couple of months ago.”
The slave stepped into the workshop, her blue eyes bright with curiosity. She then greeted Aedan in his own tongue, and he did the same.
Colombia’s chest constricted, an irrational arrow of jealousy stabbing her between the ribs. The two fellow Britons exchanged words with such ease that she felt like an outsider. Of course, shewasan outsider, one of the invaders who’d taken control of these lands by force. However, she’d never felt quite so excluded until this moment.
She wished she’d learned more than just a few words of Aedan’s tongue when they’d been traveling together.
Aedan’s attention drifted to the package Moira was holding. He then shifted back to Latin. “Have you been shopping?”
“Yes,” Colombia replied. “We’ve just visited the cloth merchant.”
Aedan nodded. He then met her gaze once more. “And how are things with your centurion?” he asked, his voice carefully bland. “I suppose you’re a wedded woman now?”
“Linus and I aren’t married,” she replied softly. “I broke off our betrothal shortly after arriving here.”
Aedan’s eyes snapped wide. “Why?”
“We weren’t suited.”
He arched an eyebrow, inviting her to continue. However, Colombia flashed him an embarrassed look. She didn’t want to go into things—not with Moira listening in on their conversation. Moira didn’t know about the true nature of their relationship, and it was best she didn’t, just in case word got back to her father.
Colombia’s relationship with Severus had improved greatly of late, yet if he learned she’d taken a Brigante warrior to her bed, he wouldn’t look so kindly on his daughter.
“I have to get back to the compound.” Colombia then gestured to the stool he’d abandoned. “And you look busy.” She paused, her mouth curving into a slow smile. “But I’d like to drop by again … may I?”
Aedan’s gaze held hers. “Of course.”
Watching Colombia and her companion exit the workshop and turn right onto the street, Aedan stood there, stunned.
He couldn’t believe Colombia had ended things with Linus. When she’d told him of her husband-to-be, Aedan wondered if the man was a blockhead—but now he was sure of it. The manshould have been humbled by the fact she’d traveled across the empire to reach him.
Instead, the fool had let her go.
Dragging a hand through his hair, Aedan murmured an oath. Gods, he was tempted to run after the lovely Colombia and kiss her on the street, under the eyes of all.
Nonetheless, he checked the reckless impulse.
Commander Juventus would have him horsewhipped for taking such liberties.
Aedan’s mouth thinned at the sobering reminder.
Over the past month, he’d told himself that Colombia wouldn’t remain in Onnum forever, and that he’d be wise to forget her.
Yet the Gods seemed to be playing with him—for they’d brought her to his door.
Returning to the stool he’d promised Keir he’d finish this evening, Aedan picked up his sander and resumed work. Although he used blocks of sandstone for rougher jobs, the gentle curves of the stool needed something finer—as such, he used a sheet of sharkskin wrapped around a stone. The stool was close to being done, although Aedan found it difficult to concentrate on his work now.