Page 67 of Ensnaring the Dove
“Who’s this?” her father growled.
Colombia drew in a slow, steadying breath as her pulse, which had just started to steady, accelerated once more. “May I present Aedan,” she said, meeting her father’s eye once more. “He rescued me when the supply convoy was attacked two months ago … and he’s the man I wish to marry.”
XXVIII. THE CHOICE IS YOURS
THE COMMANDER’S GAZE snapped wide. “What?” he rasped.
“I love him,pater.”
Another silence, this one brittle, fell before the headquarters building. Colombia was aware they had an audience, for her father’s officers hadn’t left with the other men. All of them, including Linus, looked on as she declared her feelings for the man standing at her side.
But she didn’t care.
Let them bear witness to this.
“Colombia,” her father finally ground out her name. “Please tell me you haven’t lain with this man.”
“Commander,” Aedan spoke up now. “I love your daughter and wish to make her my wife.”
Soft snorts followed this admission, and heat spiked under Colombia’s ribcage. How dare they mock Aedan.
However, her lover ignored them. His gaze never left the commander’s.
After a long pause, Juventus replied, “I think not.”
Aedan’s features tightened. “Do you believe I’m unworthy of her?”
The curl of the commander’s lip gave them his answer. He then cut his attention to Colombia. “Return to the praetorium, daughter.”
“No.” Colombia stood her ground, hands balling into fists at her sides. “I’m not going anywhere. Not until you—”
“Centurion Aurelius, Optio Carbo … escort this man back to the vicus,” her father barked. “Now.”
Linus and the optio who’d complimented Colombia on her oratory skills stepped forward swiftly, each grabbing hold of Aedan by the arms.
Snarling a curse, Aedan tried to shake them off. However, they held him fast.
“Release him!” Colombia lunged forward, reaching for Aedan—but her father caught her by the shoulders and hauled her back. He then wrapped an arm around her waist, holding her fast.
“Arrogant Roman dogs!” Aedan shouted, struggling violently now. “You all think you’re better than me … but you aren’t fit to kiss my arse! You won’t—”
His tirade cut off as Linus jabbed him sharply in the ribs.
Moments later, Aedan recovered. “You won’t keep us apart, Juventus,” he wheezed, his gaze burning into the commander. “Colombia and Iwillbe together.”
Severus was unmoved. “If you truly love my daughter, you’ll want what’s best for her,” he replied coldly. “Keep away from her.” With that, he towed his daughter out of the principia courtyard.
Colombia fought her father all the way home.
It was pointless though. He was far stronger than her. His grip around her waist was immovable.
He propelled her up the steps to the praetorium and through the atrium, where Marcus watched them, wide-eyed.
The commander didn’t greet his house steward. Instead, he pushed his struggling daughter along the portico and into the tablinum. Releasing her, he then hauled the doors closed.
Panting from outrage, Colombia turned on him. “Stop this,pater!You can’t—”
“Have you lost your wits, girl?” Severus cut her off. His angry gaze pinned her to the spot. “You can’t marry a Briton!”