consumed by Sandra Sookoo Read Free Book Online Page B

conversation, I can assure you.” Unless I can convince her otherwise. An hour is ample time for that.
    Mrs. Altier shook her head. “She is still in bed. Please come back this afternoon.” She retreated and the door began to close.
    Sam lunged forward, grabbing the edge of the wood. “I’m begging you, Mrs. Altier.” He held her gaze, almost daring her to deny his request again. “I would not ask if it wasn’t a matter of vital importance.” Did it bother him that his actions closely mirrored those of a man stalking a woman? Perhaps slightly, but at this point, it did not matter. With or without the dragon’s consent, he would see Ava.
    “Mrs. Altier? Is there someone at the door?” Sam heard Ava’s muffled question seconds before she appeared at the door, nudging her companion to the side. Though she wore her hair up, the strands gleamed in the sunlight.
    “Apparently, Mr. Tremaine must speak with you right away.” Disbelief hung heavy in the matron’s voice. “I told him you were still abed and would not be receiving visitors until this afternoon—the time when it is proper to call on young ladies.” The reproach didn’t slip past him.
    “Is that so? Thank goodness I’m not considered a young lady then, huh?” Ava’s gaze swept to him, her eyes bright with interest and laughter. She leaned toward him and said in a near-whisper, “I’m over thirty.”
    He couldn’t help the grin spreading over his face as his breath condensed in the chilly November air. “For shame, Miss Lesarris, you are well into being an old maid.” The comment earned him a thunderous glance from Mrs. Altier.
    Ava snickered, covering her mouth with a hand, but she pinned him with a sturdy glare. “You owe me an explanation about that whole ‘end of days’ thing.”
    “I look forward to giving it to you.” And if all went well, even more.
    The dragon released a heavy sigh.
    Ava patted her arm. “Don’t worry, Mrs. Altier. I’m used to getting up before dawn almost every day. I’m glad he came by. The idea of sitting around with nothing to do besides embroidery or reading poetry doesn’t appeal to me.”
    “Will you walk with me?” He released the door as Ava eased it all the way open. Between her and her companion, yards of fabric consumed the space.
    “You bet.”
    She’d barely joined him on the porch when the dragon spoke again. “Do not think you can try anything untoward, Mr. Tremaine.” She waggled a finger at him. “I have eyes all over this town, and though Destiny is not as strict with society’s rules as other places in the country, I will not allow you to violate my charge simply because you are out of time. And you—” She turned toward Ava so quickly her chins quivered. “You need your jacket, your hat, and your gloves. At least deport yourself with a modicum of decorum. You are a reflection on me while you are here.”
    “I’ll be right back.” Ava ducked into the house, followed by Mrs. Altier.
    So anxious was Sam to be in Ava’s company, he paced the length of the porch. Three days. Three measly days to spend with her. What could they talk about when words were at a premium? The door opened, and the tread of her heel sounded on the porch planks. As he turned, he forgot how to breathe.
    She was beautiful and completely different from any woman he’d ever known. Ava wore confidence like a garment. It floated around her, more alluring than the finest gown and more addicting than the purest opiate.
    “Well, Sam, here I am.” She adjusted a soft-looking gray shawl over a plain lavender gown. “If you’ve got plans for us, I suggest you get to them. Mrs. Altier isn’t pleased you weaseled a date this morning.”
    “I am not concerned with her.” His last three days would not be spent pandering to the old dragon. He held a hand out to her. “Are you pleased I’ve come for you so early?” Warmth snaked up his arm when she placed her fingers on his palm.
    “Absolutely.” She hitched