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his answer. “Time to leave, Mr. Tremaine. Miss Lesarris must be fitted for proper clothes and be conditioned to the way of respectable females.”
    When the stout guard dog placed her hands on her hips, Sam stood, making soft apologies to Ava. “I would like to secure a place of residence for Miss Lesarris. At the very least, I feel I should look after her until she becomes settled.” Also, I want to ask about her life from the alleged future and ascertain why she’s arrived back in time.
    “She is alone, abandoned, Mr. Tremaine. Out of the goodness of my heart, I have decided to give her shelter in my home. I will be her constant companion and make certain she is protected from men like you.”
    Men like me. Sam chuckled to himself. At his peak, he’d done his fair share of ruining reputations. Not anymore, yet he’d make a deal with the devil to be alone with Ava at the moment. He cut a glance at her. Her mouth fell open, but she didn’t speak.
    The woman cleared her throat. “Good day, sir.”
    Recalling the matron’s hideous pink-and-white house on the corner of one of the more quiet streets, he stifled another chuckle. Poor girl. As he suspected, Ava didn’t care for the highhanded treatment. She shot to her feet, her cheeks dark with rosy color.
    “I’ll do just fine by myself.”
    The older woman sniffed. “You need a companion. Unattached women cannot be alone in these times. Even in Destiny, there are too many interested males prowling the streets. We must think of your reputation.”
    “My what? Is that an insult?”
    When it became apparent the two women would head off into a sparring contest right there in the dainty parlor, Sam stepped between them. “Let’s compromise.” He turned to the seething matron, gently taking possession of one of her hands. “What shall I call you?” The best way to calm a dragon was with soothing words.
    Her free hand fluttered at her throat. “Mrs. Altier.”
    “Thank you.” He patted her hand and released it. “Give Miss Lesarris whatever garments she needs and send the bill to me. Deny her nothing. I will cover the expense.” He then slid his gaze to Ava. “Once you’re fully outfitted, stop by the bank, and I will escort you to dinner.” When Mrs. Altier clucked a protest, he rolled his eyes, knowing only Ava could see. “Not to worry. I will see your charge is brought no farther than your doorstep before eight o’clock. I will be a gentleman—this time.”
    She mumbled an agreement, grabbed Ava’s hand despite that lady’s protests, and pulled her into the adjoining room.
    Sam stared after them. Why did Ava show up in Destiny, in this year of all times? Why did he feel compelled to spirit her away from everyone and spend the last days of his life kissing her senseless?

Chapter Three
     
    Ava tried to take a deep breath, but the unfamiliar corset prohibited that action. Relying on short, shallow gasps, she lengthened her stride, then was reeled back to Sam’s side by his strong grasp. At this rate, she’d pass out from oxygen deprivation.
    “We are walking, Miss Lesarris, not running a race.” His baritone caress of her name warmed her all the way to her toes. “If you hasten to your new home, we will not be able to get to know each other.” He tucked her hand more firmly into the crook of his elbow. “The woman who has appointed herself your guardian is very much a dragon. No one gets past her front door if she hasn’t issued an invite.”
    This conventional time period isn’t going to work for me.
    She nodded, as much for her inner wolf as for Sam’s benefit. You and me both.
    They’d eaten dinner in a charming teashop that seemed more suited for afternoon gab sessions with girlfriends than a cozy evening meal in mixed company. Not many men frequented the business, yet Sam hadn’t seemed to mind or even notice. Ava didn’t have much of an appetite anyway. Of course, trying to consume any type of nourishment while strapped into the