Page 41 of Hatter

“Remember,” he said, squeezing my hand one last time before releasing it, “you’re not alone. Never again.”

The ache in my chest threatened to shatter me, like glass shards piercing through my heart. Hatter’s words, heavy with truth and responsibility, wrapped around me like chains. I loved him more than anything, but fear clawed at me, desperate and hungry.

“Jo.” I knew he could see how raw I felt, how… unhinged. I felt like I would lose my mind at any moment. His voice was a lifeline, pulling me back from the edge of despair. “I need you to stay strong for me, okay?”

He pulled me into a tight embrace, his arms a fortress that shielded me from the demons lurking in the shadows. Our bodies pressed together, and his lips met mine. Our breaths mingled as one as we clung to each other.

My heart swelled with love and gratitude, even as fear gnawed at the edges. I knew I had to let him go. I had to trust him to protect us both. But the thought of losing him, of never feeling his arms around me again, was a suffocating darkness that threatened to consume me.

He cupped my face, forcing me to hold his gaze. “I have to go now. Stay inside and keep the door locked.”

I opened my mouth to protest, and he shook his head. “Don’t. I need you to promise me you’ll obey. It’s the only way I’ll be able to focus on taking out Eddie. Say it, Jo. Tell me you’re going to stay put.”

“I promise,” I whispered. I clung to him, not wanting to let go. Burying my face against his chest, I breathed him in.

He drew back and his piercing gaze burned into mine as he captured my lips in a desperate, passionate kiss. I could taste the urgency on his tongue, feel the tension thrumming through him.

“Jo,” he rasped, his breath hot against my cheek. “I know I’ve got no right asking this of you, but I need you. One last time before… before all this shit goes down.”

My heart clenched at the raw vulnerability in his voice. I knew how much it cost him to let down his guard like this, to reveal even a fraction of the turmoil that haunted him. And I understood just how high the stakes were for both of us.

“Take what you need,” I whispered, my hands sliding up his chest to curl around his neck. “I’m right here with you, Hatter. Every step of the way. And I need you every bit as much as you need me. Maybe more.”

A low growl reverberated in his throat, and his fingers dug into my hips as he guided me to the bed. He yanked off my jeans and panties, tossing them aside like they were nothing. My scars and bruises laid bare, I leaned back onto the mattress, holding out my hands to welcome him into my world of brokenness.

“Please,” I breathed. “Take me, Sebastian.”

His gaze never left mine as he claimed me, his movements urgent and possessive. It wasn’t gentle, and it wasn’t pretty, but it was real -- raw and primal and full of an intensity that threatened to consume us both.

He drove his cock into me so hard and deep, the bed scooted across the floor with every thrust. He yanked my hips up off the mattress, taking me faster. He closed his eyes, his head tipping back, and I knew he was about to come. I could feel his cock swelling inside me.

Reaching down between us, I rubbed my clit, wanting to come with him. As the heat of his release filled me, I cried out and bucked against him, coming quickly.

We clung to each other, our bodies slick with sweat and desperation. I knew that whatever happened next, whatever fate had in store for us, we’d face it together. I refused to accept this could be the last time I ever felt Hatter’s touch.

“Remember,” he whispered against my skin, his voice ragged and hoarse as the world shattered around us. “I love you, Jo. No matter what.”

“Love you too,” I choked out, my vision blurring with tears as we clung to each other, two broken souls seeking solace in the darkness.

As the last remnants of our passion faded, I felt Hatter’s tender kiss on my forehead. It was a bittersweet moment, knowing that he’d soon be leaving me to face Eddie and his demons. But in that instant, I knew he’d take with him the memory of our love.

“Stay safe,” I whispered, my fingers clinging to the leather of his cut as he pulled away reluctantly.

“Always,” he replied, his gaze lingering on mine for a moment longer before he turned, stepping out of the room and back into the chaos that awaited us all.

* * *

Hatter

With a heavy heart, I knew I had to leave Jo in the care of Knave, Mock, and one of Shake’s men. I wished we had more men, so I could leave a few more behind with Jo. She was the most precious thing to me.

“Mock, Knave,” I called out. Both men stepped forward. “You’re on Jo duty. Keep her safe. No one gets near her.”

“Got it, brother,” Mock grunted, his eyes narrowing in determination as he nodded in agreement, while Knave simply cracked his knuckles and gave a curt nod, his icy gaze promising swift retribution for anyone who dared cross him.

“Shake,” I continued, turning to the mercenary leader, who stood watching the scene with a mix of curiosity and cold calculation. “I want one of your men here too, just in case things go sideways.”

“Understood,” Shake replied, gesturing to one of his mercenaries -- a burly man with a shaved head and an inscrutable expression -- who stepped forward to join Mock and Knave in their vigil.

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