Page 21 of Hatter

As his fingers grazed my cheek, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to belong to him completely -- to surrender myself to this fierce protector who had shown me such kindness and understanding. The thought both terrified and excited me, leaving me torn between the desire for closeness and the fear of being hurt again.

“Can you trust me enough to take that chance?” Hatter asked.

I searched the depths of his eyes and found a sincerity that made my heart ache. It was a risk, I knew -- but then, so was living with the shadows of my past forever haunting me.

“Okay. I’ll take a chance with you. But Hatter… please don’t hurt me.”

A smile flickered across Hatter’s face, and as we stayed close to one another in the dim light, I couldn’t help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, fate had brought us together to heal each other’s wounds and forge a brighter path through the darkness.

Hatter’s thumb came to rest under my chin, gently tilting my face upward until I met his eyes. “Every time I see you, I’m amazed at how beautiful you are. And I don’t just mean on the outside. There’s a sweetness to you, even after all the hell Eddie put you through.”

“I’m not beautiful,” I said. “But thank you for saying so.”

Our breaths mingled, my heart racing in anticipation, but instead of a kiss, Hatter simply pressed his forehead against mine -- a gesture of affection that felt both intimate and comforting. In that moment, I felt seen and understood, and it was more powerful than any passionate embrace could ever be.

He slowly backed away, and without a word, he walked off. I saw the tension in his shoulders, and the way he paused in the doorway. But he didn’t look back.

After he left, I felt a bit unsettled. Something told me if I gave Hatter the green light to pursue me, things would escalate quickly. He’d been considerate, and trying to go slow, give me time to heal and adjust. I’d honestly not expected such a courtesy from any man, much less a biker.

* * *

The full moon cast eerie shadows over the Underland MC’s compound, and the night pressed in around me like a living thing. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something big had happened. Hatter had been tight-lipped about the plan to deal with Eddie, but I knew they must have it nearly finalized.

“Hey.” Hatter’s voice came from behind me, startling me out of my thoughts. I turned to see him leaning against the doorframe, his face half-hidden by the darkness.

“Couldn’t sleep,” I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck.

“Me neither.” He crossed the distance between us, stopping just close enough for me to feel the heat radiating off his body.

“Are you worried?” The question slipped out before I could stop it. I didn’t want to pry, but I needed to know he was okay. Although, being a big, tough man, I wasn’t sure he’d admit it even if he was.

“Always,” he answered without hesitation. “Come on. Let’s get you back to bed.”

We walked through the dimly lit hallway, our footsteps echoing softly. Hatter led me to the bedroom I’d been using, but we stopped outside the door. He reached down to grasp my hand, his hold light so that I could break away if I felt anxious.

“You changed my life, you know?” I glanced up at him, feeling almost overwhelmed by all the emotions that gripped me every time I looked at this man. “You showed me not all men are like Eddie and gave me a place where I finally felt like I belonged.”

“Because you do belong here, with us,” he replied, his voice firm with conviction.

“Does that mean… with you?” My heart raced in my chest, and I could barely get the words out. I couldn’t believe I’d actually said it. I wanted to close my eyes, turn away, or even run. Now that I’d put it out there, I wasn’t sure I could handle his response. Sure, he’d brought it up shortly after I first got here. Some time had passed, and I couldn’t help but wonder if he still wanted me, or if he’d changed his mind.

“Is that what you want?” Hatter asked.

“More than anything.” The words tumbled from my lips before I could stop them, but I knew they were true. As terrifying as it had been, I wanted to belong to Hatter, to be his in every way possible. At the same time, I worried I wasn’t ready yet. There was still so much I needed to process after being with Eddie, not to mention I was only just now starting to find my way back to who I used to be.

He didn’t respond right away, just studied me intently, as if trying to see into my soul. Finally, he spoke. “I won’t lie to you, Jo. I want you to be mine. But I also think you need a little more time, and I’m okay with that. I’m not going anywhere. There’s no rush to put a label on what we are, or what we could be.”

“Then that’s all I need to know.” As long as he wanted me as much as I wanted him, then I could go slow like he’d suggested. Maybe a part of me did worry if I didn’t say or do something now, he’d lose interest or find someone else, someone less broken. But thinking that way was a disservice to both of us.

“Are you sure?” His concern was palpable, and it warmed me to the core.

“Positive.” I smiled up at him, feeling a newfound sense of hope. I’d continue to heal and figure out who I was, and when I felt more like me and not so battered, then I’d tell him I was ready.

“All right then.” Hatter grinned, his face softening with affection. “Get some rest, Jo. I’ll see you in the morning.”

I nodded and gave him one last lingering look before slipping back into my bedroom. I stopped, staring at the package on the floor in front of me. It seemed someone had stopped by while I was wandering the clubhouse. Picking it up, I set it on the bed.

Inside, I found a few different packages, each with a note attached. The first was a box that contained a handheld game system and two games. I opened the paper taped to it. You seemed like the type who’d enjoy adventure games and puzzles. But if I’m wrong, then we’ll find something you do like -- together. Always wanted a little sister. Welcome home. It was signed From Absolem.

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