Page 34 of Hatter

“Hey,” Hatter said as we took a step back, admiring our progress. “I think we make a damn good team.”

“You’re right,” I agreed. “This place is going to be amazing.”

“Just like you.” His voice was soft, warm, and made my heart race.

“Thanks,” I murmured, looking down at the floor. “You too, Hatter. You’re amazing too.”

“Maybe we’re both amazing.” He chuckled, putting his arm around my shoulders. “Together.”

“Sounds good to me,” I whispered, leaning into his touch. Yeah, together. That’s how it should be.

We got back to work, but I slowed considerably as time passed. We were nearly done. Only a quarter of a wall left.

The paintbrush in my hand felt heavy as I stared at Hatter, watching him move around the room like a force of nature. Beads of sweat glistened on his forehead, muscles flexing as he assembled an armchair. Damn, that man was something else.

“Need more paint?” His deep voice snapped me out of my thoughts, making my cheeks burn.

“Uh, yeah,” I stammered, holding out my empty can. He grabbed another one, popping off the lid with ease.

“Here you go, Jo.” The way my name rolled off his tongue sent shivers down my spine. Focus, girl. We’re working here.

“Thanks,” I muttered, dipping my brush in the fresh can. I tried to ignore the hunger gnawing at my insides, but it was hard when I couldn’t stop stealing glances at him. It was like we were magnets, drawn together by some invisible force I couldn’t resist.

“Jo.” Hatter’s voice, low and husky, made my heart skip a beat. “Come help me with this next chair. It’s a bit tricky.”

“Sure thing.” I set down my paintbrush, moving to stand beside him. Our bodies were so close, I could feel the heat radiating off him.

“All right, just hold the base steady while I slide the back on and tighten the screws.” His breath tickled my ear, sending goose bumps across my skin.

“Got it.” I braced the bottom part, our eyes locking for a brief moment. I swallowed hard, feeling the tension between us grow thicker.

“Done.” Hatter stepped back, admiring our handiwork. “Looks great, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah,” I whispered, my gaze still fixed on him. “It does.”

“Jo.” The way he said my name made my breath hitch. He set down his tools and pulled me into him, our bodies pressing together as if they belonged that way.

“Please,” I breathed, my hands clutching at his shirt, not knowing what I was asking for but needing it all the same.

“Fuck, Jo.” His lips crashed down on mine, the kiss hungry and desperate, like we were starving for each other. The room faded away, leaving nothing but the two of us and the fire burning between us.

The intensity of our kiss slowed, leaving a soft warmth lingering between us. Hatter’s arms wrapped around me, pulling me close to his solid chest. His heart beat steadily against my own, like we were in sync somehow.

“Jo,” he whispered into my hair, his breath warm and comforting. “I promise, I’ll do everything I can to protect you. You’re safe here, with me.”

My breath caught, his words meant more than he could ever know. “Hatter, I… I don’t want to be anywhere else but here, with you. I’m going to help this club, no matter what. Y’all are my family now.”

His lips pressed against my forehead, a gentle kiss that held so much emotion. “We’re going to get through all this, together. Just you and me, and the rest of the Underland MC.”

“Okay,” I whispered back, feeling a surge of strength flow through me. My past wasn’t going to hold me down anymore. Not when I had these people by my side.

“All right,” Hatter said, his voice firm but still warm. “Let’s finish up in here, then we’ve got more work to do, and I’m not letting anything stop us.”

“Lead the way, Mad Hatter.” I grinned up at him, seeing the spark in his eyes as he took my hand, guiding me back to our tasks.

We fell into a rhythm once more, painting and building in harmony. Our movements synced up like we’d been doing this for years. With every touch, every shared glance, I felt something growing between us. Something strong and unbreakable.

“Hand me that screwdriver, Jo,” Hatter said, his voice low and controlled. I handed it to him, our fingers brushing as he took it from me.

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