Page 35 of Hatter

“Here you go,” I said, trying to ignore the shiver that ran down my spine.

“Thanks.” His eyes met mine for a moment, and I could see the same desire I felt burning within them.

We worked late into the night, determined to get this room back in shape, as well as most of the clubhouse. Even though the fight happened in the main room, whatever bullets Eddie’s men had been using penetrated some of the walls. So we’d not only had to patch and paint the main area, but also two of the rooms that shared those walls. And with every nail hammered, every piece of furniture assembled, I felt my connection to Hatter and the Underland MC grow stronger. This was where I belonged, with these people who’d become my family. And together, we were unstoppable.

The last brush stroke glided across the wall, paint dripping from it like beads of sweat. I knew I needed to smooth it out, but my arms ached. It wouldn’t dry in the next sixty seconds. I’d take a breath, then touch it up. I stepped back, my hand still in Hatter’s, our fingers tangled together like a pair of desperate lovers.

“Damn,” I breathed, looking around. “We did good, didn’t we?”

“Better than good,” Hatter replied, his voice low and full of pride. “We made this place our own.”

“Feels like home now,” I said, my heart swelling with something fierce and strong.

“Home…” Hatter echoed the word, his eyes meeting mine. “Yeah, that’s what it is. Our home.”

Our gazes locked and lingered, silent promises and whispered dreams swirling between us. This place, this club, it was more than just walls and beams. It was family, safety, love.

“Ready to show the others?” I asked, squeezing his hand tight, and anchoring myself to him and our future.

“Let’s do it,” he grinned, leading me out of the room and into the rest of the clubhouse. We’d not only finished the new lounge, but he’d also let me turn another room into a library. I’d lined two walls with shelves and put in several comfortable chairs. Books would have to come later. As Absolem said, money was tight.

I’d never felt so welcome anywhere before. Tears misted my eyes as I looked at my family. Absolem and the others were like the older brothers I’d never had, and Hatter… My cheeks flushed. Well, Hatter was definitely something more.

Chapter Twelve

Jo

Hatter was at the kitchen table with Cheshire and Rabbit. He seemed at ease, and yet, there was a tenseness to him. I still thought about our kiss from last night. Reaching up to touch my lips, my cheeks flushed. Hatter glanced my way and I stood there, frozen like a damn deer in the headlights.

As much as I wanted to rush to his side, something held me back. Once I’d gone to bed, I’d had time to think. Maybe I’d thought too much. The weight of my past pressed down on me, threatening to snuff out the fire that Hatter had ignited in my soul. I wanted him, needed him, but the danger I brought with me was too much to bear.

Look at what Eddie had done to this place! Men had been shot, and thankfully none on our side had died, but they could have. If I hadn’t come into their lives, none of this would have happened. What if my being here ended up killing these men? Fear wrestled with desire, ripping me apart from the inside.

“Fuck it,” I muttered under my breath. I refused to be a chicken and not address the issue. I owed it to Hatter to give him an out. The man was far too nice to tell me I was trouble and needed to leave.

As I approached Hatter, I caught sight of the scars etched across his face. He carried himself like a king among the lawless, a force to be reckoned with. My breath caught in my throat, and I steeled myself for what was about to come.

“Hey, Hatter!” I said, grabbing his attention. “I need to talk to you. Now, please.”

“Jo,” he said calmly, his eyes locking onto mine with a magnetic pull. He stood and came closer. “What’s wrong?”

“Can we go somewhere quiet?” I asked, unable to ignore the fear gnawing at the pit of my stomach.

“Sure,” he agreed, leading me away from the chaos and into the safety of our new, and still empty, library. The door closed behind us, muffling the sounds in the rest of the clubhouse.

“Look, Hatter,” I started, my voice shaking. “There’s something we need to address. The elephant in the room.”

“What’s wrong?” Hatter’s voice was gentle, coaxing me to speak.

“I’m scared, Hatter. I don’t know if Eddie’s going to come after me -- and if he does, he won’t care who he has to go through to get to me.” The words came tumbling out, barely under control. “I can’t keep putting everyone here in danger. I don’t want anyone to get hurt because of me. Look at what he did to this place!”

“Jo, listen,” Hatter replied firmly, taking a step toward me. “We’re not going to let anything happen to you. We’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.”

“Right. Because I’m your family, and family looks out for each other. Well, that’s what I’m trying to do. I don’t want to be the reason something happens to anyone here, Hatter. What if he comes back? Next time someone could die.”

“Then we’ll face him,” he said, his voice unwavering. “Eddie won’t stand a chance against all of us. We sent them running once. We can do it again. In fact, we’ll strike first.”

“Really?” My voice was barely a whisper, the weight of my fears threatening to crush me. “It could still go so horribly wrong.”

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