Page 15 of Cheshire

“Thank you. For everything,” I said.

“It’s no trouble, Eliza. Just rest and heal.”

Cheshire helped me stand, and I followed him down a hall to a closed door. He pushed it open and I saw a small bedroom. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could remain standing. My body swayed, and I knew the moment I lay down and closed my eyes, I’d fall asleep.

“If you need anything, just open the door and call out,” Cheshire said. “You’re safe, Eliza. No one is going to hurt you. Get some sleep, and hopefully you’ll feel better in the morning.”

Chapter Six

Eliza

The room swam into focus as I opened my eyes, a dull ache pounding at the back of my skull. I blinked, trying to clear the haze from my vision. Where the hell was I?

“Easy,” a voice murmured nearby. Cheshire. The one who’d pulled me out of that hellhole.

My heart jackhammered in my chest as I realized I was lying on a bed in a strange room. What happened to me? I remembered the Underland MC taking me with them. Vaguely recalled going to their clubhouse, and then… I’d been shown to a room. But what else had happened? Why was everything so fuzzy?

“Where…” My voice cracked, barely a whisper.

“Underland MC clubhouse,” Cheshire answered, his grin not quite reaching his eyes. “You’re safe here. Do you remember anything from last night? You walked to this room on your own two feet.”

“A little,” I said. “I remember you bringing me to the clubhouse on your motorcycle, but everything after that is foggy. It’s like the memories are there but not, if that makes any sense.”

“Don’t look so terrified,” Cheshire said. “And yes, it makes sense. You were under a lot of stress. Maybe more than your mind could handle or process.”

I winced. Wasn’t that the type of thing someone said in a horror movie right before you died? “I think you need to work on your bedside manner. Or at least the delivery. That phrase is…”

He snorted. “I’m not some psycho killer. Well, I guess technically I’m a killer. I was active duty in a war zone after all. My hands aren’t clean, but I’d never hurt an innocent person.”

I struggled to sit up in the bed and he held out his hand for me. I grabbed hold and swung my legs over the side, managing to stand.

“Um, where’s…”

“Bathroom?” he asked. I nodded. “The closed door over there.”

I looked in the direction he’d pointed and saw a door in the darkened corner of the room. Hurrying over, I locked myself inside to relieve my aching bladder and splash some water on my face. I winced with every move I made, the bruises and cuts reminding me of what I’d been through.

When I came out, I felt slightly more settled. I’d escaped my father, even if I didn’t know how long I’d be able to stay hidden from him. Sooner or later, someone would tell him they saw me with the Underland MC. There was no way we’d made it from my house to here without anyone noticing.

Cheshire gave me a warm smile, one completely different from the sarcastic one he seemed to wear most of the time. I moved closer to him, until I could feel the heat of his body. Whatever scent he wore teased my nose, and I nearly closed my eyes and breathed him in.

With Cheshire’s hand on my back, I found myself being guided from the room and into the main part of the clubhouse. The buzz of conversation died down as the bikers watched me with curiosity. We reached a table where Hatter sat, his presence demanding attention even when he wasn’t speaking. My hands shook a little as I sank into a seat next to Cheshire, feeling the weight of everyone’s gazes on me.

“Eliza,” Hatter said, his eyes locked onto mine, almost as if he were digging into my soul and searching for something. I wondered what he’d find. Most likely a scared girl, still trying to make sense of it all.

“Welcome,” he continued, leaning back in his chair, a hint of a smile in his voice. “The room you woke up in is yours for however long you need or want it. I’m sure Cheshire will give you the tour later.”

“And my father?”

“We’ll do everything we can to protect you.”

“Thanks,” I muttered. I noticed he hadn’t guaranteed I’d make it out of this alive. He was smart. Doing his best was one thing. Promising I’d be fine was another. My father had probably discovered I was missing. It wouldn’t be long before he started hunting me like an animal.

“Try to relax, sweetheart,” Cheshire murmured, his thumb rubbing gently against my hand. It was a small gesture, but it meant a hell of a lot, coming from him. “You’re one of us now.”

I glanced around the room, seeing everyone in a new light. Could I really call these people my… what? Friends? Would they even want me to? We were strangers. It made me wonder why Cheshire would make such a statement after only meeting me last night.

“Welcome to Underland, Eliza,” Hatter said again, his voice steady and calming. “We’ll make sure you don’t regret it.”

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