Page 17 of Cheshire

“Ah, that was classic.” Jo laughed, and the story spilled out, painting a picture of a night filled with laughter, competition, and camaraderie.

As they talked, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of protectiveness surrounding me. These people, these bikers who looked like they could snap me in half without breaking a sweat, were offering me shelter and safety -- and not just because they felt sorry for me or something.

No, they wanted to make things right. To fix what was broken in this town, one piece at a time. And I knew my father was a huge piece they’d need to deal with. If they could take him off the board, then it would be a game changer for them.

“Eliza, remember this,” Jo said, her hand covering mine. “You’re not alone anymore.”

As the room buzzed with conversation and laughter, I knew she was right. I had these people at my back, and together, we were going to face whatever came our way.

And for the first time in a long while, that tiny spark of hope inside me burned bright and strong.

At some point, Cheshire had gotten up. I watched as he moved around the room, chatting and joking with the others. There was a magnetic pull to him, like he was the center of gravity in this place. My cheeks burned something fierce, and I prayed no one noticed.

“Hey, Eliza,” said Jo, snapping me out of my thoughts. “You good?”

“Y-yeah, I’m fine,” I stammered, feeling like an idiot for staring at Cheshire like that.

“Good. You’ll fit in here just fine,” she reassured me with a gentle smile.

“Thanks, Jo.” I gave her a weak smile, hoping I looked more confident than I felt.

“Come on, let’s grab a drink,” she suggested, leading me over to the bar. The cold bottle felt good in my hand, helping to steady my nerves.

“Here’s to new beginnings,” Jo toasted, clinking her Coke against mine.

“New beginnings,” I echoed, taking a swig. It was bitter but refreshing, and it helped banish some of the heat from my cheeks.

“Eliza, come over here,” Cheshire called out, waving me over to where he stood with Hatter and a couple of the others. My heart did a little dance in my chest, and I swallowed hard, trying to keep my cool.

“All right,” I said, steeling myself as I walked over to them. Up close, Cheshire was even more magnetic, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief. I could feel his gaze linger on me, and it made my insides quiver.

Cheshire put his arm around my shoulders when I stopped beside him. I tensed for a brief moment before leaning into him. Maybe my few sips of alcohol had already given me courage. Otherwise, I’d have never been bold enough to do something like this.

“Welcome to the club, Eliza,” Rabbit said warmly. “We’re glad to have you here.”

“Thanks,” I replied, trying to sound more at ease than I felt. But with Cheshire standing so close, it was damn near impossible. And why did everyone keep welcoming me to the club? They made it seem like I’d be here forever instead of just temporarily. These people didn’t even know me, but they were willing to risk everything for me. Maybe staying longer wouldn’t be a bad thing.

As I watched Cheshire laugh and joke with his brothers, I couldn’t help but feel a strange sort of yearning. This man, who had barely known me a day, had shown me kindness and protection when I needed it most.

My cheeks flushed again as I realized I was falling for him -- hard. And I was terrified that everyone could see it plain as day. Love at first sight didn’t really exist. Did it?

I had a feeling I was in more trouble than I realized.

Chapter Seven

Cheshire

Hatter had told me to stand down, but I couldn’t. I’d ridden into town to pick up a few things for Eliza when I’d seen them outside town hall -- Mayor Davis and Robert Lewis. They weren’t quite as rotten as the sheriff, but… the two of them made me sick. I was ready to take them all down and bury them six feet under. They were making this town rot.

I’d immediately pulled over, unable to stop myself. Hatter was going to have my ass for this, but I didn’t care. My boots echoed off the concrete as I strode down the sidewalk. Mayor Davis and Robert Lewis stood there, smirks plastered on their faces like they owned the place. I wanted to knock those smug expressions off their damn faces. Too many fucking witnesses, though.

“Ah, Cheshire,” Mayor Davis drawled, flicking an imaginary speck of dust off his immaculate suit. “What brings you to our humble abode?”

“Cut the shit, Davis,” I spat, stepping closer until we were almost nose-to-nose. “We know about your little arrangement with Sheriff Holmes.”

“Is that so?” he replied, feigning surprise. “Well, I must say, I’m impressed you managed to uncover that particular tidbit.”

“Enough games,” I snapped, my temper flaring. “You’re going down, and we’re going to be the ones to take you there.”

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