Chapter Eleven
Jo
The world had gone to shit. That’s what it felt like as I walked through the clubhouse, broken glass crunching under my shoes. Hatter was there, along with the rest of the Underland MC, working like madmen to put the place back together after the recent attack.
“You don’t have to do this,” Hatter said, his voice rough but gentle as he wiped sweat from his brow.
“Like hell I don’t,” I retorted, my hands curling into fists. “This is my home too now.”
And I meant it. These guys -- these scarred, battered souls -- had become my family, and I would do anything for them. Hatter had charged at two different men in an attempt to keep me safe yesterday. I’d never had anyone protect me like that before.
“All right then,” Hatter agreed with a nod, the corners of his mouth turning up in a small smile. “Let’s get to work.”
I rolled up my sleeves, ignoring the bruises on my arms, and got down to business. There were shattered bottles, splintered wood, and all manner of destruction scattered around the room. I started by picking up the larger pieces of glass, my movements quick and efficient. I wasn’t going to let fear or pain slow me down. Not anymore.
“Shit, girl, you’re faster than Rabbit,” one of the club members remarked as they watched me sweep up the mess.
“Maybe she’s part superhero,” Tweedle chimed in, earning a few laughs.
“Maybe,” I muttered under my breath, trying to hide the flush creeping up my cheeks. It felt good to be acknowledged, to be accepted. But I couldn’t let myself get too comfortable. Not yet.
As I moved on to organizing supplies and helping with repairs, I couldn’t help but steal glances at Hatter. The man was a force of nature, commanding the room with ease as he directed the others. I’d never met anyone like him -- strong, smart, and fiercely loyal. And for some godforsaken reason, he seemed to care about me too.
“Jo,” Hatter called out, breaking me from my thoughts. “You good?”
My heart stuttered in my chest, but I managed a nod. “Yeah, Hatter. I’m good.”
“All right,” he said, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer before he returned to the task at hand.
I went back to work, my hands steady and my mind clear. It was going to take time to rebuild, both the clubhouse and myself. But with Hatter and the Underland MC by my side, maybe -- just maybe -- we could make something beautiful out of the chaos.
As I lifted a heavy piece of debris, my muscles strained with the effort. This place still looked like a war zone. I’d never seen anything like it. But there was no time for gawking, not with everyone busting their asses to get things back in order.
March had brought in new windows, and someone else had picked up furniture and other necessities we’d need to replace. I couldn’t ignore the dark stains on the paneled walls, and no one else could either. Which is why Absolem had ordered sealer and paint, and two of Shake’s men had offered to pick it up.
“Jo,” Hatter called from across the room, his voice steady and commanding. “You’re doing a hell of a job.”
I glanced up, meeting his gaze as he offered me a genuine smile. The warmth in his eyes sent a shiver down my spine. “Thanks, Hatter,” I replied, swallowing hard. “Just trying to help.”
“Keep it up,” he encouraged, before turning his attention back to the others.
“Look at you, Miss Clean Queen,” Cheshire drawled as he sauntered over, a smirk playing on his lips. “Who knew you had such hidden talents?”
“Very funny,” I retorted, rolling my eyes but unable to suppress a smile. “I’m just doing what needs to be done.”
“Hey, I’m not complaining,” he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “You’re saving our asses here. Besides, your cleaning skills are almost as good as my fighting skills.”
“Almost?” I shot back, feigning offense. “Gee, thanks.”
“All right,” Cheshire chuckled, his eyes glinting with mischief. “I’ll admit, you’re pretty damn good.”
“Better be careful, Cheshire,” I warned playfully, swiping a dirty rag at him. “Or I might just clean your clock next.”
“Promises, promises,” he teased, dodging my swipe with a grin. But then his expression turned serious, and he placed a hand on my shoulder. “Thanks for helping out. We appreciate it more than you know.”
“Anytime,” I replied, my heart swelling with a sense of belonging I hadn’t felt in years. “I’m here to stay.”
“Good,” he said, his eyes sincere. “We’re glad to have you.”
With that, Cheshire walked away, and I turned back to the task at hand. No time for sentimentality, not when there was so much work to be done. But as I bent down to pick up another piece of debris, I couldn’t help but feel a warmth spread through me, fueled by the camaraderie and acceptance I’d found in this ragtag group of bikers.
Carpenter started to pass by me and stopped. I glanced up, waiting for him to say something, but he only stared for a moment. It seemed as if he was fighting an internal battle. One he apparently lost since he walked off without saying a word. I’d learned each man here had been damaged by their years in service. Some in bigger ways than others. I’d give Carpenter his space and let him approach me on his own terms, like he did just now. I wouldn’t push and force him to talk to me. He didn’t appear to be as easy-going as many of the others. Of course, no one here was anything like Cheshire. That man was something else.
Yeah, I’d definitely found a special place when I’d made the decision to step out into the road that night. Asking the Underland MC for help had been my best idea ever. And if Hatter’s lingering gaze from across the room was any indication, maybe I’d found something more than just a place to belong. Maybe I’d found someone who saw me for who I really was -- broken and bruised, but still fighting like hell. And damn it, I wasn’t going to let that go without a fight.
The day dragged on. I’d managed to clean up the kitchen, since one of Eddie’s men had busted out the window and snuck in that way. Afterward, I’d made sandwiches for everyone. A mix of cold and hot ones. It wasn’t the greatest lunch ever, but they seemed appreciative.
Now that we’d eaten, it was time to get back to work. Blood-spattered walls mocked me. Even though we’d scrubbed them already, a lot of the blood had soaked in and left stains. Hatter’s smile lingered in my mind, but the broken clubhouse demanded focus. I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists. I wouldn’t let this place crumble.
“Jo,” March’s voice barked behind me, stern like a drill sergeant. “Need your help.”
“What is it?” I asked, steeling myself for whatever he’d cooked up.
“Painting,” he replied, nodding toward a wall marred with bullet holes. “I’ll patch them, then I need you to cover that shit up.”
“Got it.” I grabbed a roller and paint can, determination fueling me. I started on the walls he’d already patched.
“Thanks,” March said, his blue eyes softening for a moment before he moved on to other tasks.
I rolled paint onto the wall, each stroke erasing a piece of the pain we’d suffered yesterday.
“Jo,” Rabbit’s anxious voice piped up, breaking my concentration. “You need more paint? Another roller?”
“Rabbit, relax,” I muttered, not looking away from the wall. “I’m good.”
“All right.” He hesitated, wringing his hands. “Just checking.”
“Appreciate it,” I said, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. His heart was in the right place, but damn, he could be a nervous wreck. I didn’t know how he’d made it through the fight.
“Okay, okay,” Rabbit said, backing away slowly. “You know where to find me if you need anything.”
“Thanks,” I replied, focusing back on the wall. Our sanctuary would rise from the ashes, and so would we.
As I painted, I felt the weight of my past mixing with the hope for the future. The Underland MC had given me a new home, a second chance. And as the last remnants of blood and bullets disappeared beneath a fresh coat of paint, I knew we’d stand together, stronger than ever.
By the time I’d finished one wall and started another, my back and shoulders were aching. But the pain meant I was alive. Rabbit’s anxious gaze flickered ‘round like a damn hummingbird on crack, but he finally vanished, leaving me to my work.
“Jo,” Absolem’s calm voice cut through the room, grabbing my attention. He walked in, arms loaded with supplies. “Here are more rollers, paint cans, and brushes.”
“Thanks, Absolem.” I dipped my brush into the new paint can, planning my next move.
“Keep an eye on the budget,” he warned, adjusting his glasses. “I know you haven’t been making demands or anything, but every little request adds up. Not sure Hatter thought about that after we discussed the paint. I’d assumed we’d get one big ass bucket of the same color, but he’s letting you paint rooms elsewhere in the clubhouse too. Makes a difference in pricing. We’re walking a tightrope right now. Most of what I had left after getting this land and building the clubhouse has been invested, which means I only have access to so much per month.”
“Got it.” I nodded.
“Good.” Absolem left as quietly as he came, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
Hours crawled by, and my muscles ached. It was time for a break. I wiped my hands on my jeans, heading toward the kitchen.
Hatter leaned against the counter, mug of coffee in hand. His eyes met mine, a spark igniting something deep inside me.
“Hey,” he said, his voice low and gravelly.
“Hey,” I replied, pouring myself a cup of coffee. “How’s the cleanup going?”
“Progress is slow, but we’re getting there.” Hatter took a sip, watching me closely. “How about you? Heard you were on painting detail.”
“Same.” I traced patterns on the counter, feeling the weight of his gaze on me. “Feels good, though. Like we’re building something new, and this time I get to be part of it.”
“Agreed.” He moved closer, our shoulders touching, warmth spreading through me. “We’ve got a long road ahead, but we’ll face it together.”
“Damn right,” I whispered, looking up at him. In that moment, I knew even though we’d been broken and battered, this was home, and we were strongest here.
Sipping the last of my coffee, I felt Hatter’s hand wrap around mine. His touch sent a shiver down my spine.
“Come on,” he said, his voice deep and husky. “There’s a room we need to work on together.”
Together. I liked the sound of that. Following him, our hands entwined, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of excitement.
We stepped into the room, an empty shell waiting for us to fill it with life. The walls were bare, the floor dusty.
“What do you think?” Hatter asked, his eyes surveying the space. “It was intended as a bedroom, but… I’m thinking we could put a large screen TV on one wall, fill the rest of the space with couches and chairs. Have movie nights in here or something.”
“Maybe, yeah.” I chewed on my lip, picturing the possibilities. “A lounge? Is that sort of what you’re going for?”
“Sounds perfect.” He grinned, squeezing my hand. “Let’s get started.”
We got to work, first cleaning the area, then picking up paintbrushes and cans of paint. The air filled with the smell of fresh paint, the sound of bristles against the wall.
“Think we’ll have enough of this color?” I asked, dipping my brush in the dark blue paint.
“Should be fine,” Hatter replied, working on the opposite wall. Our movements synced, like we’d done this a million times before.
Every now and then, our hands brushed against each other’s, sending jolts of electricity through me. I tried to push the feeling aside, focusing on the task at hand.
“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.
“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.