Page 49 of Madness Becomes Her

“It’s the celebratory day after you slay the queen’s favorite pet, the Chatterwocky.”

I laugh. “Well, that’s nonsense. I don’t even know what a Chatterwocky is.”

Suddenly, I’m hit with the flashes of images of the queen on the back of some beast, one that resembles a dragon.

I swallow. “I can’t slay a… a monster.”

“Can’t you?”

We reach what I now know as The Bog and Hatter turns on me. “You’re the most magical creature in all of Wonderland, Eleanor. The Red Queen fears your power. You are a threat to her.”

“I don’t have power.” I scoff in disbelief.

“Don’t you? What was this morning?”

“Well, I… that was different. That was only…” I swallow, not knowing how the hell to dig myself out of this rut I’ve gotten myself into.

Finlo steps closer. “You took me to my knees.”

I’m breathless. “I know, but that was... different.”

His hand cups my cheek. “No. It wasn’t. You are the most fascinating creature I’ve ever met, even then. Now, you’re… more. I can’t lose you, and I can’t take you back. You are my weakness, Tiger Lily.”

His lips hover over mine, and I can’t breathe with him in my space. “I’m sorry about this morning. I didn’t mean to be so bold. It’s just this burning in me. I can’t take it.”

“I understand.”

Does he?

“The fire in me went out the day I...” He closes his eyes, fighting whatever memory he’s conjured.

“Tell me. Tell me the end of the story.”

“I cannot. You will remember when the time is right.”

I growl. “How am I to continue like this? I don’t have all the pieces to the puzzle, and yet you want me to put it together and save your world or kill some dragony beast? I’mjustEleanor! Don’t you see that? I’m only Eleanor. I don’t have magic or power. I’m a mortal girl who fell into your world in a moment of weakness?—”

Hatter stops my spiralling with his lips on mine, something I taught him. I’m rather thankful I had, too. The kiss gives me something to channel all the energy spilling through me into.

The kiss deepens, and Hatter lifts me, walking to the tea table and dropping me atop it. Dishes lift and slam back down, causing a clatter.

“You’ve never beenjustEleanor. I wish you could see what all of Wonderland sees. I wish you could see you through my eyes.”

His words cause tears to well in my eyes before he kisses me again. This time, he’s in control of it and me. His tongue curls through my mouth, causing me to moan.

Wetness coats my thighs, my undergarments lost to all the growing and shrinking I did today to save Prospero.

Finlo’s hand slides up my dress, and I break our kiss to watch him.

“You said when I was ready, you would make me come,” he says.

I nod frantically, the imagery of his cock in my mouth causing it to water in anticipation.

“What if I want to make you come?”

My breathing stutters.

“Would you allow that?” he asks, and it’s so proper I could laugh, but I don’t want to make any wrong move that could stop his exploration of my body with his hand.