Jabberwocky Boyfriend: Himgre Part 2 (special preview)

“So does my dick in your ass but you don’t see me doing it everyday,” I toss at him. “Get inside!” I order him. “If anyone sees you, then all of this just turns into another hunt and we won’t see a dime.”

Himgre scoffs. “I’ll give you two weeks before you come back here telling me to scorch the place.”

I stick my tongue out at him. “Bet you I won’t.”

I hate everything in Tea Country, being there makes my skin crawl, and talking to the people is like pulling teeth. I’m certain the only reason they even glance my way is because of my looks, otherwise I doubt they’d even walk past me on the street. Despite my discomfort, I manage to work my way into the high society. I get invited to parties, dinners, charity events. Each time, I do manage to rob these assholes blind, but I know it is not my main objective.

Finally, one evening, I am at a ball being hosted by the Hatter himself. The roses are blooming, so for some reason, that is a call to celebrate. I have been invited as a guest to one of the snotty rich sons in the area. I walk on his arm, trying to remember his name but not really caring. Finally, once I’m inside, I start searching for the Hatter. I have to, in some way, curry his favor towards me this evening.

I am a hunter who cannot find their prey, so I slink away into an empty room. It looks like a study, so with drink in hand, I peruse the books all around the wall. Sipping my alcohol gingerly, I do not place the books back on the shelf and instead toss them aside. As I’m flipping through pages, idly wondering if money is hidden anywhere, I hear a low throaty chuckle.

“And what is a radiant blossom like you hiding in the dark?” His voice is deep and dangerous, like shadows whispering in a nightmare. He rises from a chair by the fireplace, clothed all in black save for the yellow shirt under his jacket. 

I lick my lips and gather up my courage. “Looking for something worth my time in this place,” I remark. “I am this close to finding a sofa and sleeping until this party is done with. Whoever the host is should realize wealth doesn’t create taste, and therefore, he should not be left to pick entertainment on his own.”

“My, my,” the Hatter comes towards me, tall and rakishly thin. His coat drags on the floor, creating a train behind him. “Do you not know who you are talking to?”

I smirk up at him. “Why else do you think I’m complaining?” I ask. “I wouldn’t waste my breath unless it’s the one who is in charge.” I sip my drink again. “No need in torturing the staff. It isn’t their fault.” I tilt my glass towards him. “I’ve been looking for you. Lucky me I find you here.”

The Hatter stoops down and picks up a book. “Is that why you are tossing my possessions around like this?”

“It got your attention,” I grin.

“And what if I had not been here?” The Hatter tilts his head. “Then what?”

I shrug. “The heck of it.”

The Hatter grins at me. “Who are you?” 

I hand him my empty glass. “Lady Ida. I’m staying at the Heather Lady House,” I tell him. “Not that it matters.”

“Certainly,” he chuckles. “Who is your date this evening?”

Crap, I still can’t remember. “Oh, yes, of course,” I chuckle as I scramble my brain trying to bring the name to the forefront. I don’t think I ever learned it, or I never paid attention to him. All I remember is that he has those awful swans in that ugly fountain. “I don’t want to embarrass the poor boy by naming him. No sense in him having his name wrung through the mud because I never learned to hold my tongue.”

“You don’t remember it, do you?” The Hatter laughs.

I shake my head. “No. I don’t even think I would be able to pick him from a line up if it was asked of me.”

The Hatter laughs. “Then what the hell are you doing here at a boring party, with horrible entertainment, with a man you don’t even know?”

I smirk at him. “Well what does any girl want in this world?” I sigh dreamily, clutching my hands over my chest. “All the free food.”

The Hatter leans over towards me, bracing his hand above my head. “Leave your date for the evening,” he whispers. “That is, if you can remember me in a line up.”

I try to bite back my victorious smile. I finally have him. 

As the days go by, the Hatter calls for me more and more. He visits me at the Lady House, he takes me out for dates, he even invites me into his home. He offers me a room there, promising to keep me as safeguarded as the Lady House. Tempting though it may be, I turn down his offer, continuing to further wrap him around my finger. He buys me gifts of all sorts, some I know I can turn around and make a good penny for, other things are merely temporary and pretty. All the while, the Hatter continues to try to get me to stay in his home.

One evening, when I am able to get away, I go to meet with Himgre in the cottage where I’ve told him to hide. I knock on the door and Himgre opens the door and looks down at me. He sniffs the air then grimaces. 

“You smell weird,” he scoffs.