Page 23 of Toxic

The sleek,modern office around me hums with quiet efficiency, but my mind is a storm of plots and calculations. I glance at the two burly security guards positioned discreetly by the door, their dark suits and earpieces a stark reminder of Hawk’s overprotectiveness. I’d argued vehemently against them, but Hawk’s steely gaze had made it clear: no guards, no leaving the penthouse.

“Compromise,” he’d called it, his voice a low growl that sent shivers down my spine. I call it a tactical retreat—for now.

My fingers fly over the keyboard, lines of code scrolling past as I devise new ways to dismantle Kazanov’s empire, bit by digital bit. The soft blue glow of the monitors casts shadows across my face, reflecting in my eyes like glacial ice. But Kazanov’s not my only target.

Regina’s smug face flashes in my mind, her perfectly manicured hand on Hawk’s arm at the banquet. My jaw clenches involuntarily, teeth grinding. She touched what’s mine. She’ll pay for that.

A notification pops up on my screen—a message from Max, my assistant and one of the few Hacker Alliance employees who knows my true identity.

Max: Got those financials you wanted on Black Industries. Looks like Regina’s been cooking the books. Sending details now.

A predatory smile curves my lips, sharp enough to cut. “Perfect,” I murmur, already envisioning Regina’s downfall.

A soft knock interrupts my plotting. I look up to see Olivia standing in the doorway, a vision of elegance in a cream silk blouse and tailored trousers. My best friend, Hawk’s sister, and the one person who’s been by my side through it all.

“Liv!” I exclaim, genuinely happy to see her. The ice in my veins thaws, just a little. “When did you get back?”

She crosses the room, enveloping me in a warm hug that smells of jasmine and home. “Just yesterday. Figured I’d let you settle in before ambushing you.” Her eyes twinkle mischievously. “Lunch?”

Twenty minutes later, we’re ensconced in a private booth at Le Petit Jardin, an upscale restaurant that caters to those who value discretion. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow over the crisp white tablecloths, and the gentle murmur of conversation provides a soothing backdrop. As we peruse the menu, Olivia’s gaze turns speculative over the rim of her water glass.

“So,” she begins casually, setting down her glass with a soft clink, “you and my brother...”

I take a sip of water, buying time. “What about us?”

Olivia raises an eyebrow, her expression a mix of amusement and concern. “Come on, Dev. I leave you two alone for a few months, and suddenly you’re living in his penthouse?”

“Temporarily,” I clarify, a hint of defensiveness creeping into my voice. “It’s just until this situation with Kazanov blows over.”

“Mm-hmm,” Olivia hums, clearly unconvinced. “And how’s that going? Being back in Hawk’s orbit?”

I allow myself a small smile, memories of heated encounters flashing through my mind—Hawk’s burning gaze, his possessive touch, the way he says my name like a prayer and a curse all at once. “It’s... intense. But I’ve got it under control. It’s on my terms.”

Olivia’s expression turns serious, her fork pausing halfway to her mouth. “Dev, you know I love you, but... Hawk isn’t someone anyone can control. He’s dangerous when he wants something.”

A thrill runs through me at her words, but I keep my face neutral. “I know exactly who your brother is, Liv. And what I’m doing.”

What I don’t say is how much I crave that danger, that intensity. How the thought of Hawk’s possessive gaze makes my skin tingle with anticipation. How I lie awake at night, plotting ways to draw him in closer while maintaining my independence. It’s a delicate dance, a game of power and control that sets my blood on fire.

But Olivia doesn’t need to know that. For all our years of friendship, there are parts of me I keep hidden even from her. The obsessive thoughts, the dark desires, the ruthless ambition that mirrors Hawk’s own—these are mine alone.

“If you say so,” Olivia concedes, though concern still lingers in her eyes. “Just... be careful, okay?”

I reach across the table, squeezing her hand. “Always am. And Liv? Thank you. For everything you’ve done for me. I wouldn’t be who I am without you.”

Olivia’s face softens, and she laughs, the sound light and carefree. “Oh, please. As if you needed any help becoming a force of nature.” Her eyes take on a mischievous glint. “Remember college? All those guys falling over themselves to ask you out?”

I groan, but there’s no real annoyance behind it. “Don’t remind me. What was that one guy’s name? The one who showed up at our dorm with a full mariachi band?”

“Trevor!” Olivia exclaims, nearly choking on her wine. “I thought you were going to murder him on the spot.”

“I considered it,” I admit, a wry smile tugging at my lips. “But that would have been messy. And loud.”

Olivia shakes her head, still chuckling. “You know, it’s funny. All those guys, and you never gave any of them a second glance. Not after...”

“Not after what?” I prompt, though I know exactly what she’s referring to.

“Your 18th birthday party,” Olivia says softly.

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