Page 21 of Toxic

The sincerity in his voice catches me off guard. For a moment, I allow myself to imagine it—Hawk and I, a united front against the world. It’s a seductive thought, and all the more dangerous for it.

As we leave, I notice the discreet arrival of unmarked vehicles. Hawk’s people, no doubt, here to clean up the mess. It’s a stark reminder of the power he wields and the resources at his disposal. And now, it seems, all of that is being mobilized to protect me.

The thought is both comforting and terrifying.

Hawk guides me to his car, a sleek, armored beast that practically screams wealth and danger. As we pull away from the curb, I stare out at the city lights, my mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts.

“Viktor’s men,” Hawk starts, “don’t usually come in such numbers.” He spares me a quick dark glance. “What did they want?”

“They are interested in my connection to the Hacker Alliance.”

His head snaps sideways and pins me with his gaze. “You’re a part?”

I stare right back. “I am.”

“So you know Sphinx?”

I laugh. “The Alliance is large. Only a handful of very privileged people know Sphinx. What makes you think I do?”

His gaze focuses on the road again. “I didn’t know you were part of the Alliance.”

I shrug. “Was I supposed to tell you?”

We reach his building and he parks the car and turns to me, one hand going to my throat and making me wet. “I know everything about you, Devin.” He leans into me, his face inches from mine. “But I didn’t know that.” The hand around my throat squeezes and my eyes close instinctively. He squeezes harder. “I don’t like surprises.”

I pull at his hand but his fingers are a vice around my throat. “It’s not my fault you have idiots working for you,” I choke out.

His hand moves to the back of my neck and yanks me forward, our lips clashing in a rough kiss. The kiss is a brand, a reminder that I belong to him. But I kiss him back just as hard, just as rough, and take it a step further and bite him.You’re mine, Hawk. We’re both breathing heavily when we part and neither willing to back down.

Hawk’s knuckles whiten on the steering wheel. “I’ll deal with Viktor,” he says, his tone promising violence.

“No,” I say sharply. “I can handle Viktor.”

Hawk glances at me, his expression unreadable. “You don’t have to do everything alone, Devin. Not anymore.”

His words stir something in me, a longing I’ve kept buried for years. But I can’t afford to give in to it. Not now, not with so much at stake.

“We’ll see,” I murmur.

He saved me tonight, but at what cost? The balance of power between us has shifted, and I’m not sure I like which way the scales are tipping.

TEN

The city sprawls beneath my office window, a chessboard of power and opportunity. But for once, my mind isn’t on business deals or hostile takeovers. It’s consumed by thoughts of Devin—her fierce green eyes, the curve of her neck, the way she fits perfectly in my arms. My woman. The words echo in my mind, a possessive mantra that sets my blood on fire.

A soft knock interrupts my brooding. “Come in,” I growl, not bothering to turn around.

“Still brooding by windows, I see. Some things never change.”

My sister Olivia’s voice snaps me back to the present. I turn, forcing a smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes. “Welcome home, Liv.”

We exchange pleasantries, but my mind is elsewhere. I need information, and Olivia is my best source.

“Tell me everything about Devin,” I demand, cutting through the small talk. “Every detail, no matter how small that you may not have shared while you were abroad.”

Olivia raises an eyebrow at my tone. “She’s fine, Hawk. Safe and sound, thanks to you.”

“That’s not enough,” I snap, pacing the room like a caged animal. “Kazanov is still out there. He dared to touch what’s mine. I want him erased from existence.”

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