Page 36 of Toxic

My blood runs cold at the thought of Devin in their hands. “On my way. Secure the perimeter, no one gets out alive.”

I take the stairs three at a time, my heartbeat thundering in my ears. The door to the upper level looms before me, a final barrier between me and my goal. With a nod to Daniel, who’s appeared at my side, we breach.

The scene before me ignites a fury I’ve never known. Devin, bound to a chair, her eyes blazing with defiance. Regina, her face twisted in a sneer of triumph. And Kazanov, his gun pressed against Devin’s temple.

“Ah, Hawk,” Kazanov’s voice drips with false cordiality. “So good of you to join us. We were just discussing the future of your empire.”

“The only future you need to worry about is the next five minutes,” I reply, my voice arctic. “Let her go, and I might make it quick.”

Regina laughs, the sound grating on my nerves. “Oh, Hawk. Always so dramatic. Did you really think I’d let you play me for a fool? This little bitch has been a thorn in my side for far too long.”

I see Devin’s eyes narrow at Regina’s words, but right now, my entire focus is on getting Devin out alive.

“Last chance,” I warn, my gun trained steadily on Kazanov. “Release her.”

Instead of complying, Kazanov tightens his grip on Devin, using her as a shield. “I don’t think so. You see, Ms. West here has some very valuable information. Information that could bring your entire world crashing down.”

I don’t let his words phase me. My eyes lock with Devin’s, and in that moment, a silent communication passes between us. I see the trust there, the understanding. She gives me an almost imperceptible nod.

“You’re right, Kazanov,” I say, my tone shifting. “Someone does have valuable information.” My gaze flicks to Regina. “And she’s outlived her usefulness.”

Several things happen at once. Devin throws her weight backward, knocking Kazanov off balance. I fire, the bullet grazing his shoulder and causing him to lose his grip. Daniel surges forward, tackling Regina before she can reach for her weapon.

I’m on Kazanov in an instant, my fist connecting with his jaw with a satisfying crunch. He staggers but recovers quickly, lashing out with a vicious right hook. I feel the impact, tasting blood, but the pain only fuels my rage.

We grapple, trading blows. Kazanov is strong, but I’m faster, more focused. Every punch I land is for Devin, for the fear she must have felt, for every second she was in danger because of this man.

From the corner of my eye, I see Daniel subduing Regina, efficiently zip-tying her hands behind her back. Devin has managed to work one hand free and is struggling with her bonds.

Kazanov sees it too and makes a desperate lunge for his fallen gun. I intercept him, driving my knee into his solar plexus. As hedoubles over, gasping for air, I grab him by the throat and slam him against the wall.

“I told you,” I growl, my face inches from his, “this ends now.”

I see the fear in his eyes, the realization that he’s lost. It’s a look I’ve seen many times in the boardroom, but never with such satisfaction.

“Hawk,” Devin’s voice cuts through the haze of my anger. I turn to see her standing, rubbing her wrists where the ropes had chafed her skin. Her eyes meet mine, a mix of relief and something deeper, more complex. “We need them alive. For now.”

I hesitate for a moment, every fiber of my being wanting to end Kazanov’s miserable life right here. But Devin’s right. We need information, and dead men can’t talk.

With a frustrated growl, I slam Kazanov’s head against the wall, knocking him unconscious. He crumples to the floor, and I turn my full attention to Devin.

In two strides, I’m at her side, my hands cupping her face, eyes searching for any sign of injury. “Are you hurt?” I demand, my voice rough with emotion.

She shakes her head, a small smile on her face despite the situation. “I’m fine. Your timing is impeccable as always, Mr. Rivers.”

The relief that washes over me is almost overwhelming. I pull her close, inhaling her scent, feeling the warmth of her body against mine. For a moment, the world narrows to just us, the chaos around us fading into the background.

“Don’t ever do that to me again,” I murmur into her hair, my arms tightening around her.

She pulls back slightly, her eyes meeting mine with that familiar spark of defiance. “Do what? Get kidnapped? I’ll try to pencil that in less often.”

Despite everything, I feel a chuckle rumble in my chest. Even in the face of danger, her spirit remains unbroken. It’s one of the things I admire most about her.

Our moment is interrupted by Daniel clearing his throat. “Boss, we need to move. Local authorities will be here soon, and we have some... cleaning up to do.”

I nod, reluctantly releasing Devin but keeping a hand on the small of her back. “Secure Kazanov and Regina. We’ll take them to the secondary location for questioning.”

As my team efficiently carries out my orders, I turn back to Devin. “We have a lot to discuss,” I say, my tone serious.

---