Page 39 of Toxic

NINETEEN

I’m just about to step into the shower when I hear Devin’s voice, low and authoritative, coming from the bedroom. Curiosity piqued, I wrap a towel around my waist and move silently towards the door.

“Max, I need you to pull all the details on Hawk’s immediate family,” Devin says, her tone crisp and professional. “Kazanov mentioned someone in the Rivers family is backing him. I’m going to check on the family finances, see who has the need to remove Hawk to take over.”

I lean against the doorframe, watching her. She’s pacing, still gloriously naked from our earlier activities, her hair a wild tangle around her shoulders. Even like this – or perhaps especially like this – she exudes power and control.

“Yes, boss,” a male voice responds from the phone. “I’ll have the information to you within the hour.”

“Good. Keep me updated on any changes,” Devin says before ending the call.

She turns, finally noticing me. For a moment, I see a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, quickly replaced by resolve. She knows I’ve heard everything, and she’s waiting for my reaction.

I don’t give her one. Instead, I simply raise an eyebrow, waiting.

Devin takes a deep breath. “Max is my assistant,” she says, her voice steady. “I’m part of the Hacker Alliance.”

In three long strides, I’m across the room. I pin her against the wall, my hand at her throat. It’s not a tight grip – I’d never hurt her – but it’s enough to assert my dominance. “I know that already,” I say, my voice low and dangerous. “Is there anything else you’d like to share?”

I can see the conflict in her eyes, the struggle between her instinct for secrecy and her desire to let me in. Finally, she makes her decision.

“I’m Sphinx,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

For a moment, I’m frozen. Well, that answers who has been helping the company and why. Then, I feel a smile tugging my lips. Before I know it, I’m chuckling, pulling her into my arms and kissing her deeply.

Devin pulls back, confusion written across her face. “What’s so funny?”

I lead her to the sofa, settling her on my lap. “When you told Kazanov you were the only one who could reach Sphinx, I was worried there was another man I’d have to kill,” I admit.

She rolls her eyes, but I can see the hint of a smile. “You know I’m not involved with anyone else,” she says. “There was no need for those thoughts.”

“You’re mine, Devin,” I growl, tightening my grip on her waist. “The thought of anyone else touching you, knowing you like I do... it drives me insane.”

Her eyes darken with desire, and she leans in to nip at my jaw. “Likewise,” she murmurs. “I don’t share what’s mine, Hawk. And you are very muchmine.”

The possessiveness in her voice sends a thrill through me. I capture her lips in a fierce kiss, pouring all my hunger, my need, my obsession into it.

“Tell me more,” I urge gently, running my fingers through her hair.

Devin takes a deep breath. “I created the Hacker Alliance when I was twelve,” she says, her voice soft. “I wanted to make friends, but with my... social awkwardness, it was hard. That was the only way to meet people like me.”

I nod, encouraging her to continue.

“Of course, I had abilities that none of my members had,” she says, a hint of pride in her voice. “It allowed me to be the best in the world. But...” she hesitates, her fingers tracing patterns on my chest. “I always felt alone in my family. Even though everyone showed me love, they still treated me like a little freak. Nobody else was a genius, nobody else could use code like I did, or deal with numbers, or had an eidetic memory.”

I tighten my arms around her, offering silent support.

“When it came to all that, I felt completely comfortable,” Devin continues. “But dealing with people was hard. Having Olivia always felt like a blessing, but even with her, I still held back. I wasn’t sure how she would react to the emotional disconnect I have with most people.”

I consider her words carefully before responding. “Olivia became your friend in second grade,” I remind her gently. “She’s always loved you for being yourself, not for anything else. You should feel comfortable opening up to her, but only if you want.”

Devin looks up at me, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “How do you know that?” she asks.

I smile, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I make it my business to know everything about the people I care about,” I say. “And you, Devin West, are the only person I truly care about. The only one who matters.”

She inhales sharply at my admission. “Hawk...”

I press a finger to her lips. “Let me finish,” I say softly. “You’re not alone anymore, Devin. You don’t have to hide who you are, not from me. I see you – all of you – and I want every part.”

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