Page 6 of Toxic

Several feet behind Hawk, Regina’s eyes meet mine and she freezes, a scowl marring her expression. I continue forward, silently daring her to try to stop me.

“Mr. Rivers,” I say, my voice steady and tinged with just the right amount of worry. “You don’t look well. Let me help you.” I offer my arm for support, meeting his unfocused gaze.

Hawk hesitates, and I see the struggle play out across his face. Even drugged, his instincts are sharp—he knows something isn’t right. But the confusion wins out, and after a moment that feels like an eternity, he allows me to guide him.

The moment his hand closes around my arm, it’s as if every nerve-ending in my body comes alive. His touch, even though the fabric of my gown, sends electricity arcing across my skin. I have to stifle a gasp, the intensity of my reaction catching me off guard. For years, I’ve dreamed of this moment, imagined what it would feel like to have Hawk depend on me, need me. The reality is so much more intoxicating than I could have ever anticipated.

Glancing back to see Regina glowering at us, I lead him toward a side door. Fuck, I missed him. I missed him so much. My 18th birthday party and our first night together replay in my mind like a constant reminder of what I’ve been waiting for.“Just a little farther,” I murmur, my lips nearly brushing his ear. “I’m going to get you somewhere safe.”

He turns his head slightly, his clouded gaze struggling to focus on me. “Is it you?”

A thrill runs through me at his words. Does he really recognize me? “It’s me,” I say softly, choosing my words carefully. “But that’s not important right now. What matters is getting you out of here before anyone notices something’s wrong.”

We slip through the hotel side door and into the service hallways beyond. The difference is stark—gone are the glittering chandeliers and marble floors, replaced by harsh fluorescent lighting and utilitarian tile. But I navigate these back corridors with the same confidence I showed in the ballroom, my extensive research of the hotel’s layout paying off.

Hawk leans more heavily against me as we walk, the drug clearly taking a stronger hold. I tighten my grip on him, hyperaware of every point of contact between us. He’s massive and I struggle to keep him from falling into me. The solid warmth of his body pressed against my side, the flex of muscle beneath my fingers as I guide him around a corner. It’s almost more than I can bear, this sudden proximity after years of watching from afar.

“Where... where are we going?” Hawk mumbles, his words slightly slurred.

“Somewhere safe,” I repeat, my voice low and soothing. “Just trust me, Hawk. You know you can trust me, right?”

He’s silent for a long moment, and I wonder if he’s even heard me. But then he nods, just once, and something fierce and possessive unfurls in my chest. He trusts me. Maybe it’s just the drug, maybe it’s desperation, but in this moment, Hawk has placed his faith in me. It’s intoxicating.

As we near an exit, movement at the end of the hallway catches my eye. Two men in dark suits, their stances screamingsecurity, are scanning the area. I recognize them immediately as Regina’s associates—no doubt waiting for Regina to arrive with a staggering Hawk in tow. Fuck. I can’t let them take him.

My pulse quickens, but I maintain my composure, quickly diverting us down a back staircase. Hawk stumbles slightly on the first step, and I tighten my grip on his arm, supporting more of his weight.

“Careful,” I murmur, guiding him down. “We’re almost there. Just a little farther.”

He nods, his jaw clenched with the effort of focusing on each step. Even drugged and vulnerable, there’s a strength to him that takes my breath away. I want to stop and take his face in my hands and memorize every line and plane. To finally, finally touch him the way I’ve dreamed of for so long. I want to kiss him all over the place and bite my way down his body. The same way he did to mark me. But now isn’t the time. We’re not safe yet.

We emerge onto a quiet side street, the sounds of the city muffled and distant. I breathe a sigh of relief, quickly signaling to my driver. The sleek black sedan pulls up moments later, and I help Hawk into the back seat.

As I slide in beside him, I allow myself a small smile of triumph. We made it. Against all odds, I’ve rescued Hawk from Regina’s clutches, and now he’s here alone with me. The possibilities make my head spin.

“I’m taking you home,” I tell him, my tone leaving no room for argument. “You’ll be safe there.”

Hawk’s head lolls against the leather headrest, his eyes half-closed. I study his profile in the passing streetlights, drinking in every detail. The strong line of his jaw, the curve of his lips, the faint shadow of stubble darkening his cheeks.

My fingers itch to trace the path my eyes are taking, to feel the heat of his skin beneath my touch. But I restrain myself, digging my nails into my palms. Now isn’t the time for indulgence. I need to stay focused and maintain control of the situation.

“Why are you here?” Hawk’s words are slightly slurred, but there’s a sharpness beneath the confusion—a testament to his formidable will.

I consider my response carefully, weighing truth against fiction. “Because you need me,” I say finally, my voice low and soothing. “Try to relax. We’ll be at your home soon.”

He struggles to focus on me, his brow furrowed in concentration. “Is it really you,” he mumbles, reaching out to brush his fingers against my cheek.

His touch is like a brand, searing into my skin. I have to stifle a gasp, every nerve ending lighting up at the contact. For a moment, I let myself lean into his hand, savoring the feeling I’ve fantasized about for so long. But then reality reasserts itself, and I gently pull away.

“Let’s get you feeling better,” I deflect, trying to ignore the way my skin tingles where he touched me. “For now, just rest.”

Hawk’s eyes drift closed, his breathing growing steadier. I allow myself to relax slightly, knowing we’re out of immediate danger. But my mind is already racing ahead, plotting our next moves. Tonight has set new pieces in motion on the chessboard of our intertwined lives. And I intend to use every advantage to ensure I come out on top. Hawk needs me. It’s why I’m back. To claim what’s mine and to help him.

As the car weaves through the late-night traffic, I can’t help but feel a surge of anticipation. I’ve imagined being alone with Hawk for years, scheming countless scenarios. But this—having him vulnerable and dependent on me—this is beyond anythingI could have orchestrated. The possibilities make my pulse quicken and my skin flush with heat.

I reach into my clutch, retrieving a small device. With a few taps, I activate a series of protocols designed to scrub any footage of our exit from the hotel’s security systems. It’s a precaution I always take, but tonight it feels especially crucial. No one can know about this encounter, not until I decide how best to use it to my advantage.

The city lights blur outside the window as we near Hawk’s building. I steel myself for what’s to come, knowing that every word, every action from this point forward could shape the course of our future interactions. The game has changed, and I’m determined to emerge victorious.

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