Chapter 10

TEN

T he 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."

"Hawk," Olivia warns, but I cut her off with a look that would make most men tremble.

"No one threatens Devin. No one." My voice is low, dangerous. "I'll burn this entire city to the ground if that's what it takes to keep her safe."

Olivia studies me for a long moment. "You really love her, don't you?"

The question catches me off guard. Love? Is that what this all-consuming need is? This desire to possess Devin completely, to keep her safe from the world and claim her as my own?

"She's mine," I say simply as if that explains everything. And in my mind, it does.

"Did she... was there anyone else?" The question burns in my throat, jealousy clawing at my insides. "While you were away, did she..."

Olivia's expression softens. "No one, Hawk. A few guys tried to be friends, but?—"

"Names," I interrupt, my voice like ice. "I want names."

"Hawk, you can't be serious?—"

"Names, Olivia." My tone leaves no room for argument.

She sighs, recognizing the futility of resisting. As she lists off a few meaningless names, I make mental notes. These men dared to think they could have a claim on Devin. They need to be... dealt with.

"—but you were the only man she ever really talked about," Olivia finishes, eyeing me warily.

Satisfaction blooms in my chest, dark and possessive. "Good," I murmur, already planning how to eliminate any potential rivals.

"Now, about Kazanov," Olivia says, clearly trying to steer the conversation to safer ground. "What exactly happened?"

The reminder of Kazanov's attack reignites my rage. In my mind's eye, I see Devin surrounded by his thugs, and something inside me snaps.

"He sent men to her apartment," I snarl, my fist connecting with the wall hard enough to crack the plaster. "They put their filthy hands on her. They tried to take her from me."

Olivia flinches at the display of violence, but I'm beyond caring. "I'll destroy him," I continue, my voice eerily calm despite the storm raging inside me. "I'll dismantle his entire operation piece by piece. And then, when he has nothing left, I'll make him watch as I take everything he values before I end his miserable existence."

"Hawk," Olivia says softly, reaching out to touch my arm. I jerk away, not wanting to be soothed. "We need to be smart about this. Rushing in could put Devin in more danger."

Her words penetrate the haze of my anger. Devin. Everything comes back to keeping her safe. Keeping her mine.

"Fine," I concede, reining in my rage with considerable effort. "We'll do this your way. For now. But make no mistake, Olivia. Kazanov is a dead man walking. It's just a matter of time."

Olivia nods, relief evident in her eyes. "I'll keep digging, see what I can find out about Devin's connection to Kazanov. You focus on keeping her safe—without smothering her. You know how she values her independence."

I scoff at the idea. Independence. As if Devin could ever truly be separate from me now. We're entwined, our fates interlinked. She just doesn't want to accept it.

"I'll protect her," I say, my tone leaving no doubt as to the lengths I'll go. "Whatever it takes."

As Olivia prepares to leave, a thought occurs to me. "Liv," I call, stopping her at the door. "Don't tell Devin about this conversation. About any of it. She doesn't need to know... the depths of my concern."

Olivia gives me a long, searching look. "All right," she says finally. "But Hawk, be careful. This obsession... it's not healthy."

I smile, and there's nothing warm in it. "Health is overrated, little sister. Power is what matters. And I have enough power to keep Devin safe with me. Forever."

As the door closes behind Olivia, I turn back to the window. The city lies before me, full of threats to eliminate and obstacles to overcome. But none of it matters. Only Devin matters.

My Devin. Mine to protect. Mine to possess.

Mine to love in my own dark, all-consuming way.

Let Kazanov come. Let the whole world try to take her from me. They'll learn the hard way what happens when someone touches what belongs to Hawk Rivers.

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.

I feel heat creep up my neck, but I force myself to maintain eye contact. "I don't know what you're talking about," I lie smoothly.

Olivia just smiles, knowing and a little sad. "Of course, you don't."

For a moment, I'm tempted to tell her everything. About the secret Hawk and I share, the one known only to us and my parents. But I hold my tongue. Some secrets are too precious, too dangerous to voice aloud.

The moment is interrupted by my phone buzzing insistently. Max's name flashes on the screen.

"I have to take this," I say, already slipping into business mode. "Max? What have you got for me?"

As Max relays the information, a plan crystallizes in my mind. My expression hardens, a cold determination settling over me like a second skin. "Do it," I order, my voice leaving no room for argument. "Liquidate their assets, all of them. I want Kazanov's shell companies gutted by morning."

I end the call, looking up to find Olivia staring at me with wide eyes. For a moment, I wonder if I've revealed too much of my true nature.

But then Olivia's lips quirk into a wry smile. "You know," she says slowly, swirling the wine in her glass, "I think I might have underestimated just how perfectly matched you and my brother really are."

I allow myself a genuine laugh, the tension dissipating. I raise my glass in a mock toast, "You have no idea."

As we return to our meal, my mind is already racing ahead, plotting my next moves. Kazanov, Regina, even Hawk—they're all pieces on my chessboard. And I intend to win this game, no matter the cost.

Let them underestimate me. Let them think they have the upper hand. I'll show them all exactly who Devin West really is—and God help anyone who stands in my way.

The secret Hawk and I share pulses between us, unspoken but ever-present. And it's the key to everything.