Chapter 15

FIFTEEN

F rom my office atop Rivers Financial, I survey my domain, feeling the weight of power and the constant threat of those who would take it from me. The gentle hum of technology surrounds me, a reminder of the control I wield and the precarious nature of that control.

A soft knock breaks my reverie. "Come in," I command, not turning from the window.

Daniel enters, his footsteps barely audible on the plush carpet. "Hawk, I have the information you requested," he says, his tone familiar yet respectful.

I turn, eyeing the tablet in his hands. "Show me."

Daniel activates the screen, and a series of images and reports flicker to life. I lean in, my eyes narrowing as I take in the damning evidence. Regina Black and Viktor Kazanov, caught in clandestine meetings, their alliance laid bare before me.

"They've been coordinating for months," Daniel explains, his tone grim. "Financial transactions, shared resources—their alliance is solidified."

I feel a tightening in my chest, a mix of anger and anticipation. "Regina and Viktor together amplify each other's influence," I muse, more to myself than to Daniel. "This changes everything."

Daniel nods. "Their combined efforts could disrupt your operations significantly."

"We need more," I decide, my mind already racing. "Contact Sphinx. I want everything they can dig up on Regina and Viktor's operations. And while you're at it, see if you can get any leads on Sphinx's identity. I want to know why they've been helping us."

Daniel raises an eyebrow. "You think Sphinx will cooperate?"

"They will if we make it worth their while," I reply coldly. "Offer whatever it takes. I need that information."

As Daniel leaves to make the arrangements, I turn to my intercom. "Lucas, arrange a private dinner for tonight with Regina Black. Use the pretext of discussing a potential business merger. Book us at La Sorella."

"Right away, sir," Lucas responds promptly.

As I prepare for the encounter, I review everything I know about Regina—her tactics, her weaknesses, her desires. I select my attire with care, a tailored suit that speaks of power and control. Every detail matters in this game we play.

La Sorella is a sanctuary of luxury and discretion, the perfect backdrop for the dance of deception I'm about to engage in. I arrive early, selecting a private dining room with a view of the city. The muted lighting casts long shadows, perfect for hiding truths and revealing lies.

Regina enters, a vision of elegance and ambition. Her smile is dazzling, but her eyes are sharp, ever-watchful. "Hawk, it's delightful to see you," she greets, extending her hand.

I take it, my grip firm and cold. "Regina. Sit."

As we settle in and the first course is served, I begin to weave my web. "I'm sure you're wondering why I've called this meeting," I start, my voice level and controlled.

Regina's eyes light up with interest. "I assumed it was to discuss the potential merger you mentioned. Our combined resources could position us to dominate in ways we've only dreamed of."

I lean back, fixing her with a steely gaze. "Let's cut the bullshit, Regina. I know about your alliance with Viktor Kazanov."

Her composure slips for just a moment, a flicker of shock crossing her face before she regains control. "I don't know what you're talking about," she says smoothly.

"Don't insult my intelligence," I reply, my voice sharp as a blade. "I warned you what would happen if you ever threatened Devin again. And yet, at the family event, you couldn't help yourself, could you?"

Regina's eyes narrow. "Devin is a big girl. She can handle a little family drama."

I lean forward, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Let me be very clear. Anyone who hurts Devin will pay. And that includes you, Regina. Your little alliance with Viktor? It ends now."

"Or what?" Regina challenges, though I can see the fear creeping into her eyes.

I smile, cold and predatory. "Or I'll destroy everything you've built. Your reputation, your business, your standing in the family. I'll leave you with nothing."

Regina's face pales, but she quickly recovers. "You're bluffing. You don't have that kind of power."

I laugh at her stupidity. She still doesn't realize who she's dealing with.

"Are you willing to bet everything on that?" I ask softly.

A tense silence falls between us. Finally, Regina speaks. "What do you want from me?"

"A partnership," I reply, watching her carefully. "A real one. You'll feed me information on Viktor's operations. In return, I'll protect you from the fallout when we take him down."

Regina's eyes widen in surprise. "You want to take down Viktor?"

I nod. "And you're going to help me do it. Consider it your penance for crossing me."

As we hammer out the details of our arrangement, I can see the calculations running behind Regina's eyes. She's looking for an angle, a way to turn this to her advantage. I want her to try. I'll be ready.

The drive back to my penthouse gives me time to process the evening's events, to strategize my next move. But as I step into the dimly lit space, I sense a shift in the air. Tension, thick and palpable.

Devin stands by the window, her silhouette stark against the city lights. She doesn't turn as I enter, but I can feel the weight of her gaze.

"You're home late," she remarks, her voice unnaturally calm.

I approach cautiously, aware of the minefield I'm walking into. "The meeting ran longer than expected."

Now she turns, and I'm struck by the coldness in her eyes. Her face is a mask of indifference, but I can see the slight tremor in her hands. She's furious.

"I know you were with Regina," she states, her tone level but laced with an undercurrent of rage.

"It was a business meeting. Necessary to address certain issues."

"Issues that require private dinners?" she asks, her voice still eerily calm. "What else did you discuss?"

The tension between us crackles like electricity. I find myself both concerned and intrigued by her controlled anger. This is a side of Devin I haven't seen before.

"I was gathering information to protect us," I explain, moving closer to her. "Regina and Viktor have formed an alliance. I needed to confront her directly. To set up a way to interfere."

Devin's eyes flash with something—Interest? It's gone too quickly for me to be sure. "And did you get what you needed?" she asks.

I nod, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face. She doesn't flinch away, but I can feel the tension radiating from her body. "I did. Regina will be feeding us information on Viktor's operations. I'm sure she'll try to turn things to her advantage and try to screw us at some point, but we'll handle that when we get there."

A small smile curves Devin's lips, cold and dangerous. "Okay," she says simply. "Are you seeking any additional resources?"

I watch her, but her gaze gives nothing away. "I am."

We're standing so close now I can feel the heat radiating from her body. "You're jealous," I observe quietly.

Her eyes meet mine, unflinching. "I am."

I lean in slightly, my voice softening. "You need to understand that I would never betray your trust."

Devin places a hand on my chest, and I can't tell if she's pushing me away or pulling me closer. "Actions speak louder than words," she replies.

"Then let me show you," I whisper, closing the final inches between us. I curl my hand around her throat and hold her there, tilting her head up.

Our lips meet in a kiss that's equal parts passion and frustration. It's a battle for dominance, neither of us willing to yield.

"This doesn't excuse keeping me in the dark," Devin says, her voice husky. She pulls out of my grasp and takes two steps back. Away from me. She dared to pull away.

I yank her to me again, crushing my lips against hers. She responds immediately, her kisses as fierce and angry as they are passionate. Her nails dig into my back, and I grip her hips hard enough to bruise.

We break apart, both breathing heavily. "Stop hiding from me," I growl, my voice low and rough.

Devin's eyes meet mine, a challenge burning in their depths. "Are you sure you can handle that, Hawk?" she asks, her tone both mocking and seductive.

I respond by pushing her against the window, the cool glass a stark contrast to the heat of our bodies. "Try me," I whisper against her neck.

As we lose ourselves in a tangle of limbs and heated kisses, I can't help but marvel at the woman in my arms. Devin is a force of nature, as dangerous and unpredictable as she is alluring. And as I give in to the dark passion between us, I am reminded of a crucial fact, I've finally met my match.