Chapter 22

TWENTY-TWO

M y heart pounds in my chest as I stare up at Hawk, his words echoing in my ears. Marriage. He wants to marry me. The idea is both thrilling and terrifying, sending shockwaves through my system.

"I... I don't know what to say," I stammer, speech deserting me. "This is so unexpected."

Hawk's eyes bore into mine, intense and unyielding. "Say yes," he growls, his voice low and demanding. "Be mine, Devin. Completely."

A shiver runs down my spine at his tone, desire pooling in my belly. God, I want this. I want him. But...

"I want to go to college," I blurt out. "I need to be better, stronger. Not some weakling who can't stand by your side."

A dark smile spreads across Hawk's face. "I'll make sure you become everything you want to be," he promises. "As long as you marry me. I'll give you the world, Devin. All you have to do is say yes."

His words are intoxicating, a siren song of power and possibility. But a part of me rebels against the idea of being so thoroughly possessed even as another part craves it desperately.

"I... I don't want to be a nuisance in your life," I admit, hating how vulnerable I sound. "You have your empire to run, and I'll be away at school..."

Hawk's hand cups my face, his touch both gentle and possessive. "You could never be a nuisance," he says fiercely. "You're everything to me, Devin. Everything."

I lean into his touch, savoring the warmth of his skin against mine. But a thought nags at me, refusing to be silenced.

"If I agree," I say slowly, "you have to promise me something."

Hawk's eyes narrow. "What?"

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "Promise you'll continue your life without me while I'm gone. If we're truly meant to be, when I'm done with school and learning to take better care of myself, I'll come back. If you still want me then, I'll be yours. Completely."

Anger flashes in Hawk's eyes. "I already know I want you," he growls. "I'll always want you."

For the first time in my life, I feel a surge of defiance. "Then prove it," I challenge. "Let me go, let me become who I need to be. And if our love is as strong as you say, it'll survive the separation. I don't want you calling me and texting me and trying to control me from a distance. You have to truly let me go. I want to learn and grow and become my own person."

Hawk's jaw clenches, his whole body radiating tension. "You're mine," he says, his voice dangerously low. "I don't share what's mine."

"I'm not asking you to share," I retort, surprised by my own boldness. "I'm asking you to wait. To let me prove that I'm worthy of standing by your side. That I can be the woman you need."

We glare at each other, the air between us crackling with tension. I see the struggle in Hawk's eyes, the war between his possessiveness and his desire to give me what I want.

"There's one more thing," I add, my voice barely above a whisper. "If I agree, we keep it a secret. Nobody but us and my parents can know until I'm ready to reveal it."

Hawk's eyes flash dangerously. "You want to hide our marriage?"

I nod, holding my ground despite the fear coursing through me. "I need to do this on my own terms, Hawk. I won't be seen as just your wife. I want to make my own name, my own reputation."

For a long moment, Hawk is silent, his gaze boring into mine. I can almost see the gears turning in his head, weighing the pros and cons of my conditions.

Finally, he speaks. "You drive a hard bargain, my little genius," he says, a hint of admiration in his voice. "But I have a condition of my own."

I raise an eyebrow, waiting.

"You'll wear my ring," he says. "It's non-negotiable."

I consider his request, my heart racing. "Agreed," I say finally.

He pulls a box out of his pocket and inside is a beautiful emerald ring, flanked by diamonds. He slips the ring on my finger and then meets my gaze. "You don't take this off. Ever."

"I won't. As long as you promise to live your life, not just wait for me."

Hawk grips my chin, and for a moment, I think he might refuse. But then he nods, a predatory smile spreading across his face.

"Very well, my love," he purrs. "We'll play this game your way. For now."

Before I can respond, he crushes his lips to mine in a bruising kiss. I melt into him, all my doubts and fears evaporating in the heat of his passion.

As we break apart, both breathing heavily, I see a mix of triumph and hunger in Hawk's eyes. "You're mine now, Devin," he growls. "Never forget that."

I nod, a thrill of excitement and fear running through me. "And you're mine," I whisper back.

In this moment, I know I've made a deal with the devil. But as I look into Hawk's eyes dark with desire and possessiveness, I can't bring myself to regret it.