Page 18 of Tank

Her breathing slows as we stand there, holding each other in the stillness of the apartment. The tension gradually melts from her body, and I can feel her exhaustion taking hold.

"C'mon, sweetheart," I murmur, guiding her gently towards the bedroom. "Let's get you to bed."

She nods, her eyelids already heavy with the weight of sleep. I help her slip under the covers, my hands lingering for just a moment on the soft warmth of her skin.

As I turn to leave, her small hand catches mine. "Stay," she whispers, her eyes pleading in the dim light. "Please."

I hesitate, torn between the desire to hold her close and the fear of crossing lines that shouldn't be crossed. Not now. Not when she's still so fragile.

But the need in her gaze breaks me. I can't deny her. Not this.

Slowly, I ease myself onto the bed beside her, opening my arms in silent invitation. She curls into me without hesitation, her head coming to rest on my chest as though it was always meant to be there.

I wrap my arms around her, cocooning her in my warmth, my strength. Shielding her from the demons that haunt her dreams.

"I've got you, little one," I whisper into her hair, pressing a feather-light kiss to her temple. "You're safe now. I promise."

Her breathing evens out as she drifts off, her body melting into mine like two puzzle pieces finally fitting together. And as I hold her, watching the steady rise and fall of her chest, I feel something shift inside me.

A resolve, stronger than ever before. A fierce, unshakable determination to keep her safe. To help her heal. To show her that she's worthy of love and happiness and everything good in this world.

No matter what it takes, no matter what I have to do...I'll be her shelter. Her protector. Her home.

And maybe, just maybe...if I'm lucky...I'll be her future, too.

But for now, in this moment, all that matters is the precious girl in my arms. The broken angel who's slowly piecing herself back together, one day at a time.

And I'll be here, holding her through the nightmares. Loving her in silence. Waiting for the day when she's ready to spread her wings and fly.

Until then...I'll just keep watching over her. My beautiful, brave survivor.

My Sophie.

SEVEN

TANK

Shadows cloakthe seedy dive bar as I pull my Harley into the lineup with my brothers' bikes. We cut the engines, plunging the night into an eerie silence. I signal to my men with a curt nod. It's go time.

My eyes bore into the bar's grimy windows, straining to hear the low murmur of conversation inside. Beside me, Ripper and Maverick tense, ready to unleash hell at a moment's notice. A familiar sensation crawls up my spine--something ain't right here.

Muffled voices filter out:

"...fresh merchandise coming in..."

"...young ones this time, easier to handle..."

The words slam into me like a sledgehammer. Bile rises in my throat. Those sick fucks are trafficking kids. Innocence ripped away, lives shattered. Not on my goddamn watch.

I whip my head toward Ripper, my voice a low growl. "Call in Ghost and Blade. Have 'em block the back exit." He nods, already reaching for his burner phone.

Maverick's icy blue eyes meet mine. "What's the play, Tank?"

Gears spin in my head as I rapidly formulate a plan. Adrenaline already courses through my veins, igniting a raging inferno in my core.

"We go in hard and fast. Locate the ringleaders. And make damn sure they never lay a finger on another innocent soul again."

My brothers nod, faces etched with grim determination. We live by a code--protect the innocent, defend the vulnerable. And rain down vengeance on those who prey on the weak.

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