Page 31 of Tank

We move through Perdition, checking on the girls, making sure they've got what they need. Blankets, water, a kind word or a gentle touch. It's not much, but it's a start.

As we work, my mind races, piecing together the fragments of information Chloe's given us. Pier 41, a shipment coming in.It's not a lot to go on, but it's something. A thread to pull, a chance to unravel this whole damn operation.

Tank must see the determination in my eyes, the set of my jaw, because he leans in close, his voice low and rough. "We'll get these bastards, Soph. I promise you that."

I nod, my throat tight with emotion. I know he means it, know he'd tear the world apart to keep that promise. To keep me safe, to give these girls a chance at a better life.

It's a heavy burden to bear, the weight of so many shattered lives resting on our shoulders. But as I look around the room, at the faces of these women, these survivors, I know it's a burden worth carrying.

We'll take on the traffickers, the corrupt cops, the whole fucking system if we have to. We'll fight until every last one of these girls is safe, until the streets are cleansed of the filth that preys on the vulnerable.

It won't be easy, and it sure as hell won't be pretty. But with Tank by my side, with the strength of the Iron Reapers at our backs, I know we can do it.

We have to. For Chloe, for all the others like her. For the parts of ourselves we see reflected in their haunted eyes.

So I square my shoulders, my hand finding Tank's, our fingers intertwining. A silent promise, a vow whispered in the space between heartbeats.

We'll ride this road together, no matter where it takes us. And god help anyone who tries to stop us.

9 - 10

Tank's hand tightens around mine as he nods, his jaw set with determination. "We'll make this right, little one," he murmurs, his voice low and rough with emotion. "You have my word."

I lean into him, drawing strength from his solid presence, from the unwavering conviction in his tone. I know he means it,know he'd tear the world apart to keep that promise. To keep me safe, to give these girls a chance at a better life.

It's a heavy burden to bear, the weight of so many shattered lives resting on our shoulders. But as I look around the room, at the faces of these women, these survivors, I know it's a burden worth carrying.

We'll take on the traffickers, the corrupt cops, the whole fucking system if we have to. We'll fight until every last one of these girls is safe, until the streets are cleansed of the filth that preys on the vulnerable.

It won't be easy, and it sure as hell won't be pretty. But with Tank by my side, with the strength of the Iron Reapers at our backs, I know we can do it.

We have to. For Chloe, for all the others like her. For the parts of ourselves we see reflected in their haunted eyes.

So I square my shoulders, my hand finding Tank's, our fingers intertwining. A silent promise, a vow whispered in the space between heartbeats.

We'll ride this road together, no matter where it takes us. And god help anyone who tries to stop us.

The hours blur together as we work, tending to the wounded, offering comfort where we can. Tank's brothers move like a well-oiled machine, their gruff exteriors belying the gentleness in their hands as they distribute food and blankets.

I catch snippets of conversation, hushed whispers and choked sobs. Stories of horror and survival, of desperation and defiance. Each one a shard of broken glass, sharp enough to draw blood.

But there's a resilience here too, a flicker of hope that refuses to be extinguished. I see it in the way they lean on each other, in the fierce protectiveness that shines in their eyes.

They've been through hell, but they're still standing. Still fighting.

Just like me.

Just like Tank.

As the night wears on, I feel the adrenaline begin to fade, exhaustion seeping into my bones. I sway on my feet, my vision blurring at the edges.

Strong arms wrap around me, pulling me close. Tank's scent envelops me, leather and smoke and something uniquely him. "I've got you," he rumbles, his breath warm against my ear. "Lean on me, little one."

And I do. I let myself sag against him, let his strength become my own. He holds me up, keeps me from falling apart.

In this moment, I'm not just surviving. I'm living. I'm breathing. I'm feeling.

And it's because of him.

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