Page 33 of Tank

I smile at that, pride swelling in my chest. Because I'm one of them now. A part of this fierce, loyal family.

Together, we rise to our feet, our hands entwined. Ready to face whatever comes our way.

As we step into the main room of Perdition, the women look to us with a mix of fear and hope in their eyes. They're counting on us, on the strength we've found in each other.

I squeeze Tank's hand, drawing courage from his touch. "We've got this," I murmur, more to myself than to him.

But he hears me anyway, his lips curving into a proud smile. "Damn straight, little one. We've got this."

And I believe it. Because we're not just fighting for ourselves anymore. We're fighting for something bigger. For the chance to build a life free from fear.

The heavy door creaks as we push it open, stepping out into the morning light. The air is crisp, the sun just beginning to crestover the horizon. I pause for a moment, tilting my face up to the sky. Feeling the warmth on my skin.

It's a simple thing, really. But after the darkness of the past few days, it feels like a fucking miracle.

Tank's hand rests on the small of my back, a gentle pressure that grounds me. Reminds me that I'm not alone. That I'll never be alone again.

I take a deep breath, the scent of dew-soaked grass and motor oil filling my lungs. It's the smell of a new day. Of a fresh start.

And for the first time in longer than I can remember, I feel a flicker of hope in my chest. A tiny flame that grows stronger with each passing moment.

"You okay, Sophie?" Tank asks, his voice low and rough with concern.

I nod, leaning into his touch. "Yeah. I am. For the first time in a long time, I think I'm gonna be okay."

He turns me to face him, his hands cupping my cheeks. His thumbs brush over my skin, wiping away the tears I didn't even realize I was crying.

"You're the strongest woman I know, little one. You survived hell and came out the other side. And now, you're gonna help others do the same."

I smile up at him, my heart so full it feels like it might burst. "We both are. Together."

He leans down, his forehead pressing against mine. "Always, Sophie. You and me, we're in this for the long haul."

And I know it's true. Because what we have, it's more than just a fleeting spark. It's a bond forged in the fires of adversity. A love that will never be broken.

Hand in hand, we walk towards the bikes, towards our future. Ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

Because with Tank by my side, I know I can conquer anything. Even my darkest demons.

The rumble of engines fills the air as the Iron Reapers mount up, their leather cuts gleaming in the sunlight. They're more than just a club. They're a brotherhood. A family.

And now, I'm a part of that family too. A survivor. A warrior.

As we ride out, the wind whipping through my hair, I feel a sense of exhilaration. Of freedom.

This is just the beginning of our journey. The start of a new chapter.

And I can't wait to see where it takes us.

ELEVEN

TANK

The rough buzzof my cell phone rattles against the bar. I swipe to pick up, bringing it to my ear.

"Tank! They got Jasper's old lady and kid. Took 'em right from their goddamn house." Ripper's normally gruff voice trembles with rage and fear.

My blood turns to ice. "Fuck!" I slam my fist on the bar top, rattling glasses. My mind races, running threat scenarios. The trafficking ring finally made a move. And Sophie...she's here, exposed. If they're hitting families, she's a prime target.

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