Page 36 of Tank

"I love you," I rasp against her skin, the words torn from someplace deep and true. "You're mine now, Sophie. And I'll burn the world down to keep you safe."

She lifts her head, eyes shimmering in the dark. Her palm cradles my cheek, thumb brushing my lips. "I love you too, Tank. No matter what happens...I'm yours."

As we drift toward sleep, I silently vow to be the shield to her sword, the shelter to her storm. She walked into my life, bruised and battered but never broken. Filled the void that war and violence had carved.

I'll keep her safe. Whatever it takes. Because she's my redemption...and my future.

A few days later, I'm jolted awake by an urgent pounding at the door. My instincts flare, muscles coiling. Beside me, Sophie stirs, fear flickering in her sleepy eyes.

"Stay here," I growl, slipping from the bed. I grab my Glock from the nightstand, stalking toward the door. Every sense is heightened, ready for a threat.

Another knock, insistent. Harsh. I peer through the peephole, tension ratcheting up my spine. It's Ripper, the club's Road Captain. His face is grim, splattered with blood.

Fuck.

I yank open the door, Glock at the ready. "What the hell happened?"

Ripper pushes inside, his eyes wild. "Ambush. They hit Perdition. Came outta nowhere, man. It's bad."

Ice slides through my veins. Perdition. My brothers. Under attack.

Sophie appears in the bedroom doorway, a sheet wrapped around her. Pale and wide-eyed. I want to shield her from this, but there's no time.

"How many? The Cartel?" I demand, already reaching for my cut.

Ripper shakes his head. "Nah, man. It's that fuckin' trafficker. Santiago. He's coming for the girl."

A snarl rips from my throat. I should've put that bastard in the ground when I had the chance.

Sophie makes a choked sound, stumbling back. Her eyes are haunted, terrified. I cross to her in two strides, gathering her trembling body against mine.

"He won't touch you," I vow fiercely. "I'll fuckin' end him first."

But even as I say it, dread coils in my gut. Perdition is compromised. Nowhere is safe. Santiago's a rabid dog, and he'll tear through anyone in his path to get to Sophie.

I have to stop him. Have to protect what's mine.

Ripper clears his throat. "Tank, we gotta roll. Prez needs us at Perdition. Damage control."

I look down at Sophie, torn. I can't leave her. Can't risk her. But my brothers...

"Take me with you," she whispers, tilting her chin. Determined, despite the fear. "I won't hide anymore. I can't."

Pride and terror war in my chest. My brave, stubborn girl. But the thought of her in the crossfire...

"Sophie-"

"I'll stay in the van," she insists. "But I won't be separated from you. Not again."

I crush her to me, breathing her in. Fuck, I love this woman. Love her fire, her strength.

"Okay," I rasp. "But you do exactly as I say. No risks. No playing hero. Got it?"

She nods against my chest. "I promise."

Ripper clears his throat again, urgent. "Brother, we gotta move. Shit's going down."

I release Sophie reluctantly, my mind shifting to battle mode. Plans and contingencies swirling.

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