Page 25 of Tank

As we approach the warehouse, the Reapers fall into formation. Bikes flank us on either side, a wall of chrome and steel. The anticipation is electric, the air crackling with tension.

Tank pulls to a stop, his body coiled like a spring. He turns to face me, his hands gripping my shoulders. "Stay close, little one. I need you safe."

I swallow hard, my heart hammering against my ribs. "I will. I promise."

His gaze burns into mine, searching. For a long moment, we simply stare at each other, the world falling away.

Then Tank is pulling me to him, his mouth crashing down on mine. The kiss is fierce, desperate, a searing brand. I gasp into it, my fingers tangling in his hair.

He kisses me like a man possessed, like he's pouring every ounce of fear and longing into this one moment. I can taste the whiskey on his tongue, the raw need.

We break apart, both of us breathing hard. Tank rests his forehead against mine, his eyes closed. "Sophie, I..."

But there's no time for words. The Reapers are moving, the plan in motion.

Tank gives me one last searing look, a promise of things to come. Then he's gone, stalking towards the warehouse with murder in his eyes.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. It's now or never.

For the girls. For redemption.

For a future worth fighting for.

As the taste of Tank lingers on my lips, a wave of conflicting emotions crashes over me. I grip my gun tighter, trying to center myself, but my mind is reeling.

Tank's hand on my arm startles me back to the present. "Sophie, listen to me." His voice is low, urgent. "What happened just now... It shouldn't have. Not like this."

I blink up at him, my stomach twisting. "What do you mean?"

He sighs, his jaw clenching. "You're vulnerable right now. And I'm supposed to be protecting you, not taking advantage."

"You're not-"

"I am." He cuts me off, his eyes fierce. "You deserve better than a quick fuck before a firefight. You deserve... everything."

My throat tightens, tears stinging my eyes. No one has ever said anything like that to me before. No one has ever made me feel so seen, so valued.

"Tank, I..." I trail off, unsure how to put the riot of feelings into words.

He shakes his head, his expression softening. "We'll talk later, okay? After we get those girls out. After we burn those fuckers to the ground."

I nod, swallowing hard. "Okay."

Tank squeezes my arm once more before moving away, barking orders to the others. I watch him go, my heart a tangled mess in my chest.

The unresolved tension simmers between us, adding another layer of complexity to an already impossible mission. But there's no time to dwell on it now.

Innocent lives hang in the balance. The past hovers like a specter, demanding justice.

I take a deep breath, pushing aside the lingering heat of Tank's kiss, the ache of words left unsaid.

It's time to end this nightmare, once and for all.

No matter the cost.

NINE

TANK

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