The Truck Driver

Thank you, Tanky.

Tank's eyes blinked open as the morning light peeked through the edges of the truck's curtains. His body was still warm, Kayla's smaller frame nestled against him. For a second, he just laid there, staring at the ceiling, feeling the weight of her trust still draped over him. He hadn't had a peaceful sleep like that in a long time, but now the reality of the day ahead was setting in.

With a deep exhale, he carefully unwrapped her arms from around him and sat up, rubbing a hand down his face. The truck stop outside was already alive with movement; engines roaring, men talking, the faint scent of diesel and coffee wafting through the air.

Kayla stirred beside him, her eyes fluttering open as she stretched.

"Morning," she mumbled, her voice still laced with sleep.

"Mornin," Tank responded, his deep voice slightly rough from sleep. He cracked his neck, rolling his shoulders before standing up. "I need to grab a shower 'fore we hit the road. You probably wanna freshen up too."

Kayla nodded, sitting up. "Yeah, I definitely need to."

Tank reached for his duffle bag, pulling out a fresh T-shirt and boxers. He glanced at Kayla, who was still rubbing the sleep from her eyes, her tank top slipping off one shoulder.

His jaw flexed. She was young, vulnerable, and right now, she needed protection more than anything.

He grabbed his towel and turned back to her. "Look, I'm ain't lettin' you out of my sight. Too many men around here that'd take one look at ya and see an easy target." His voice was firm but not harsh. Just facts.

Kayla nodded. She was starting to understand that out here, she had to move carefully.

"I'll shower first," Tank continued, "and ya wait in the stall. Then when I'm done, ya shower while I get dressed. That way, you're not out here alone."

Kayla hesitated for a second, then nodded again. "Alright."

Tank pulled on his sweats, tugged a hoodie over his bare chest, and grabbed his duffle bag. "Come on," he said, leading the way out of the truck.

The morning air was crisp, a sharp contrast to the warmth inside the rig. Kayla stuck close behind him as they entered the truck stop, the scent of bacon and coffee from the diner section filling the space. The showers were toward the back, a row of private stalls available for truckers who needed to clean up before getting back on the road.

Tank paid for their stall, nodding at the attendant before leading Kayla inside. The space was small but clean, with a bench, a sink, and a large shower area separated by a curtain.

Tank turned to Kayla. "Lock the door behind us."

She did as he said, her movements quick and precise.

"I'll be quick," he told her, tossing his bag onto the bench. He pulled off his hoodie, revealing a solid, muscled chest that made Kayla look away quickly.

Tank smirked but didn't say anything. Instead, he stepped into the shower, pulling the curtain closed behind him.

The sound of water hitting the tile filled the space, and Kayla sat down on the bench, waiting. She glanced around, her nerves settling a little now that she wasn't out in the open. She knew she could trust Tank; he hadn't given her a reason not to, but still, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was running out of time. That, somehow, Vince would find her.

Minutes passed, and eventually, the water shut off.

Tank stepped out, a towel slung low around his waist, his light skin glistening from the heat. Kayla looked down, trying to keep her eyes anywhere but on him.