The Truck Driver

His Girl

Sherri began to round off questions. "Where ya from, how old are ya, ya pregnant?" she asked without thought, her sharp eyes locked onto Kayla.

Kayla straightened up, her voice steady but soft. "I'm from Richmond, I'm 18, and no ma'am, I'm not pregnant."

Tamera arched a brow, arms still crossed. "Whatcha want with our brother?"

Kayla hesitated, glancing at Tank before answering. "Umm, I don't want anything... I just like spending time with him."

Tank, who had been leaning against the counter with his arms crossed, didn't like the way they were interrogating her. He could see the nerves creeping into her expression, the way she fidgeted slightly under their scrutiny. That didn't sit right with him.

"Aight, that's enough," he said, his voice firm. "It's early, and I need to get ready for my day."

Terrance Jr. chuckled, shaking his head. "Not you kickin' us out."

Tank didn't smile. He deadpanned, his expression flat, making it clear he wasn't playing.

Sherri sighed, side-eyeing him. "Mmhmm, we goin'... for now." She turned to Kayla, her eyes still assessing. "We'll be seein' more of you, I'm sure."

Kayla nodded quickly, feeling like she had just survived an interview she hadn't prepared for.

One by one, they filed out, though Tamera and Tanya lingered a second longer, exchanging glances before following the rest of the family.

Tank shut the door behind them and locked it. "You good, lil' bit?" he asked, turning to Kayla.

She let out a long breath. "I think so."

Tank pulled her into his arms, rubbing her back. "They just nosy. Don't let 'em shake you."

Kayla rested her head against his chest, realizing just how deep she was getting into this.

Tank continued to hold her as she looked up at him.

"So, I'm your girlfriend?" Kayla asked, her voice light but curious.

"Yup," Tank said without hesitation. "Your mine, ain't cha?"

Kayla smiled at that, warmth spreading through her chest. She tried to pull away from his hold, but his grip tightened just enough to keep her close.

"Whatcha doin'?" Tank asked, his deep voice laced with amusement.

"Nothing... you said you had to get ready," Kayla reminded him, tilting her head up at him.

Tank chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't got shit to do today, but they wasn't 'bout to interrogate ya." His tone was firm, letting her know he wasn't playing when it came to her.

Kayla's heart swelled at that. "You protect me so good," she murmured, pressing a soft kiss to his chest.

Tank ran his fingers through her braids, his touch gentle. "Always," he promised.

Kayla sighed against him, feeling safe in a way she never had before. The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a golden glow over them. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she belonged somewhere. Like she had someone who truly cared.

Tank tilted her chin up with his fingers, looking into her eyes. "Ya hungry?" he asked, his voice softer now.

Kayla nodded. "A little bit."

"C'mon, let's eat. I ain't lettin' my girl starve."

Kayla smiled at that—his girl. She liked the way that sounded.