The Truck Driver

Defenders

I made it to Brazil, here y'all go!

Tank laid in the silence as he held Kayla in their bed, his strong arms wrapped protectively around her. She had calmed down since earlier when her mother and that sorry excuse for a man she called a stepfather trespassed on the Carter's Compound. He'd done what any real man would do—handled that motherfucker without hesitation. And he didn't regret a damn thing.

Kayla had been too caught up in her panic to notice at first, but when the ambulance pulled up and they had to scrape Vince's sorry ass off the ground, she saw it. Saw the damage Tank had done, saw just how deep his love for her ran. He had kept his promise—to protect her, to defend her. Because she was his, and he wasn't about to let nobody come in and shake up what they were building.

She rested her hand on her small belly, feeling the flutter of life growing inside her. She didn't know she could love Tank more than she already did, but tonight proved otherwise.

He kissed the top of her head, his grip tightening around her. "You good, baby?" His voice was low, deep, filled with nothing but concern.

Kayla nodded against his chest, exhaling slowly. "Yeah... I just... I never thought I'd have this. A family. Real love."

Tank shifted, leaning up on one elbow so he could look down at her. "You do now. Ain't nobody takin' that from you."

She stared up at him, her brown eyes glossy with unshed tears. "I love you, Tyler."

That was it for him. He didn't hesitate. He leaned down, capturing her lips with his, pouring everything he felt into that kiss. It was deep, slow, possessive—he needed her to feel it, to know she was his, just as much as he was hers.

His rough hand slid over her belly, his thumb tracing gentle circles over the slight curve. "Both of y'all mine."

Kayla melted against him, sighing softly. "Forever?"

Tank smirked, his lips brushing against hers again. "Forever, lil' bit."

Tank didn't rush her, didn't push for anything more than this moment, holding her, protecting her, loving her the way she deserved. His fingers traced lazy circles over her belly, his other hand tangled in her curls as he held her close.

"You feelin' okay?" he asked, his deep voice vibrating against her.

Kayla nodded, her body relaxing into his warmth. "Yeah, just tired. Drained."

"I bet," he murmured. "You been through a lot today. But it's over. They gone. Ain't nobody comin' back 'round here fuckin' with you. I put the fear of God in 'em."

She swallowed, remembering the sight of Vince's bloodied face. She should've felt some sort of guilt, but she didn't. That man had tormented her for years, and now, for the first time, he was the one in pain.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Tank lifted her chin so she had no choice but to look at him. "You ain't never gotta thank me for doin' what I'm supposed to do, baby."

She blinked back tears, overwhelmed by the love she felt for this man. He wasn't just talking. He meant every damn word.

A soft knock at the door made them both turn.

"It's me, baby," Sherri's voice called softly. "Just wanna check on y'all."

Kayla wiped her face and nodded at Tank, who got up and opened the door. Sherri stepped in, her eyes immediately locking on Kayla.

"How you feelin', baby?" she asked, concern lacing her voice as she sat on the edge of the bed.

Kayla offered a small smile. "I'm okay, mama. Just... tired."