The Prison Project (by Bethany Donaghy) novel Chapter 152

**TITLE: Keeper 152**
**The Prison Project**

**Chapter 152**

*Coban’s POV*

“Just bring the damn toast with you!” I barked, my voice slicing through the din of the canteen with a sharpness that turned several heads in our direction.

Yet, Cara remained utterly unfazed.

She continued to nibble on her minuscule piece of toast, taking her sweet time as if the world around us had come to a standstill. With each deliberate chew, her eyes flicked up to meet mine, a smug glint dancing in them that made my jaw tighten in frustration.

“Why does it take you so long to eat?” I snapped, my fingers drumming impatiently against the edge of the table. “I finished my meal ten minutes ago.”

She merely shrugged, unbothered by my irritation. “I’m hungry. Can’t help it.”

Another tiny bite.

Infuriatingly small.

I glared at her as if she had personally insulted my entire lineage.

For weeks, I had been practically begging Margot to consume more than half a meal on good days, watching her push food around her plate like it was a tiresome chore. And here I was, watching her best friend devour her toast as if she were compensating for both of them.

“Where the hell do you even put it all?” I muttered, irritation bubbling to the surface. “You don’t have a big stomach to fill. Surely that’s enough to get you to lunch?”

She giggled.

Actually giggled.

That was it.

“Don’t you want to go see Leo and Margot?!” I exclaimed, leaning in closer, my voice rising in urgency. “Or are you planning to chew that same piece of toast until dinner?”

Finally, I had her attention.

Cara let out an exaggerated sigh and dropped the last pitiful corner of toast back onto her tray. “Alright, okay. Jeez. Come on then.”

I sprang up from my seat so quickly that the stool screeched against the floor, a loud protest to my sudden movement.

Without thinking, I grabbed her wrist and started pulling her toward the exit.

—

I needed to move.

I needed to see her right now.

I had to inspect her with my own two damn eyes and ensure she was truly okay.

The morning had already spiraled into chaos. Fights broke out, voices rose in anger, and blood stained the ground. The entire place felt electric, on edge because of the swap. Every second she was out of my sight gnawed at me like an exposed nerve.

I didn’t like it.

I didn’t like not knowing exactly where she was or who was near her.

The thought of another man standing in my place to care for her—especially if that man was Leo—made my stomach churn.

“Ease up, Coban!” Cara complained from behind me, half-jogging to keep pace. “You’re crushing my wrist! Is this how you drag my friend around this place too?”

I didn’t respond.

Because… yeah.

That was how I moved Margot through this place—quickly, firmly, with no room for hesitation. I had never thought twice about it. She never complained. Never pulled away.

But the way Cara said it… the sharpness in her tone…

Something twisted uncomfortably in my gut.

Did I hurt Bella sometimes without realizing?

Was she too frightened to say anything?

I slowed my pace slightly, loosening my grip without a word.

I made a mental note.

It was clear I didn’t know my own strength.

We pushed through the corridor toward the gym, guards stationed more heavily than usual, their eyes sharp and hands resting near their weapons. The atmosphere felt stifling, as if one wrong move could ignite the entire building.

As we reached the doors, I released Cara’s wrist and stepped inside first, my instincts guiding me as I scanned the room.

—

Quiet.

Just as I had requested.

Weights lay untouched, mats clean, no bodies, no shouting.

And then I saw her.

Margot.

She was seated on the familiar sofa near the wall—the one she always occupied while I trained. Her hands were folded neatly in her lap, her posture small and unassuming.

Pink.

So much damn pink.

My chest loosened at the sight of her alive and whole, but it immediately tightened with something darker.

Across from her sat Leo, relaxed, his elbows resting on his knees as he spoke to her in hushed tones.

Cara spotted them at the same moment and immediately turned theatrical.

“Oh my God, Leo!” she exclaimed, rushing ahead. “Your friend is a psychopath! You’ve got to save me from him!”

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