The Prison Project (by Bethany Donaghy) novel Chapter 80

Coban’s POV

The screech of the cell doors unlocking jolted through the block like a bullet ricocheting off stone.

Metal on metal. A warning. A threat. A reminder of who held the power here.

The ones who kept us locked up…

I stood still and waited for Bella to exit the shower.

The sound of boots continued to thunder down the corridors before I saw them, guards moving with more energy than usual, yelling like we’d done something wrong already.”

Let’s go! Clear out the cells! Now!” one of them barked, fists pounding against the doors as he passed.

He needed to fucking calm down…

He was pissing me off…

My hands balled into fists at my sides before I forced them into my pockets.

I knew today was different – I’d known it since last night – but seeing them this riled confirmed it.

They were here for the women and obviously didn’t want to fall behind on schedule.

My jaw clenched as I glanced at the cell door, already hearing them approaching.

They wouldn’t dare to hit my door though…

I heard the bathroom door unlock as I turned and kept my eyes on her.

My Bella…

Her hair was still wet from the shower, looking startled but calm that she had managed to dress herself on time.

The door to our cell was yanked open with a force that rattled the hinges, and there they stood – three guards in full gear, batons strapped tight, faces set in that same smug look they all wore when they thought they were important.

“Females to the left line! Males stay in place until further instruction!” the leader of them called a guard I didn’t recognise which was rare.

Of course. No warning. No prep. Just yank her out and act like she was nothing but property again…

“She’s not a fucking prisoner in here you know?!” I snap out the second they had her outside, as the unfamiliar guard turned to approach me.

“What the fuck did you just say?!” He attempted, but I laughed and shook my head.

“Look, obviously you’re new here, but you don’t want to do this dance with me…” I warned, as he scoffed loudly, ready to respond, before a fellow guard intervened.

“Santorelli, that’s enough!” He stated, using my last name to somewhat inform the newbie of who he was dealing with.

Watching the colour leave the man’s face was something I had grown to enjoy… as he debated whether or not to apologise to me and make himself look like a complete pussy…

I sauntered past them to the outside of my cell door, scanning the room before my gaze settled on her, being lead towards the exit.

The lead guard stepped toward her, his hand landing on her shoulder to steer her in to line.

That single touch sent a flash of red through my vision. Something feral clawed at my throat. I hated it.

I hated that I couldn’t stop it.

I hated that I had no say.

No right.

But fuck, I hated that it was someone else touching her.

Because in my mind – whether I deserved it or not – Bella was mine now.

I watched her hesitate for half a second, then she turned to me. Her eyes found mine – wide and questioning – and then something softer passed through them.

She smiled. A tiny, hopeful smile. Like it was her way of telling me not to worry.

I didn’t smile back. I couldn’t. But I gave her a single nod. One movement. That was all I could offer her.

I hoped it was enough.

She was swallowed up into the line of women moving through the cell block, pastel uniforms shuffling in a blend of colour and exhaustion.

Some looked terrified, others relieved. A few whispered among themselves, but not her.

She walked quiet. Straight–backed. Chin high.

Around ten minutes passed as we waited here, before;

“Inmates, you’ll have a day to yourselves today, followed by regular visitations. Go for breakfast and a guard will come for you with your time slot!” One guard yelled at the top of his lungs as I rolled my eyes and grumbled.

Great.

I already knew who’d show up for mine!

I shuffled my way out with the rest of them, hungrier than usual since we’d missed dinner last night.

We had gotten good at that, which was something I hadn’t dared to do any time before her.

I always made sure to eat… food was fuel… especially in here!

I clambered down the hallways, no sign of a female in sight which almost made the entire thing feel false.

As though the project had never even happened…..

As though we had dreamed it…

Stepping in to the canteen, I paused to look at the full room.

We must all be in together today again…

So where is…

“Just you and me today, Santo!” I heard him enter the room behind me, his large palm slapping down on my back to announce his presence.

Leo…

He would help to pass the time…