The Prison Project Novel

Chapter 135 Coban's POV The corridors felt narrower than usual and everyone seemed to be in a pissy mood after the meeting earlier - including myself . Every turn , every steel door , every flicker of the overhead lights drummed against my skull like a clock ticking its way down to nightfall . I didn't have much fucking time left ... I needed to find the two suited bastards before the swap began , before Margot got thrown out to some other inmate's mercy . The thought alone made my blood simmer . My boots hit the floor in quick , heavy steps as I took the back route toward the security exit .

If the suits weren't hovering near the admin offices , maybe they were coordinating something down by the gates . That was usually where any high - level visitors came through government , investors , anyone who wanted to keep their shoes clean of the cell blocks . By the time I hit the bottom level , the air changed . It always did down here . It was warmer , thicker , filled with the faint echo of the outside world . Beyond the reinforced glass and razor fencing was freedom ... just out of reach but getting closer each passing day ...

Two guards stood near the metal detector , both armed and both already eyeing me the second I appeared . " Yo , Santorelli , " one called out . " Where you think you're going down here ? This might be the dumbest escape attempt I've seen yet ! " I slowed , rolled my shoulders back , forcing an easy look across my face even as my pulse started to climb . " Got word from one of your guys upstairs . Said my father's down here to see me . " The taller guard straightened immediately , sharing a look with his partner . I caught the flicker of uncertainty flash between them .

Everyone here knew my father's name what kind of man he was . - " You're saying he's here ? " the taller one asked carefully . " Yeah , " I lied without hesitation . " So , I'm gonna go find out what the hell he wants before you two end up explaining why you kept me waiting . " They both shifted their stance . Cautious now . One even looked down the hallway toward the exterior gate , like he expected to see the devil himself walking up . " The guard was sending you on a wild goose chase , it seems , " the taller one said finally , tone careful . " Nobody's here to see you , Coban .

Where's your girl anyhow ? Abandoned her already ? " The smirk that followed made something inside me snap. I stepped forward slowly . The kind of slow that made men tense . The guard's hand hovered near his belt , but he didn't move it fast enough to matter . " Watch your tone , " I said quietly , my voice low enough that only the two of them could hear . " Or I'll have my father go on a wild goose chase for your family on the outside . How'd you like that idea ? " Chapter 135 The words hung between us , sharp and real . He froze , eyes wide , throat bobbing .

His partner muttered something under his breath , but neither of them said another word . I gave a sharp , humorless grin and stepped back . " Didn't think so . " Then I turned and walked away , muttering a curse under my breath . Nothing . Not a single fucking suit near the gates . Just guards doing their useless routines . By the time I reached the stairs again , my patience was shot . My mind was spinning too fast to focus , thoughts colliding like punches . I needed to think smarter . Quicker . If I couldn't find them , I'd have to make them find me .

Halfway up the stairwell , an idea struck hard enough to stop me mid - step . I froze , chest heaving , before a slow grin began to curl across my face . It was reckless . Stupid , even . But it would get me exactly where I needed to be ... I spun on my heel and started back toward the gym , picking up my pace until it turned into a jog . When I pushed through the double doors , Leo was exactly where I expected him - on the treadmill , pounding away at a brutal pace , sweat slicking his brow . He spotted me immediately . " That was quick , I take it you ... " " Punch me , " I snapped .

He stumbled on the belt , blinking in confusion . " What ? " " I need you to punch me , " I repeated , sharper this time , walking right up to the treadmill . Leo barked out a laugh , cutting the machine with a slap of his hand . " What the fuck are you talking about ? " He grabbed a towel and wiped his face , still chuckling . I didn't join him . " Do it . Make it look real . I need a reason to see the doctor . " He blinked . Then frowned . " You're not serious . " " I'm dead serious . " He looked over my shoulder toward the other side of the room , where Margot and Cara sat .

His eyes darted between them , then back to me . " So you aren't kidding ? You want me to fucking punch you ? " I shoved him hard in the chest . " Do it ! Make it a good one ! " " Jesus Christ , " he muttered , tossing the towel aside . " You're out of your damn mind . " " Maybe , " I said , jaw tight . " But we don't have time for better ideas . " He sighed , rolling his shoulders back , and for a second I saw the switch flip in his expression training , instinct , aggression all surfacing at once . 2/3 Chapter 135 " Fine , " he said . " Don't say I didn't warn you .

" Then his fist shot forward , fast and solid . The impact cracked across my nose like thunder . My head snapped back , stars bursting behind my eyes as a sharp , hot pain spread through my face . I stumbled , one hand catching the edge of the treadmill as I tasted blood . " Shit , " Leo muttered , shaking his hand out . " What's your nose made of ? Damn steel ?! " The metallic tang filled my mouth instantly , warm and slick as it ran down over my lips . My ears rang . I ignored the rush of dizziness that followed , pressing my tongue to the roof of my mouth to keep steady .

" Coban oh my god ! " Margot's voice cut through the static in my head , panicked , too close . " Are you alright ?! " Then Cara's came next , sharp and accusing . " Leo , why the hell would you do that to him ?! " 1 straightened slowly , wiping the blood from under my nose with the back of my hand . " I'm fine , " I rasped , shrugging off Margot's hands on my arm . " I asked him to . " They both froze . " What ? " Cara frowned . " You asked him to punch you ? " " I won't be long , " I said instead , already turning toward the door . Leo started laughing again , shaking his head .

" You're fucking insane , you know that ? " He yelled after me , before the door slammed shut behind me as I broke into a brisk stride down the corridor again , blood dripping freely now . Pain throbbed through my skull with every step , but I didn't care . Let the guards see me . Let the doctor see me . If that's what it took to get close enough to find the suits - then so be it - I'd bleed my way straight through to the medical wing ... Desperate men do stupid things ... But I knew I had somebody in the medical wing dumb enough to help me get exactly what I wanted ...

Sara Lili Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland's breathtaking cold.