The Prison Project (by Bethany Donaghy) novel Chapter 204

Margot’s POV

“I’m just making sure she’s looked after properly,” he said flatly after a beat.

The doctor raised brow slightly but didn’t push it.

“Of course,” he replied smoothly, before turning his attention back to me. “Any dizziness? Nausea? Trouble sleeping?”

I shook my head.

“No… actually, I slept really well with the pill you gave me.” I told him, almost shocked it had actually worked.

He smiled faintly at that.

“Good. That means the medication is doing its job. I’ll give you another for tonight.” He states, as I thanked him.

“I’ll keep you on the same pain management for now, but I want you taking it easy. No unnecessary movement, no stress on your body…”

His eyes flicked briefly intentionally toward Coban.

“…and that includes anything that might aggravate your injuries.” I felt my cheeks warm slightly at the implication, but Coban only scoffed under his breath.

“She’s not lifting a finger unless she needs to,” he muttered his compliance, changing the topic.

The doctor gave a small nod, seemingly satisfied.

“I’ll also fix some fresh bandaging for you and a follow-up for tomorrow, just to keep everything clean and healing properly.” He made a move for the supplies.

“Thank you,” I said softly, amazed by how kind this doctor was compared to the rest.

He smiled once more before moving toward the cabinet, rummaging around.

And for a moment…

Everything felt like it was actually going to be okay in the end.

I’d heal. I’d move on. Coban would change for the better. He’d make it out of this place…

But as I glanced toward Coban, still standing there.

Still tense.

Still scanning the room like he was waiting for something to go wrong…

I knew that sense of calm wouldn’t last for long.

Because Addison was still somewhere in this building.

And sooner or later…

We were going to run into her.

The final wrap of fresh bandaging was secured carefully around my ribs, the doctor’s hands gentle but firm as he stepped back to assess his work.

“That should do nicely,” he nodded. “Keep these dry, we can change them again tomorrow if you remove them to shower and remember – rest.”

“I will,” I promised, sliding off the bed slowly.

Coban was already moving the second my feet hit the floor.

Like a switch had flipped the moment the doctor was done with me.

“Thanks,” he muttered toward the doctor, but his attention wasn’t there anymore.

It was elsewhere.

Already gone.

And before I could even process it-

His hand found mine.

Firm.

Possessive.

“Coban…” I started, but he was already pulling me past the door and toward something…

Fast.

Moving too fast.

And as I looked up, I realised what exactly was going on…

“Coban… what are you doing?!” I hissed under my breath, trying to slow my steps, but his grip only tightened.

“Handling something.” he muttered.

Before I could argue or try to stop him again, we reached the centre of the floor.

The nurses’ station straight ahead…

And there, now sat behind that very desk, was her!

Addison!

My stomach dropped instantly at the sight of that blonde ponytail and today’s choice of red lipstick – seeming highly inappropriate for a prison medical wing…

She was mid-conversation with another nurse, flicking through a clipboard, like she didn’t have a care in the world, until-

Her eyes lifted.

And locked onto us.

A step closer to her.

Causing some of the other nurses to scramble to create distance…

“Don’t you fucking speak to her again, you can deal with me direct!” He hisses, as she giggles at that, unfazed by his temper.

“Oh, I thought I already was dealing with you direct…” she drawled, making sure I caught the suggestion, as my stomach churned at the thought.

Staff were all watching.

Waiting for something to happen.

But Addison didn’t look scared.

Not even slightly.

If anything…

She looked entertained by this.

Coban’s jaw flexed.

“I’ll fucking ruin your life Addison, trust me, there’s plenty ways to do it too try me!” He seethed, finally letting go of my hand only to point a finger at her chest before pushing her hard with it.

Eventually there was a flicker of something behind her eyes…

Something uncertain passed through her, but she tried desperately to mask it.

“You think you can threaten her when she’s lying helpless in a bed up here and get away with it?!” He snapped further, as I continued to search frantically for the sign of any guards.

That was the last thing we needed… Coban locked away for the night in solitary!

“Coban you’re overreacting, and so is SHE, we only had a little talk! Maybe the meds are making her go crazy!” She flicked her ponytail behind her shoulder, a desperate attempt to look unbothered when everyone in here could see right through her.

It made me mad, her lies, the way she acted all innocent and as though she was the one in control here… but she was far from it!

“I didn’t make anything up!” I stated, shocked at myself for speaking up so confidently, and Coban seemed taken aback by it to

“Fuck off, will you? Let the adults talk!” She hissed, and before anyone in the room could even attempt to intervene.

The crisp sound of a harsh slap came like a whip hitting against concrete…

Chairs rattled, papers scattered, and before I knew it – Addison was sprawled all over the floor, grasping her reddening face.

“This isn’t over either, you fucking little rat!” Coban turned, grabbing my hand with the same palm that had just left Addisons face only seconds ago.

And with that, he took us both back to the elevator, and out of there – breathing hard and not saying another word.

Jeez… well that was… definitely something?!