Chapter 7
PRISON
9:32 a.m.
It’s been two days of busting my ass trying to look like a real guard when all I want is to get the hell out of this shithole. Between the prisoners’ comments and Anis and Franck’s crap. I’m reaching my limit.
Thankfully, I can count on Mathieu’s unwavering support. He’s honestly the only guard here who doesn’t seem corrupt. He works hard to help the inmates reintegrate into society when they get out. I never thought I’d meet someone so kind in a place like this.
Alexander got out of solitary this morning. I only caught a glimpse of him. I didn’t say anything. I can’t let anyone know I’m interested in him-it would just bring trouble.
10:34 a.m.
I’m patrolling the hallways with Mathieu when Anis shows up. He gives me a smug grin that can only mean trouble.
“Inara, you’re on shower duty with Franck.”
I raise an eyebrow. I’ve managed to avoid the showers since I got here. If he thinks I’m going in there, he’s out of his damn mind.
“What do you want me to do there?”
“Do your job! You’ve done jack shit since you got here! You’re going to monitor them!”
The prisoners still in their cells start making noise when they hear Anis shouting, but I stay calm.
“Don’t yell at me in front of the inmates, Anis. Keep it down.”
He glares and steps closer, trying to intimidate me. Mathieu steps between us to stop things from escalating.
“You run your mouth too much. No one hit you enough as a kid!”
“Mind your damn business, it’ll be a vacation for all of us!”
“Calm down, both of you,” says Mathieu. “You’re riling up the prisoners! Anis, I’ll handle the showers. She can stay here.”
“No one asked you! Don’t forget who runs things here and what I’m capable of! Need me to remind you what happened last time?”
Mathieu immediately lowers his head while Anis keeps smirking.
“I make the calls here. She’s going to the showers-and she better clench her ass if she doesn’t like it!”
He’s my superior, and he outranks me. I’d better not raise suspicions yet.
“You want me to go to the showers? Fine. All those inmates have balls way bigger than yours anyway! It’ll be nice to see some
real men!”
I said it loud enough for everyone to hear, with a dazzling smile to humiliate him. Of course, it worked-the prisoners burst out laughing and mocking him.
He tried to grab me by the hair and drag me toward him, but I dodged with a graceful bow and made my way to the showers
to carry out my “mission.”
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When I reach the showers. I spot Franck pretending to look away while the inmates bathe. They all stare at me, whistling and making pervy comments, but I say nothing. I look elsewhere to avoid glancing at their barely covered bodies, but my eyes accidentally lock with Alexander’s.
We hold each other’s gaze. When he sees I’m not about to look away, he gives a small, smug smile. My look isn’t flirty—it’s defiant and insolent.
“What are you staring at?”
I turn and see Franck inches from my face. I didn’t hear him coming and instinctively took a step back.
“None of your business.”
“I really hope you’re not eyeing the inmates.”
“If she wants to check us out, let her!” laughs one inmate.
“Doesn’t bother me. How about you, guys?” jokes another.
“You’re sweet, but I’m not the type to check out multiple guys at once.”
They all burst into laughter. I even catch a small smile on Alexander’s face.
He’s less ugly when he smiles.
They finish washing in silence, dry off, and dress quickly. Then they all line up in front of us. I watch them as Franck stands behind me.
I begin explaining the day’s schedule. Suddenly, they all start laughing-except Alexander, Fatih, and another guy I haven’t met yet.
“Are you messing with me or what?”
“Miss, your colleague is making obscene gestures behind your back.” Fatih says.
Now I get it. I turn to that asshole Franck, who’s laughing proudly at the scene.
“Knock it off, Franck. I’m not looking to argue with you in front of the others.”
I can’t play into his game. If the inmates see I take it personally, they’ll see my anger as a weakness.
“Sorry, couldn’t help it. Just picturing your mouth on my body makes me fantasize,” Franck adds.
Please tell me he didn’t just say that in front of everyone.
The room goes dead silent. No one moves. They’re waiting for my reaction.
Franck’s not stupid-he knows I can’t insult him in front of the inmates, even if I’d love to.
I stare him down, clenching my fists until my palms turn red to stop myself from smashing his head into a wall.
“Stop this little act before it really gets out of hand. You don’t want to see me lose it in front of them.”
“But you’re much kinkier in private.”
“Franck, stop this behavior immediately unless you want more trouble. This young lady did nothing to deserve that,” Fatih
chimes in.
I turn to Fatih, surprised he’s defending me.
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“Stay out of it, old man,” Alexander mutters to him.
Even though it was whispered, I heard it-and apparently Franck did too.
“Don’t get involved, Fatih, unless you want to end up in solitary!”
“I swear, if you send him there, we’ll find you dead like the piece of shit you are,” Alexander threatens.
Franck raises his eyebrows and clenches his fists.
“Everyone out! Back to your quarters, now-except Fatih and Alexander!”
He shouted so loud the others scrambled out. I’m left alone with Fatih, Franck, and Alexander.
“You have no right to disrespect this young woman, especially in front of other men,” Fatih says.
I don’t want him involved-it’s not worth him getting in trouble.
“It’s fine, Fatih. He’s not worth it. Just a clown,” I say.
“You, Fatih, don’t have the right to butt in when I’m talking to my colleague!” Franck yells.
Alexander steps in too.
“That’s what you call ‘talking’? You insulted her and said filthy shit in front of all the guys drooling over her. I just got out of the hole-I’m not letting you piss me off, so shut the hell up!”
Alexander walks up to Franck until they’re almost nose-to-nose.
“That’s the last time you threaten the old man with solitary. Next time, I’ll mess you up. Got it?”
Franck nods stiffly and bolts from the room.
Despite his youth, Alexander commands respect. My father was right to be wary of him.
I turn to Fatih with a big smile as Alexander leans against the wall, hands in his pockets.
“Thanks for standing up for me, but don’t get in trouble over me. I can handle jerks like him.”
“I know, miss, but women deserve respect, and that idiot seemed to forget it. Someone had to remind him.”
I smile, placing a hand on his shoulder. He smiles back and leaves the room. I’m alone with Alexander.
“The old man seems to like you. He loses all composure when he sees a hot chick.”
“Oh yeah? So now I’m hot?”
I say it with a teasing smile. His face hardens and he frowns.
“Don’t get carried away. Just because every guy in here’s starving doesn’t mean you’re a goddess. I’ve been with women you couldn’t compare to.”
“I never claimed to be a goddess. Don’t put words in my mouth.”
“You don’t say it, but it’s obvious-you’re the type of woman who thinks she’s all that.”
“You don’t know me. Stop judging.”
“The old man took a liking to you. He defended you, and he’ll probably do it again. Franck’s going to make him pay, and I
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don’t want him getting hurt.”
“I didn’t ask to be protected. In case you didn’t notice, I had it under control.”
He stares at me indifferently, doesn’t respond, and starts walking away. I need to stay focused on my mission-I’ve got less than a month to find out why he’s here and uncover his secret.
“Alexander, wait!”
It hurts my pride, but this is for a greater cause. If I succeed, my father might finally see my worth-and maybe give me some peace.
