In prison, even the slightest movement could stir up ripples in the already oppressive environment.
Ever since Nicole and Ben had had their heart-to-heart in the public shower, their relationship had sparked like a fire catching wind—intense and rapidly escalating. The love they'd kept bottled up for so long was completely unleashed in that private, heated moment, and since then, neither could stop thinking about the other.
But the prison was full of eyes. Even though they'd been careful, the little slip-ups—a lingering glance, a stray gesture—didn't escape the notice of the more observant prisoners. No one had any concrete proof, but some people had sensed the shift.
At first, it was just a couple of inmates whispering to each other, eyes constantly on them, smiles full of meaning. Bef
