Hired By A Mafia Boss

Chapter 6

Ava's POV

After kissing my mom goodbye, I stepped into the bustling streets of New York, pulling out my phone and dialing Kenny's number. I talk to Kenny and Draya every day, and that's not even up for debate. They're those people your day feels incomplete without. After a few rings, a lazy, half-asleep voice answered.

"Still in bed, lazy baby?" I teased, scanning the street for an empty cab. "Did you forget today's my first day working at that monster's mansion?" Saying it out loud made me cringe. It wasn't some fancy job or something. I would have preferred waiting tables than this. How do I even tell people I was hired to paint? Ridiculous! 

I could practically hear him sitting upright. "Oh my God, my little Ava is going to be working with the wicked weirdo!"

"You know, maybe he's not all that bad." I tried to defend my new boss for the benefit of doubt, though I had to admit, Kenny wasn't entirely wrong. Mr. Vaughn had a reputation—ruthless and intimidating. Still, I needed this job, and I was determined to see him in a different light, at least for my own peace of mind. I would force myself to endure the crap he dished out.

"You don't know him because you don't follow the gossip columns. I do, sweetheart, and trust me, that man is dangerous. I did my research. My advice? Walk away."

Why did everyone say that? Sure, Mr. Black exuded a certain air of mystery, but dangerous? Maybe. Still, there was something about him—something broken, something lost.

"Ava?"

"Kenny, I'm running late. I'll call you when I get home. Bye, munchkin." I ended the call and exhaled deeply. Just as I put my phone away, a loud honk made me turn. A sleek black SUV. Again.

I rolled my eyes. I was never talking to Roberto. Ever—he had tricked me yesterday. But when the car door opened, it wasn't Roberto who stepped out. Instead, a tall man, Chinese by appearance, walked towards me.

"Ava Hilton?" he asked, his voice smooth and confident.

I nodded. "And you are?"

"Cheng Napen," he responded, straightening his posture slightly as if his name alone was enough of an introduction.

"What do you want, Cheng? Did your annoying boss send you?" I already knew who sent him. It was that obvious. 

"Mr. Vaughn sent me to pick you up." He pulled out an ID card, proving his legitimacy.

Of course. Black car. Mysterious driver. Seemed about right.

Without another word, I slid into the backseat as Cheng held the door open for me. There was no use in fighting. Up close, he was undeniably attractive—tall, sharp-featured, and with a surprisingly friendly aura. What was with him hiring all these handsome men? Such a distraction.

Our conversation flowed easily during the drive, and I learned he was one of Mr. Vaughn's occasional drivers. He wasn't married, just 'enjoying life' with his girlfriend. By the time we pulled into the seemingly endless driveway, I had decided I liked him. Not Mr. Vaughn, Cheng. I could use a friend in this lonely mansion.

"Have a great first day, Miss Hilton," he said with a playful salute.

"Cheng, I told you, call me Ava. And thanks, I enjoyed the ride." I smiled before stepping out.

The mansion was imposing, its towering oak doors making me feel small. Instead of ringing the doorbell, I hesitated, recalling how Roberto had entered a code yesterday. Before I could overthink, the doors swung open on their own.

Well, that's cool.

I stepped into the silent house, half-expecting an automated voice to give me instructions. I giggled at my own ridiculous thought.