Chapter 1

Aubrey's pov

"Mom! I'm leaving," I yelled at the top of my lungs so she heard me, wherever she was in this huge house. My mother was seven months pregnant with my baby brother which meant, that she wobbled when she walked, I found it really funny sometimes because there was so much she couldn't do while she had a big belly in the way, but her being the determined woman she was, she always found a way. Grabbing the keys off of the island, I walk to the front door, struggling in the process to put on my heels.

"Aubrey, honey wait," I heard her panting voice echo through the hall, she sounded like she was hurrying to catch up. She came into view carrying a laundry basket. I told you, she was determined. "I wanted to tell you good luck honey, I'm 100% sure you're going to get the job," she smiled, her vivid green eyes glistening with happiness. She was so proud of me becoming an independent woman. Yet, my dad still struggled on those terms. In his eyes, I would always be his little girl.

"Thanks mom, I love you." I hugged her, well I tried, the hug turned out to be more of a side hug due to her tummy. Judging by the pain and how tired she looked all the time, It made me not want kids, but I was extremely excited that I was no longer going to be an only child, and that I had a brother or sister coming on the way.

Locking the door behind me, I made my way to my gray Nissan parked on the driveway. My car was my baby, I actually worked 3 summers to be able to afford my car, unlike most of my friends. Their parents were the ones who bought them there vehicles, I'm proud to say I worked hard for mine. Pulling out of the driveway I felt the anxiety build up inside of me. What if I didn't get the job? should I back out? No! I have been waiting for so long, I have to do this. If they don't take me then it's their loss, I can find another company to work for, but I wasn't going to get anywhere if I gave up before I tried. Although they were one of New York's biggest companies, I tried my hardest not to get intimidated.

Pulling up, in front of the 72 story building which had Vanni enterprises written in bold, I made my way in. The whole place was furnished with modern furniture, high ceiling, and really expensive looking light fixtures. I made my way over to the front desk. "how may I help you," the receptionist sitting behind the desk asked without looking up from the computer. Wow, does this women have a six sense or something? detecting me without looking.

When she did look up she kept an emotionless glared at me. 'well I wonder what's got her in such a sour mood?' I thought to myself.

"Good morning," I greeted. "I have an appointment booked with Mr. Vanni," I replied. She could, in all honestly use a good morning, not that it seemed to change her mood in the slightest. looking back at the computer screen, she tapped a couple of times on her keyboard and in moments returned her gaze back to me.

"Aubrey Santiago?" I nodded in confirmation and she stood up. She started to walk to the elevator, ushering me to follow.

The 'ding' of the elevator pulled me out of my zoned out state. As I got in the elevator I had a good feeling that she really wasn't fond of me, she was giving me a hardcore stare during the elevator ride. Her impatient tapping of heels told me she wasn't the one to wait or waste time, so I rushed after her in my black heels as soon as the elevator opened.

The workers around us all wore professional clothes, and I was so thankful my mom forced me into the blouse and pencil skirt I did not want to be in. I didn't do anything special with my hair, it was naturally wavy running down my back it reached mid-waist.

"Here we are, Mr. Vanni will see you now," she opened the door and I stepped in cautiously, the door shut right behind me. I played with the end of my folder that I was holding, making my way to the man behind the mahogany desk. He was too engrossed in his work to look up.

I cleared my throat to gain his attention and it worked. He instantly stood up looking at me up and down. I felt like a deer caught in the headlights under his dangerous stare.

Holding out his hand he greeted himself first, "Hi, I'm Adone Vanni and you are...?" I instantly was taken back by him, his voice sounded like liquid gold, and his eyes held a mischievous gaze, from where I was standing, I could smell his masculine perfume from here. He was hot, very hot, hot in a way where the suit he was wearing moulded to his body perfectly, he looked like he belonged in a magazine from playboy, he left me awestruck. Oh god.

My eyes widened in realization, I had been gawking him. 'Shit', I mentally cursed. I stared up at him and noticed the Cheshire grin he was wearing. I swear, by now my face was beet red.

I saw his hand held out, and mentally slapped myself for not introducing myself. Quickly shaking his hand I spoke. "My name is Aubrey Santiago." I stepped back after the weird encounter, and he kept staring at me.

He seemed to notice my discomfort and finally spoke "Well, it's nice to finally meet you in person Miss. Santiago, I've heard a lot about you."

"All good things I hope," I mumbled, knowing fully he heard me.

"Yes all good things, your professors and references speak highly of you. Have a seat Miss. Santiago." I took a seat, and he followed after. "So where shall we start, do you have all the documents I asked you to bring for me?" I nodded before I handed him my folder that contained all my schooling information, my degrees, passport and my resume

"Just to let you know Miss. Santiago, I will have my team do a whole criminal background check on you as I do with all my employees, and anyone that works under me just for safety and security reasons, we want you to be aware of that." I nodded.

he took a while to go through the whole folder and at some point, I could see the shock in his face, I don't blame him, what can I say? I was an academic student back in school.

"This is...astonishing, quite unbelievable, you went straight into business after high school I assume, that's why you have your masters at such a young age, I don't know what to say you meet all the requirements listed for this job. Miss. Santiago you can have the job as soon as your criminal is checked and come out clean which I have no doubt will be clean." he smiled and rose up.

"I'll get my receptionist to give you a call after the check and we will get you set up for the assistant position, we will see you soon Miss. Santiago." he smiled, and walked me out not before sending me a playful wink.

Finally when I got out the reality sunk in. Oh my god, he winked at me.