CHAPTER 282: CHAPTER 282 FIRST WEEK CHALLENGES

Ava’s POV

As much as I craved another night in Joseph’s arms, common sense totally won out. After spending Sunday at Ryan’s house with our friends, I needed to head home and prepare for my new job. Joseph was not taking it well.

"If I’d known you weren’t staying over tonight, I would have handcuffed you to my bed this morning," Joseph complained as he walked me to my door.

I rolled my eyes. "And we wouldn’t have had that amazing day with our friends."

"The day was great, but having you naked beneath me is better than any social gathering," he replied, his husky tone making my knees weak.

I laughed at his pouty expression, though I couldn’t deny the pull I felt toward him. Our bodies fit together perfectly in a way I’d never experienced before—like we were truly made for each other.

"Goodnight, Joseph," I said, stretching up to kiss him one last time.

"Call me when you get in bed," he murmured against my lips.

"So you can talk dirty to me while my mom’s in the next room? Not happening."

I slipped inside, closing the door on his laugh. Mom was waiting in the living room with a knowing smile.

"From that glow on your face, I’d say your weekend was more than just ’good,’" she observed, putting down her mystical witchcraft book.

"It was incredible, Mom," I admitted, flopping onto the couch beside her. "I met some amazing friends and got myself a boyfriend who’s..." I closed my eyes, remembering Joseph’s touch, "...something else entirely."

She looked me over carefully and smiled. "That’s wonderful, honey! I’m so happy for you."

I sighed happily. "Life is really changing."

"Speaking of changes," Mom said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, "I’m calling the realtor tomorrow morning to start looking at apartments. I want you involved in choosing our new place."

"I’d love that," I said, suddenly excited about the prospect. "But remember I can only see places during lunch or after work. My new boss seems great, but I don’t want to take advantage in my first week."

"Smart thinking. Are you hungry? I can fix you something."

I shook my head. "No thanks, we ate at Ryan’s. I’m just going to shower and crash—I’m exhausted."

"I bet you are," Mom said with a sly smile that made me blush.

After kissing her goodnight, I headed to my room. Once showered and in bed, I fell asleep instantly, dreaming of deep eyes and strong hands.

Monday morning arrived with nervous anticipation fluttering in my stomach. I dressed carefully in a pencil skirt and blouse before heading to Thorne Enterprises. My excitement quickly turned to confusion when I was stopped at reception.

"I’m sorry, but you’re not on the approved visitor list," the receptionist said with a tight smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

"There must be a mistake. I’m Ava Flynn—Alpha Draven’s new assistant?"

"No mistake," she replied coolly. "Please exit the building."

When I tried to argue, she actually called security. Humiliated, I stepped outside and called Alpha Draven.

"Wait there," he said, voice tight with anger. "I’m coming down."

Minutes later, Alpha Draven strode through the front doors, his expression thunderous.

"Good morning, Ava," he greeted me. "What happened?"

"The receptionist said I wasn’t allowed in. When I insisted, she called security who threw me out!" I couldn’t keep the irritation from my voice.

"Come with me," he said.

After I identified the security guard who’d escorted me out, Alpha Draven called both him and the receptionist over, demanding an explanation. The woman said my entry wasn’t authorized and she had orders to remove me, though she refused to say from whom.

"You’re both fired," Draven said coldly. "Report to HR immediately to process your termination."

Their faces went pale as they slunk away. Draven led me through the building.

"Linda," Alpha Draven’s voice was glacial as he addressed the impeccably dressed woman at the desk. "Why was Ava’s entry blocked?"

The woman batted her eyelashes innocently. "Who is Ava, Alpha Draven?"

"Don’t play stupid, Linda. I sent you an email about my new assistant starting today."

"I don’t see why you need another assistant," Linda sniffed. "I’ve always managed everything perfectly fine."

Alpha Draven’s jaw tightened. "Since when do you decide my hiring practices?"

"I’m sorry, Alpha Draven," she mumbled, not sounding sorry at all.

"Have the desk next to yours set up as I already instructed. You’ll train Ava." His voice turned calculating. "You know I need a new executive assistant. I considered promoting you, but if you’re too attached to your current position..."

Linda’s eyes widened. "No! I mean—thank you for the opportunity, Alpha Draven. I’ll teach Ava everything she needs to know."

The moment Alpha Draven disappeared into his office, Linda’s friendly mask slipped. "Listen carefully, little girl," she hissed, leaning toward me. "Don’t cause me any problems, or I’ll destroy you."

I smiled coolly, refusing to be intimidated. "Don’t worry, Linda. We’ll get along just fine."

I kept my voice cold as I stared at her, watching her confidence waver before she looked away.

Despite Linda’s constant provocations throughout the week, I genuinely enjoyed my new job. The best part was meeting Rose—she was hilarious and quickly became my lunch buddy.

Between work and looking for apartments with Mom every night, I didn’t get to see Joseph all week. But we talked on the phone every night, and our conversations got pretty steamy. He was getting frustrated that we couldn’t be together, but I promised I’d make it worth the wait this weekend.

Friday evening, Mom and I finally found the perfect place after viewing what felt like a hundred apartments. It was a beautiful two-bedroom with large windows and a small balcony. The best part was that Mom could use our house as down payment, and we could move in within weeks.

Since we finished the viewing late, Mom suggested grabbing pizza. I invited Joseph to join us, but he declined.

"You two deserve a mother-daughter night," he said. "Besides, I’m putting the final touches on our weekend plans."

When I got home, I called him back while unpacking my purse.

"Hello, source of my sleepless nights," he answered playfully.

"Very funny," I laughed. "How’s your evening?"

"Miserable without you," Joseph sighed. "I didn’t think working for Draven would keep you away from me so much."

"It was just my first week," I defended. "And finding an apartment was harder than we expected."

"Tell me about the place you found."

I told him about the apartment and especially the perfect reading spot by the windows that I’d already picked out for myself. Joseph listened carefully, asking about the neighborhood and when I’d move in.

"So, Ava," he said when I finished, "are you mine this weekend?"

"All yours."

"Good, because I wasn’t planning to share you anyway. I’ll pick you up tomorrow at eight and have you back at Thorne Enterprises by Monday."

"The whole weekend?" I asked, surprised.

"Every single hour." His voice got deeper. "I made plans. Bring a swimsuit."

"Ooh, somewhere sunny!" I said excitedly.

"You’ll love what I planned," Joseph promised. "I want to get completely lost in you, Ava."

My stomach fluttered. "I think I’ll let you."

We talked until I could barely keep my eyes open.

After we hung up, I packed excitedly—summer clothes, a few swimsuits, and toiletries. I hung up my Monday work outfit separately.

Joseph showed up right at eight the next morning. The entire drive, Joseph wouldn’t give me even the smallest hint about where we were going, which made me more excited and nervous.