Cold Stone

Chapter 1

(Introduction)

Ava’s POV

I walked inside the three-bedroom flat belonging to my boss, Madam Nada. She owns Nada’s Strippers Club, a brothel, and several other bars across California. I have been with her for four years, ever since she plucked me from the streets. I just turned nineteen two weeks ago, in the month of September. As usual, I had picked up some classic G-strings for her from her regular supplier.

Initially, my impressions of Madam Nada were negative. However, after getting closer to her, I realized she was a woman of good character with a genuine personality. I had feared she wanted to trade me into prostitution, but it was quite the opposite.

I work for her primarily as a housemaid, though I occasionally help out at her businesses depending on the day's sales. Madam Nada took me in like her own daughter, having been unable to conceive for the past six years.

She told me the story herself. Madam Nada was once married, but she was cast out and divorced by her husband's family when they discovered she was barren. It was an unexpected end to a life she thought would be filled with children and lovely memories.

I shut the door behind me and walked toward her, carrying the bag of goods.

“Did you get something to eat on your way here?” she asked, taking the bag from me.

“No, I didn't. I didn't want to spend the change on street food. It’s an unnecessary expense. I’ll just prepare some pasta with green soup,” I replied, brushing my hair back from my face.

“Prepare some for me and for Dalton, too,” she called out. I couldn't help but shiver at the thought of her boyfriend being around.

“Madam Nada?” I called, walking back out of the kitchen.

“Huh?” she hummed, her soft, gentle eyes meeting mine.

Should I tell her or not? Gosh, I’m confused, I thought. I didn't want to be the cause of a rift or a separation. I hesitated for a short moment and decided to keep quiet.

“I’ll miss you,” I wiggled like a baby, making her laugh. She genuinely laughed—her bright face and those charming, deep dimples made me want to hug her tight. Madam Nada never once treated me like a maid; she treated me like a sister.

“I’m not in the mood for your jokes, Ava baby,” she chuckled. “Do you want to hug Mama?”

She asked with a melting smile, and I nodded without a second thought. Why would I hesitate with someone who never mistreated me, despite how clumsy I am? She stroked my hair gently and planted a kiss on my forehead.

“I want to get some things from the general market... I promise it won't take long. If it does, I’ll text you,” she said, disengaging from the hug.

“Okay,” I replied.

I followed her to the door and watched her walk to her black Toyota. The security guard opened the gate, and she drove out. As usual, I was alone—at least until her boyfriend arrived to pick up his food.

I never liked her boyfriend. His eyes looked creepy, and they gave me goosebumps every time our gazes met. I tried to enjoy the silence before he arrived to ruin my mood. Today would be the third time I’d be alone with him.

I draped my headphones around my neck with one goal in mind: cooking my delicious pasta. I started the prep with my music playing. I was about to place the nonstick pan on the gas stove when I suddenly remembered I hadn't locked the front door.

“That son of a bitch...” I cursed, rushing to the door and throwing the bolt.

I took a long, relaxing breath as I leaned against the wood. I didn't even feel safe in my own home—not when a man like Dalton was after a teenage girl like me. It wasn't as if he lacked options; he was rich enough to afford the most expensive company in the world. So why me? I refused to let him take my dignity. I was determined to remain a virgin until I found the right man. Maybe I should visit Gold when I’m done with everything, I thought.

I ran to my bedroom to take a quick shower while the pasta water boiled. I couldn't allow him to catch me off guard today, especially since Madam Nada wouldn't be gone long. I dressed quickly in black jeans and a white round-neck t-shirt. I knew why he chased me; it was hard to ignore the attention a nineteen-year-old girl with a body like Cardi B's attracted.

I rushed out of my room, pulling my long, straight hair back, intending to check on the pasta. My heart dropped. He was already there, sitting on the cushion with his phone in his hands.

“Not now, God!” I felt like crying, but I summoned the courage to push the fear aside.

“Good morning, Ava,” he greeted. I bowed slightly in fear.

What’s even good about this morning? I thought, letting out a loud hiss. I turned to look at him, only to find him staring directly at my rear.

“How did you get in?” I asked. I remembered vividly locking that door, and Madam Nada hadn't mentioned giving Dalton a spare key.

“Your boss gave me a spare key—”

“She gave it to you, or you asked for it?” I corrected him instantly.

“I collected a spare key to her house. I have no problem with that.”

“Gosh,” I muttered, nodding as I retreated toward the kitchen.

I hadn't been in the kitchen for more than a minute when I heard movement behind me. I shut my eyes tight, then forced them open.

“I don't think you should be in the kitchen, Dalton,” I said, turning to face him. His stare was thick with lust.

“Do you want me to lie to Nada? Tell her you stole money from me?”

As usual, the threats started. Why are men such beasts to those they perceive as weak? They love making the helpless feel worthless.

“No,” I shook my head, frustrated. I was dying to stand up for myself, but if I did, I might have to leave Madam Nada’s house, and I had nowhere else to go.

“Strip for me, Ava!” he demanded, smacking my backside. Those words sent a fresh wave of goosebumps over my skin, accompanied by a sickening, hollow feeling in my chest.