"Dad"

Luca closed the door as his father held his arms open. Luca sighed walking to his dad. His father chuckled knowing he was not that comfortable with affectionate actions. Not unless it came from his mother. He felt Luca do the awkward pat on his back before pulling back.

Luca looked up to his dad with a raised brow expecting an explanation on what he is doing here. Xavier smiled looking around the room before going over to stand by the glass window to look out. Luca sat his papers from the meeting down on the desk and then went to stand by his father with his hands in his pocket.

"I knew today was your meeting with Stonewall and was expecting you to be a little more than upset. My assumption apparently was incorrect."

Without even thinking Luca turns his attention towards the door as if she would magically appear. The quick glance not going unnoticed by Sanford senior. His eyes also making a bee line towards the closed door before raising a brow at his son who is now looking back out over the high rise buildings.

"Did you give them hell?"

Luca smirked with his eyes still fixed forward. "Nope"

Xavier looks to his son again with a raised brow. "Oh?"

"No, I would say my assistant did an excellent job for me."

"I thought you fired Fletcher." His father ask with furrowed brows utterly confused.

Luca scoffs thinking about the previous assistant. He worked for his father for years before he came in. From what he researched, he never attempted anything under his father's time as CEO. It irked him that because he was new, he thought he could get away with it. And for some time, he did. He was swindling money right out from his nose. If only Sophia hadn't caught it, he could have continued doing as he pleases. A soft smile tugged at his lips thinking of the fiery red head.

"Woah" Luca looked to his dad confused on his outburst. Xavier had a smile on his lips as he pointed at his son's face. "Was that a smile?"

Luca tugged at his jacket as if straightening it before turning and walking to his desk. His father then laughs heartedly at his blatant attempt to avoid the question. Luca goes over to sit down his desk as he begins looking at his paperwork.

"I received a new assistant. She has been excellent thus far."

"She?" Xavier sits down with his eyes in shock.

"Don't look so surprise father."

"I'm sorry but it is rather odd. You don't really seem to get along with woman in the work area from what I can recall."

Luca rolls his eyes knowing what he is talking about. "I will guarantee she is nothing like the previous woman who were assigned post near me."

"Do you remember that young woman in legal?" Xavier recalls before he doubles over laughing.

Luca cringes remembering exactly who is father is talking about. The woman had barely been working here a month when she came to a meeting with Marcus. At the end of the meeting she had stayed behind. When asked what she was doing, she strolled around his desk before trying to sit on his lap. Luca had shot out of the seat dumping the young woman not so gently on to the floor before barking for security to escort the woman out.

"Please don't remind me... And as I have said, Sophia isn't like them."

"Sophia?" His father asks amused before his eyes widen. "Wait, are you talking about Sophia Andrews? The one who discovered the loopholes in the contract?"

"I didn't tell you that. Who-"

"I visited Marcus before coming here. He couldn't quit talking about the rare gem that is Sophia Andrews. She must be one hell of young woman to have him praising her. She even finished that equation that was in his office."

Luca wasn't made aware of the second fact. He had seen the board a few times in Marcus' office and when asked. He said it was a challenge problem that he had been trying to solve for some time. No one could seem to answer it.. not even Luca.

"I knew that he was fond of her, I didn't not about the equation... it doesn't surprise me."

Luca looks up to find his dad with a knowing smile on his face. Luca rolls his eyes before trying to look busy. Xavier watched utterly astounded by the sight before him. His son is not one to act out of character but he is more than acting differently right now. His son doesn't smile and certainly doesn't roll his eyes like a sassy teen.

"What exactly did she do?" He asked intrigued. Luca begins smiling down at the paperwork making Xavier's heart warm. His son is smiling and that only by the mere thought of a woman.

"She called the men daft and told them they didn't have balls."

Xavier throws his head back laughing as his son grins. "Wow... she sounds a lot like your mother."

"Speaking of which, where is she?"

Xavier looks to his watch with furrowed brows. "I'm not sure, she was with me in Marcus' office but had to make a trip to the washroom. She should be here by now."

Luca's eyes widen in panic before he hastily jumps up from his seat and walks briskly to his office door. Pulling the door open, his heart hammers in his chest finding his mother talking to Sophia. The sound of the door opening bringing both women's attention to him. His eyes focusing on Sophia hoping his mother didn't make her uncomfortable. Movement makes him glance to his mother who is smiling widely walking to him before looking right back at the woman who has captured his attention.

"Mom, this is my assistant, Ms. Andrews."

"Yes Luca, we have been acquainted."

Luca doesn't bother looking aware from the ever green eyes that have enraptured him. Her eyes are looking deep within his own. He feels his heart speed up just by looking at her. The effect she has on him is instantaneously. His mother wraps her arm around his hugging it. He wanted to step forward towards Sophia but his mother's next words stop him in his tracks.

"She said she is your temporary assistant."

His body goes rigid. He doesn't like the way that leaves a sour taste in his mouth. She said that previously but he'll be damn if he gives her up. She makes him feel human and he wants her. He is not an idiot to not be aware of what is happening. He just needs more time to convince her of that. Luca gave a forced smile to his mother.

"Ms. Andrews, could you please come join me in my office?"

"Of course sir"

He doesn't know why but he isn't sure if he likes the way that sounds or not. He holds his arm out for his mom who turns and glances back before walking into his office. Luca remains by the door hoping to see into those eyes that could give him some kind of reassurance. She walks over and slows as she reaches him. His heart accelerating in the confines of his chest. She looks to him with such kind eyes he finds it hard to breathe. He nods before tipping his head towards his office.

He let's her go first but she seems to be stuck where she stands. He then realizes that both his parents are looking directly at her. He places his hand at the base of her back pressing her to step forward. She seems to move but slowly looking so unsure of herself. Luca almost wants laugh but thinks better of it. He knew his father could be intimidating but to him, he never looked that way.

Sophia shakes hand with her dad while Luca continues to stand by her side. It isn't until she tries to step away from him that he unintentionally wraps his hand around her waist drawing her body closer to his side. He looks down to her to find her neck turning red as she turns back to his parents. He turns his attention from her to his father while continuing to hold her. He likes the way she feels and the heat she is radiating onto him.

"So Ms. Andrews, you definitely leave quite an impression."

He watches as her eyes go wide, "I'm sorry?"

He couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his lips looking at her confused expression. "Sam an Marcus speak highly of you Ms. Andrews."

"Oh, Thank you Mr. Sanford"

"I don't believe I said my name."

"You didn't sir however you have the same eyes as..."

Luca could feel his chest rumble with unspoken laughter at her fire engine red face. It was clear she didn't mean to say that. She drops her gaze to the floor utterly embarrassed while his mom giggles gently.

"I believe you are right Sophia, both my men have those icy blue eyes."

Luca watches as she peaks up to his parents. Turning his gaze to them, he finds his dad giving his mother a tender kiss that makes her eyes momentarily close. Still to this day, he has never seen a love like that between his parents. It's pure and strong. He turns his attention back to Sophia and watches as her eyes soften watching the moment in front of her. He pulls her closer and her eyes snap to his. Those green eyes that hold an entire forest within them. He has never loved the color green as much as he did in this moment. He cared a great deal for this woman and he could tell that she felt something for him. He just wasn't sure what.

His moment of admiration quickly turns to panic as he notices her breathing become erratic. Instantly his hands come up to cup her face. Bringing his face to be in line with hers, he makes her focus solely on him.

"Sophia... breathe."

He takes long deep breathes and watches as her eyes flicker down to his lips. His urge to kiss her is strong but his need to calm her wins out. She begins to mirror him and slowly begins to calm down. He watches her intently as she regulates her breathing before nodding to him letting him know she alright. Her eyes then turn to his parents.

"I-I'm Soory. I didn't-"

"It's alright sweetie" His mother's voice trying to soothe her.

He watches and can visibly see her crumbling. "Please excuse me"

"Sophia... Sophia!"

He calls out to her but she continues leaving the room. He begins to follow her but feels a hand to his elbow makes him jerk his head back. He finds his mother looking at him with a gentle worried expression.

"Let me"

She doesn't wait for his reply as she walks quickly out as he stares at her backside leaving his office. He doesn't understand what just happened. Why did Sophia feel the need to flee?

"You care a great deal for the new assistant."

He turns his attention back to his father. He doesn't comment because anyone who looks at him could easily read his expression. Luca stands there as his father analyzes him. After a moment, he watches as his father looks to the ground with a gentle smile.

"I think she is a rare find indeed."

"Father-"

Xavier holds up his hand stopping his son from stating any further. He was happy for his son. Especially after meeting the young woman. She was beautiful but more than anything, she appeared to have a kind heart... something Luca needs. He pulls his son in for a hug which he returns surprisingly. He pulls away and begins walking towards the door. Luca is quick to follow him. They find his mother leaving the bathroom with a smile on her lips.

Luca watches as his parents eyes meet and a spark occurs that only those two seem to share. He loves it. He used to be wary of all the affection but now looks it as a sign of all he would want in his partner. It is not only rare to care for someone who cares equally for you but to have the years pass and that love never fades. He wants that...

He doesn't even realize he was in his own world until his mother gently kisses his cheek. He blinks to find them walking towards the elevator, arm and arm. He turns to them as they get in, his mother looking directly at him.

"Don't let her go lil' man"

The doors close as he turns his attention back to the washroom. He walks over to stand before it.

"Tesoro?"

The door opens and he instantly is encasing her. He feels how her body is stiff but soon relaxes against him. Her arms coming to wrap around his neck making him feel satisfaction. He deeply inhales in the crevice of her neck loving how her scent engulfs him.

"I'm sorry Luca"

He pulls back confused. Why on earth is she apologizing? He cups her cheek affectionately, "Don't be, it was my fault."

Her eyes close against his palm and he feels her face lean into his hand. Wanting more connection, he leans forward pressing his forehead to hers and closes his eyes. He feels a sense of comfort with her... as if she was home. Nothing is said as he lives in the moment with her safely pressed to him.

Luca can hear the phone ring but doesn't move. He feels as she pulls back making him open his eyes. She smiles before leaving him to walk back to her desk. He stands there for a moment watching her. In that moment knows that he can not let the enigma that is Sophia Andrews slip through his fingers. He would have to find a way to keep her.

Her eyes met his once again and he gave her a smile while nodding to himself.

You're mine Sophia.. you just don't know it yet.