YOU’VE BEEN NOTICED

It seems drama was making its way towards me finally.

I’ve worked at Pierce & Pierce for a while now and I’ve had no drama. This happens naturally when people don’t care about you. 

 “Sophia? Pay attention, everyone can tell that you’re lost” Maya whispered to me.

I immediately adjusted myself in my seat and tried to focus on the topic being discussed at the meeting.

“Are you sure you’re fine?” Maya whispered again.

I nodded. 

But my mind swayed away from the present once more.

“Does he remember and recognize me? Will I lose my job?” I whispered to myself. 

I had no idea how this was going to go. How could I? He wasn’t just anyone. He was Lucas Thane. 

Third generation Pierce. Meaning he’s the grandson of the founders of the firm!

Meaning he was a man with power and wealth. This man who, just a few hours ago, had had his tongue sucking every hit place on my body, his hands moving like fire over my skin.

And now? He was my boss.

The usual power plays, financial strategies, updates on major clients that normally went on during meetings flew over my head today. 

“Where’s that document you were supposed to send to me last night?” Catherine whispered, drawing me out of my reverie.

“What—what?” I asked confused.

“Did Vivian not ask you to prepare a proposal for me?” She whispered, angrily.

“Oh! That? I forgot..” I answered.

She looked like she was about to explode.

“So what am I going to present to the new boss? That proposal was solely for this reason.”

I shrugged, “I don’t know…it’s your job, not mine.” I answered with unexpected boldness.

She was livid but I had more pressing issues to worry about.

I scanned the conference hall until my eyes returned to Lucas. He sat regally at the head of the table, dressed in his perfectly tailored suit, that looked like they never left his body. 

 Everytime I stole a glance, his eyes locked on me.

He was quiet, observant. Too observant.

“Ms. Brooks,” he said to Catherine “What do you think about this margin proposal? You’re the only senior associate that hasn’t given an input ”

Catherine looked at me from across the table, then back at him then smiled. “I’m a very inclusive woman who cares about the younger generation. Hence for my proposal, I gave my points to Sophia Morales here and asked her to present them while I’ll finish up after her. Sophia, over to you”

I froze. She had set me up.

I blinked. “Uh… yes, right. I think the projections are sound. We need to make minor adjustments, but overall, they’re within target….” I trailed off into any nonsense that came to mind. I hoped they made sense, after all I was considered smart.

He didn’t respond. He just looked at me. His gaze was tingling.

“Ms. Morales,” he said again, “Let’s talk after the meeting.”

I swallowed hard.

The room moved on, but I couldn’t stop the anxiety running through my veins.

When the meeting ended, Lucas got up

“Sophia,” he said, his voice smooth, “ I’d like a word.”

“Okay, Mr Thane.” I answered.

He looked at me for a split second bedroom saying “it’s Lucas. Just Lucas to you”

I followed him into his office. The door closed behind me with a soft click.

“I remember you from last night.” He said, staring at his window into the traffic.

I froze again. He really did recognize me even though everywhere was dark.

“I’ll get straight to the point,” he said, turning around slowly. “Last night. You didn’t seem like someone who… frequents places like that. Or someone who engages in that sort of casual intercourse.”

I swallowed. “I am not exactly a regular.”

“Good,” he replied,. “Because I don’t like distractions.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Distractions? What kind? Because I promise not to engage with anyone so erotically here at work.”

He stepped closer. “You. In that club, with that mask on, you looked like the forbidden fruit I had to try.”

My heart skipped. What the hell was he implying?

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Oh, I think you do. In fact, I know you do. You saw how everyone looked at you.”

“I didn’t ask for anyone to look at me.”

He leaned in. “I think you did.”

I stepped back. “You’re making assumptions.”

“Am I?” His voice was a dark whisper now. “Maybe it’s you who’s assuming. You think I don’t know what you’re doing? You came in there seductively, I simply wanted what everyone else was afraid of grabbing. Your beauty is intimidating to lesser men”

My breath hitched in my throat.

“How… what do you mean by that?” I choked out.

Lucas’ lips twisted into a knowing smile. “I didn’t get to where I am by being oblivious to things..”

“I really don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said quickly, shaking my head because I was really confused.

“I have work to do sir.” I cut him short.

His eyes flicked over me with a cold intensity. “You know I think I’ve seen you once or twice in this building but you never stood out like you did last night and like you’re doing right now.”

His eyes were piercing through me, but I stood my ground. “Maybe I’m just tired of being the quiet wallflower and doormat ”

He smiled he knew something he shouldn’t. “So you wanted attention. And now you have mine. What will you do with it?”

He closed the space between us and placed his hand on the back of my chair, leaning over me. His presence was too much, his aura of power overwhelmed me

“You’ve been seen, Sophia,” he murmured. “My mouth couldn’t form any words.

I hurried got up, and walked toward the door, 

“Come see me at the Club again tonight, Sophia,” he said, his voice low.  I ran out of the office.

***

The next morning, I stood in front of the mirror in my bathroom, preparing for work.

I dressed carefully. Something I had never done before. I FaceTimed Maya.

“This or this?” I asked immediately she answered.

“The red heels go better with the black blazers” 

I took her advice.

By the time I reached the office, something was different. The air felt charged, like electricity was crackling beneath my skin.

When I stepped into the elevator, I saw him. Lucas.

He wasn’t looking at me, but I could feel his gaze burning into me. He stood there, arms crossed, like he was daring me to make a move.

And I did.

I walked towards him. What was I going to say to him? I had no idea.