Page 11 of Cold Hearted Baren

David

“Can you come up with something that doesn't sound cliché?” I fume at Tonia, the head of my publicity team. “We need the public to grasp the genuine benefits and safety of our innovations. We're not here to dazzle them with catchy phrases; we're here to show them how our work improves their lives.”

Tonia nods, scribbling down notes furiously. "I understand, David. I'll work with the team to refine our messaging and ensure it resonates with the public's concerns and interests."

I exhaled deeply, letting go of some of the tension that'd built up during the meeting with the publicity team. As much as I want to let out the pent-up tension inside of me, I know I can't take it out on Tonia. She's just doing her job, after all. "Thank you, Tonia," I say, trying to soften my tone. "I appreciate your efforts in this. You may leave now."

Tonia offers a small smile, then gathers her papers, and with a small nod, she heads out of my office. As she leaves, I close my eyes and lean back in my chair, raking a hand down my face as frustration starts to build up in my chest again.

The past few days have been a nightmare for my employees and me. The public outrage on Selina Adams' article is more serious than I anticipated and since it's generating so much traffic. DailySpark is fighting back instead of taking it down. I have also had to work closely with my team of scientists, monitoring the progress of our research and development. At least that's something that I love doing.

Ever since becoming CEO, I haven't been able to spend as much time in the lab as I'd like. Working alongside my team of scientists, and delving into the intricacies of our groundbreaking technology, brings me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I've missed. Despite everything that's going on, I'm glad to have that chance to do what I love; it reminds me of the early days when Harry and I started MicroBot Tech.

But sometimes, like today, I wonder if my hard work and dedication are worth anything. The weight of responsibility as CEO is heavier than I ever imagined, and the constant scrutiny from the public and the media is exhausting. It doesn't matter that I'm doing my best to help better the world, people still blame me and call me names, even those who don't know shit about me.

I'm filthy rich and I could get richer doing the things they accuse me of. But that's not why I do what I do. I believe in the potential of our technology to make a positive impact on the world, solve pressing environmental challenges, and improve lives. Despite the criticism and doubt, I remain committed to that vision. That's what Harry would have wanted too.

I let out a soft sigh, flexing my shoulder muscles as the fatigue of the past few days weighs down on me. My heart skips at the thought of going home later tonight. I haven't been home since the morning of Tara’s exam, so busy I’ve been electing to catch a few hours of sleep on the couch in my office, rather than waste the time commuting. I’m exhausted and I miss Tara like crazy.

My heart starts to beat faster at the thought of her, at the idea of holding her in my arms and kissing her sweet, supple lips… I can almost taste them. Desire, raw and deep, surges through my veins sending blood rushing to my dick.

God knows I want her more than I've ever wanted anything in my life. I want to make love to her, fuck her hard and slow. I want to put her in so many forbidden positions and have her panting. I want to drown in her moans while thrusting into her soft warm sheath.

"Fuck!" I mutter, glancing down at my rock-hard cock. Suddenly an image flashes in my head, of Tara, kneeling between my legs, her mouth wrapped tightly around my dick, my hands buried in her golden locks as I guide her bobbing head. The image has my cock twitching violently in my pants, causing me to let out a painful hiss.

I know I need to be patient with Tara. She’s unexperienced and needs me to be gentle and caring with her, but it hasn’t been easy keeping my resolve. Every touch, every glance, ignites a fire within me, urging me to throw caution to the wind and take her right then and there.

But I know that rushing things might push her away, and I refuse to risk losing her. So, I'll bide my time, savoring every moment we share, until the day comes when she's ready to surrender herself to me. Completely. And when that time comes, I'll make sure to cherish every moment, every touch, every kiss, as if it were the last. I'll show her how much she means to me, how deeply I care for her, and how I'll always be there for her.

Lord knows I've never wanted to protect anyone as much as Tara. For her, I'm willing to sacrifice anything, my position, wealth, and even my life. Everything.

I don't know how or when it happened, but I am irrevocably, irredeemably, completely in love with Tara Shultz.

A soft knock on the door interrupts my thoughts. I glance up to see Fiona standing by the door. I motion for her to come inside, surprised that she hadn't left yet. It's almost 7 p.m., way past closing time.

“Why haven't you gone home, Fiona?” I ask as she approaches my desk.

"I was sorting out the emails from media houses requesting for access for our upcoming press conference," she replies then smiles wanly. "There were quite a lot of them."

I nod, impressed by her dedication and initiative. In just a few days, she has changed from being fidgety and unsure of herself, to an incredible worker, willing to take initiative. It can’t have been easy to start this role in the midst of the fallout from the article, but she has handled it with grace.

“Thanks for your hard work, Fiona,” I say, offering her a grateful smile. “Anyway, is there anything else you need from me?”

“Yes, sir,” she says, extending the file in her hands to me. “I have compiled a list of reliable reporters and their agencies. I would like you to go through them and confirm which ones you'd like to invite to the press conference. Also, there are a few reporters who have requested exclusive interviews with you. I've marked those ones separately for your review."

I take the file from her, flipping through the pages and scanning the list of reporters and media agencies. "Great job, Fiona. I'll go through these and let you know my selections by tomorrow morning."

"Thank you, sir. Have a good evening," she says with a small smile.

"You too, Fiona,” I reply, returning her smile. “And please go home now. I'd feel terrible if you came to work tomorrow with dark circles from lack of sleep.”

She chuckles as she turns to head out. As soon as she leaves, I get to work reviewing the list. It's late when I finally leave the office and as I drive home, I wonder what Tara will make of me being late again.

She'll understand, right? She must know how demanding my work is…

As I walk through my front door and see Tara curled up on the long couch, my heart starts to beat faster and it hits me all over again just how much I've missed her. I pause to take her in; her lush golden mane spread around her like a halo, the soft curve of her cheek pressed against the cushion, and the sexy curve of her body in that position. A wave of tenderness mixed with lust washes over me, and I can't help but smile at the sight of her. I move closer and lower myself onto the couch beside her.

I thought she was asleep at first, but she sits up and locks her eyes to mine. I immediately know that something is off. She gives me a glare and physically flinches when I attempt to give her a hug.

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