Page 15 of Cold Hearted Baren

“Oh, Tara,” he grits out, his jaw and neck taut with strain as he starts to come, spurting hot and hard on my skin. “Tara…”

We lay there for a few moments catching our breath. I can’t believe I just lost my virginity to this perfect, handsome, caring man. I can’t even begin to hide my joy and I start giggling as I say, “That was incredible, I am so glad I waited for you.” I turn towards him, and he wraps his arm around my waist.

“I’m glad you waited for me too, little bird. It’s you and me now, no one else,” he says, slowly stroking his arm up and down my back.

“Deal,” I reply, so content that he wants me the way I want him. I think this is the start of forever.

Chapter 10

David

The next morning, I head into the office early. Devastated to have to leave Tara curled up alone in my bed, but eager to get this press conference out of the way and clear my name of Selina Adams’ allegations.

The room buzzes with anticipation as I step onto the stage, the bright lights of the conference room illuminating the eager faces of the reporters, sitting straight in their chairs, hands posed on their laptops ready to type away. The thought that these people have the power to shape the perception of the public regarding my company scares me a little. I have always hated leaving my fate up to others, but this is a necessary evil.

Taking a deep breath, I adjust the microphone and clear my throat lightly. "Good morning, everyone," I begin, looking directly into their faces. "Thank you for joining us today as we unveil the latest developments from MicroBot Tech and set the record straight regarding some accusations that were wagered against me and my company.

We have always and will always put the people's welfare first. This company was founded on principles of innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. Harry Schultz, the late co-founder of MicroBot, and I shared a vision of leveraging technology to address pressing societal challenges while prioritizing ethical business practices. We worked hard, persevering despite the limitations of corporate bureaucracy stifling scientific innovation. From the inception of MicroBot, we made a pact to never compromise our values for short-term gains.

Harry's legacy lives on in every aspect of our company, guiding us to remain steadfast in our commitment to serving humanity and the planet. Together, we pioneered advancements in clean energy, and beyond, always with a focus on improving lives and protecting the environment.

As we move forward, I am honored to continue championing the values that Harry and I held dear. Our dedication to putting people first will remain the cornerstone of MicroBot Tech, driving us to push the boundaries of innovation—speaking of, I would like to introduce my team and show you the wonderful people I get to work with.”

I gesture to the panel of employees assembled on each side of me, representing the diverse teams that drive our company forward. I introduce each member, highlighting their expertise and their commitment to the company’s innovation.

After the introductions, I open the floor to questions from the press. Hands fly up and I start to pick randomly. Many of the questions are about our technology innovations and I answer them as clearly as I can.

Amidst the flurry of inquiries and camera flashes, my attention is suddenly drawn to a familiar golden-haired beauty standing at the back of the room.

Tara.

My heart skips a beat like it always does when she's near me. Our gazes clash and suddenly the world around us fades away. She smiles, a slow intimate tilt of her lips, causing my heart to do a cartwheel. I never thought I was capable of feeling butterflies until I met Tara Schultz.

Oh, she's capable of making me feel so many things.

As soon as I see her, I know my time on stage is up. I need her in my arms, need to talk to her about something that came to me on stage.

I turn and gesture towards Tonia, my publicist, “Miss James here will answer your questions and attend to any other concerns you may have,” I say with a polite smile and nod. “Good day, ladies and gentlemen of the press.”

Tonia blinks at me in surprise as I usher her to the podium. Ignoring the questions in her eyes and the confused expressions of the other employees around, I walk off the stage. Of course, it wasn't in the plan for Tonia to take over, but I trust her to wrap things up perfectly. I've done my part, it's up to people to believe my noble intentions and focus on our tech, not the chatter surrounding me.

Right now, all I can see is Tara, and the urgency to hold her in my arms grows stronger even as I make my way towards her. Her smile seems to grow bigger with every step I take while my blood roars louder in my ears. When I finally reach her, I pull her into my arms and hold her body tightly against mine. I drop my head to her shoulder, deeply inhaling her sweet scent.

I can’t believe how much I missed her in only a few hours. This woman has me in a hold I didn’t think was possible.

Tara pulls back to look at my face back with an amused chuckle. “You’d think we didn't wake up in the same bed this morning.”

I groan, squeezing her closer. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about actually. I think you should work here. You’re brilliant, this company is yours by right, and you being here will allow us to spend every moment of the day together. What do you think?”

She looks up at me with a mix of shock and what appears to be love, “Oh, David, I would love to work here! After you finally helped me understand the processes, I’ve been coming up with nonstop ideas on how to improve fuel production, I think we could make this company even more special, and I would love to contribute to my dad’s legacy here,” she says, a tear dripping down her cheek.

I pick her up and spin her around. She’s where she was always meant to be, in my arms, in our company. I know she’ll fit right in.

She giggles as I hold her off the ground and I think it’s the most beautiful sound in the world.

“You were amazing up there,” Tara says, her eyes brimming with admiration and affection as she looks up at my face. “You were so charismatic. And sexy.”

“Sexy, uh?” I mutter, lowering my mouth to hers in a lingering kiss.

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