Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 56180 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 187(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56180 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 187(@300wpm)
She changes the slide. On one half of the screen, there's a city in flames. On the other, a happy couple walks hand in hand.
"As artificial intelligence rises to the forefront of modern life, these two visions become possible, the good and the bad. Some believe we should halt all participation in AI. And there are those, and I count myself among them, who argue that the cat is already out of the bag. AI will have a role. But the question is, what will that role be? During this brief speech, I will argue that algorithmically taming the large language models known as AI is key to ensuring a positive future. Inscribing them with a supreme preference for human flourishing – one might even call it love – at every step of the way, will be the most important task humanity has in this endeavor."
When I first saw her, I wanted her body. Her kissable lips. I wanted to free her messy bun and let her wild brown locks cascade down around her shoulders. I yearned to slide my hands over the curves of her hips, her ass, her luscious curves.
Now, I want her soul, her mind, her spark. Her passion calls to mine like a moth to a flame, and I want to burn in her radiant glow
"There are those who will call me naïve," she continues. "They will argue the negative outcomes of AI are far too likely, but I disagree. We appear to be at a unique crossroads in human – or humane – history. But it will take discipline and rigor every step of the way. I've prepared some slides, delving more deeply into the specifics of the code..."
For the next ten minutes, Sera speaks with ease and fluidity. She paces the room, gesturing expressively, the shy, red-faced girl vanishing as a tech titan takes her place.
When she's done, everyone applauds. I wait at the back as she talks with the visitors, until, finally, it's just us.
"That was incredible," I tell her.
She gazes at me shyly, catching her lip between her teeth, nearly driving me mad with desire. There are other places I should be – my speech to prepare, my product to refine – but I can't leave here... I can't leave her.
"Thank you," she says after a pause. "Yeah – I think it went okay."
"Sera," I say, taking her shoulders in my hands, looking at her intently. "You had the audience captivated. A meteor could've landed in the Mohave and I wouldn't have left the room. You were amazing."
"Thanks," she says shyly.
I take my hands from her shoulders, but I don't let her go. Instead, I slide my hands down her arms, toward her hands. She takes a step back. Her cheeks, for the first time since she began the speech, flush slightly.
She can deliver a kick-ass speech without hesitation, but holding hands triggers a flurry of nerves in her. She's fascinating.
"I'm taking you for a drink," I say.
"Okay, Mr. Mystery..."
I smirk. "Haven't you tried to look me up?"
She shakes her head. "You seem keen to stay anonymous. To me, it seems there could be two reasons for that. One, you're married or you have a—"
"No," I growl. "I'm not. And I don't have a girlfriend. I'm single. People who cheat are scum, Sera. I promise you that. I’ve seen what cheating can do to others. That's self sabotage and I want no part of that.”
She smiles. "Call me naïve if you want, but that's what I thought. You seem like a good guy. That leaves option number two..."
"Which is?"
"You're so rich and powerful, you're tired of people treating you differently."
"You're bang on the money there."
She nods. "So I'll respect that... for now."
"Good. Now – let's go. There's a bottle of champagne with our names on it."
"You're so bossy."
"It comes easy—"
"To a boss, I know."
I take her hand and guide her toward the door.
Chapter Three
Sera
We sit in the bar's corner with a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket. He raises his glass, smiling down at me, his blue eyes glinting with heat and something else I'm not sure I should trust. Could it be affection or something more?
I try to warn myself to be careful. He's a mystery man who doesn't want me to know who he really is. Even if I wanted to research him, I've been so swamped lately, I haven't had the time. And, unless he's giving a speech at the conference, the chances of me discovering who he is are slim. How many Lukes are in Vegas this long weekend?
Yeah, I should be cautious to avoid any potential love bombs, but I am intoxicated. I feel light and warm, and not solely from the champagne.
"To you, Sparkplug, and your speech," he says.
I clink glasses with him. "Thank you," I reply. "And thanks for your support. With your eyes on me, I felt oddly confident."