Unexpected Reunion part:2

Chapter 2

Gio

“Gio, over here over here!” I hear camera flashes in the background as crowds of people behind red velvet rope vi for my attention like hungry vultures swooping down on their poor unsuspecting weary prey crawling desperately away from their inevitable doom. Waiting to swoop down and tear them to shreds. Given the chance, he was sure that would be exactly what they would do. These damn paparazzi were always like this especially when he or any one of the Berlusconi family was concerned. 

Especially now that we were a very deeply rooted Mafia family worth billions and untouchable in the greater Chicago area. Sure, the family wasn’t exactly out there making Godfather moves anymore but it also wasn’t too far off from how we ran things just more quietly and corporately instead. Multi-million-dollar conglomerates malls, shopping centers, groceries, strip clubs, bars, clothing store chains you name it the Berlusconi family had a hand in it. 

But we weren’t just business moguls we stayed relevant by maintaining a very active part of our community by encouraging the outreach programs funding the support of local schools in the urban communities where our families started from. Hell, my uncle, Antonio was running for mayor and had been making a huge difference and making progress by reintroducing our family to the city of Chicago as a well-behaved all-American clean-cut pillar of the community.  

Which has worked in our favor, now that we could blend in, we had a free pass to deal with our other business without the distraction of running from the police Antonio keeps the cops well paid and out of the way while making sure that we always had an advantage when it came to any rivals creeping in on our territory. It was the reason I was here now at the charity auction to raise more funds for our local community outreach program, to maintain my image within the community not to mention it was a topic close to my heart anyway. 

I was already intending to leave a large donation to this organization UFCP (Urban Foster Care Program) was a program I had a soft spot for. Not only did they dedicate their selves to helping in the urban communities but more specifically they were based out of the neighborhood where I grew up on the south side of Chicago. 

Strangely enough, it was also based out of the foster home that I last found myself landing in with my little brother Frankie after being put out of our eighth or ninth foster home.

 Lourdes’s place was the first we landed in that made us feel safe and cared for since our mother died almost four years ago before that. I grew up in the fuller park area where the population constantly declined ever since the fifties and crime were high, kids like me and my brother with our curly blonde hair and blue eyes tended to stand out. Which if you are a kid in a neighborhood not particularly well known for the white patriots reaching their hands out unless it was to take from the community in the form of appropriation then it wasn’t exactly the place to be.

UFCP was special that way they were helping directly through the foster care facility where and Frankie had spent a large part of our life when my mother passed long before my father knew we even existed. It's where he found us when he finally learned about her dying and the fact that she also conveniently happened to be pregnant. 

Not to mention giving birth to twin boys, right around the time he decided marrying a white capo’s daughter would make the heads of the family see him more favorably. As opposed to the mixed black girl he fell for back in high school and followed to college then fathered potentially mixed offspring.

 Offspring that never would have had a chance to run his family had his wife not been barren and his forgotten ex had not birthed two very conveniently biological heirs to his Mafia empire.  I must admit there was no better feeling than watching my stepmother dearest practically lose her shit when my brother and I arrived at her doorstep. Her face went from sweet Barbie doll plastic to borderline Bride of Chucky when she laid her eyes on us.

 The best part was the fact my father made her move into the guest house after coming to the breakfast table one morning refusing to sit at the table with the bastards of him and his damn Mulley. She was so butt hurt when he threw her shit out for daring to disrespect his children and warned her not to step foot in his house again unless she wanted to insure, he became a widower. 

My father was divorced by the end of the summer and my brother Frankie, and I was being groomed to take over the family business. “Gio, we hear you up for a run-up the world’s most eligible bachelor any comment on that?” I hear the questions being thrown out by reporters and laugh in response sure I was a bachelor and had my fair share of flings, but I was all about business. “Come on guys we’re not here for me, we’re here to support one of Chicago’s most innovative outreach programs and raise awareness to ensure they get all the support they need to help the troubled foster kids in our community. How about we keep the focus on their efforts to help strengthen the community instead of how many women fantasize about me at night.”

The choir of laughs that follow my response lets me know I succeeded in redirecting the reports back to the topic at hand. I answer a few more questions before turning to enter the DuSable Museum of African History to participate in the auction set up by the UFCP. The hall was covered in vibrant flowers of purple, orange, pink, blue flowers. The sound of classical music coming from the main gallery area brought together the beautiful ambiance of the event.

I walked into the gallery area making my way through the usual crowd of government officials and entertainment and business moguls spread throughout the function. Introducing myself and playing the role of the dutiful heir of the Berlusconi Billion-dollar conglomerate. This is why when a short balding man with a laughable comb over with a poorly-tailored big and tall suit, scuffed up wing tips, and tape recorder strolls right up to me. I simply smile politely as he inserts himself into my discussion with the CEO of clothing retail, I’m interested in purchasing as he asks. “Gio! Is it true your uncle the mayor is planning to bring more businesses to start-up in the southside area of Chicago by relocating most of the inhabitants of the neighborhood with a mass buy-out?” 

I glance over at the man and ask, “Now where did you hear something like that?” I probe suspicious of the small man’s intentions more so because reports weren’t exactly dumb enough to interrupt a business dealing at a public function unless they had ulterior motives and he had a few of his asking about my family’s business. Just as I predicted the man looks at me and smiles before saying.

“It’s not exactly hard to find out Gio, I mean most of the new homeowners for that town you guys setup up outside of the suburbs have been relocated to the area. It has a few people confused what exactly does the mayor intend to do with the property?” he holds the tape recorder closer to his face as he asks. I notice that he isn’t in any way behaved like a reporter, he never asked for my consent to do the interview, nor has he introduced himself or the paper or magazine he works for, and he has no press pass. Based on the way he has dressed alone it was clear that he didn’t belong at this event he wasn’t invited but he was here to see me that’s for sure.

“Well, friend it looks like you pretty much answered your question. My family simply wants to offer the people of the community a better opportunity and as you can tell it starts with relocating the people to a better place where they can build and start fresh.”

“That does seem like the plan for the people on the outside looking in but does your uncle realize that only a select few areas are being renovated and offering this opportunity to families as you say. A good amount of those families that are choosing not to sell or take the lucrative offers seem to have a habit of disappearing or having strangely tragic unexpected deaths any ideas on that?” he searches my face for a reaction to his question. But doesn’t get the one he wants. I furrow my brow confusedly making my face as emotionless as possible to both him and the other men amongst my group as I turn and mouth is he for real to the oil tycoon beside me who simply chuckles at my response.

“I’m sorry you lost me their friend are you insinuating that my family has anything to do with a few random people disappearing or dying? That seems a bit exaggerated more like a coincidence don’t you think?” I say coolly as is speaking to an escaped mental patient this causes a few of the other men nearby to cough and chuckle beneath their breaths giving me the exact response I was expecting. This seems to upset the frumpy little man as he attempts to straighten his clip-on tie then fixes me with a glare.

“You know Gio pal I would say the same thing. I mean clearly, your family has an interest in the property and from your track record.” He gestures toward the open gallery area surrounding us before finishing. “We can see your family is all about supporting and protecting the community but I’m sure even a family with such pure intentions like your own would find that over thirty accidental deaths or twenty-five missing persons cases to be a little too much of a coincidence, don’t you think?” his friendly smile turning to a smug sneer as he awaits my response. 

I knew creeps like him inside and out little weasels who happened to stumble on to something going on with the family who thought themselves untouchable if they had just the slightest intel on anything going on with my family. Too bad for him this would be our first and last conversation, but I wouldn’t be stupid enough not to make sure I had something nice set up to make sure his accidental death was none too easy to look up that’s for sure.

“That does sound odd,” I respond sincerely. “My heart goes out to the families; I had no clue what was going on with those families, but rest assured I will inform my uncle of this information to see to it we get help to those families as soon as possible. Thank you for informing me of this Mr.…?”

“O’Malley, James O’Malley…I honestly hadn’t expected you to be so willing to help. No offense but most rich people who tend to take over communities tend to not care about the people in them once they buy and demolish them. Who knew the mafia was full of humanitarians.”

I openly laugh at that one with the most sincerely hearty laugh I’ve had in a while was this idiot serious, did he not realize besides the UFCP and catering staff he was surrounded by mob successors or headshell even the owner of the multi-million-dollar wireless service providers CEO was a mob legacy his damn self.                                                                                           “Is that what you call corporate moguls now?” I chuckle heartily now and the rest of the men join in on the laughter. I smirk heavily annoyed first this jackass interrupts my business conversation, then his dumb ass comes for my family I had a mind to take him out back and end his worthless life. I look over toward my current enforcers Shadow and Steel named for their unique talents. As he looks around seeming to realize his defeat at trying to out me and my family. 

Suddenly an I hear a woman’s voice call out to the moron.

“James!?” a short sweet gray-haired older woman gray-haired on the balding fool’s shoulder. “James are you over here trying to reclaim your glory days as a reporter again.” She glares at the old fool who seems to be cowering beneath her gaze now.

“I was just trying to get some help for all the lost and dead kids and families Stella he admitted he had no clue what’s going on so maybe he and his family could help.” He mumbles to the older woman.

“James, you old fool. Do you mean to tell me you got the bright idea to solve the problem by harassing the one person that has been trying to help all those families in the first damn place? How about you just go around sabotaging all of Tara and Evet’s hard work to get invited to this function. Maybe you should just jack up any chance they have so these people can help those kids. Does that seem like a good idea too?” she chastises the old man who seems even less like a threat now that she’s arrived to put him in place.

“I guess not,” he grumbles before looking at me and saying. “I meant no harm Gio, I just didn’t know where to turn.”

“It’s ok bud I get what it’s like being passionate about a cause it’s one of the real reasons I’m here the UFCP has been a cause close to my heart I’m happy to support and I’ll be happy to have my uncle look into these missing families so we can properly help ok James,” I say feeling less annoyed by the old man.

He looks up at me all “You better keep your promise Gio we’re relying on you.” He demands all piss and vinegar again. Shadow is the first to appear behind O’Malley no doubt ready to hall him off as the old lady Stella shushes him again. Then she turns to me smiles warmly and speaks. 

“Thank you, Mr. Berlusconi we deeply appreciate that and everything you have been doing to support the Program has made a difference in many kids' lives.” 

I smile back at the sweet older woman in her beautiful navy blue off-the-shoulder Versace gown she may be of relation to James, but they weren’t getting the same types of checks cut. 

“It is my pleasure Ms. Stella, and I will do everything I can to help keep UFCP up and running and growing as much as possible. That is a promise to you and James both.”

This time both James and Stella smile at my declaration. I slightly shake my head at Shadow looming behind them waiting to strike.

I happen to look across his shoulder and see a woman in a red gown with a red mascaraed mask no one else had one but there she was her lips just as fiery red to match. Her skin was brown as caramel and her wavy thick curled hair was up in a bun to elongate her neck leading to shoulders that compliment her neck and damn were those real? Another equally beautiful woman approached her in a gold dress with a similar mask. The women seemed to be arguing over something, but I couldn’t tell what from here. I lost focus as I watched the lady in red, she threw her hands up at the one in gold as if she were saying fuck, it then tore her mask off and threw it on the ground. Looks around as if searching for something then takes off in our direction after seeming to spot someone not too far from me to zone in as she made her way toward the small group, I was standing in seeming to follow my line-of-sight Shadow spotted the woman and immediately made his way over to halt her.  

He quickly slid in front of her and stopped her in her tracks. The woman took one look at my bodyguard Shadow clenched her jaw and pointed over in our direction. Then she said something that must have caught Shadow by surprise because he quickly turned to make eye contact with me. It was his way of asking permission to let the woman over to which I nodded my response. Somewhat curious, I wait to see what this was all about. 

He stepped aside at my cue then she started her approach again I watched her intently as she drew closer into my line of sight and was winded by the sight of her as she shifted and swayed, the red dress with a tightly fitted bodice clung to her every curve of as she closed the gap her full perky round breast bouncing and practically spilling out over deep v of the top. 

She shimmied her way through the small cluster of people and I almost whimpered as I watched her brush up against some lucky bastard about ten feet from me as she politely excused herself hurriedly. He took a survey of her ample breast and seemed to ask for something his eyes never leaving her cleavage, which had to be on full display from where he stood. I knew because I was watching them myself and could certainly appreciate the view from here. A pang of jealousy struck as she cleared the man who noticeably took his sweet time making eye contact with the woman as he smiled and reached into his pocket pulling out his phone. To which she responded with a shake of her head pointing over his shoulder to the reception area for the donations desk and turned to hurriedly walk away the minute he turned to look. 

I chuckle to myself as the dumb ass realizes only seconds after she made her escape that he lost his chance to get her number. Too bad for him, I think to myself, and she looks up at me seeming to observe me. My heart nearly stops as I see her face and instantly get a flashback to my childhood crush nostalgia washing over me as she stood in there in front of me. My eyes roam over her beautiful wavy thick curls, her deep chocolate brown eyes emphasizing her full round caramel face. The very grown-up version of the same sweet face of the girl my brother and I followed around Lourdes's place. I continue to take a survey of her beautiful face my eyes landing on her full round lips they were so damn tempting. I could not help but to imagine those same lips wrapped around my cock working me over with that deliciously tempting mouth of hers as she looked up at me with those big round brown eyes. 

My dick twitched with excitement at the thought of it, and she abruptly turned her face breaking eye contact with me. As she zoned in on her real target right in front of me, none other than Mr. James O’Malley his self, who seemed completely unaware of her presence. But I was all too very aware my senses were on complete alert from the moment I saw her I could feel her in my core. Looking at a woman on a mission she finally settled into the crowd behind James placing a hand on his shoulder before speaking she had the most amazing voice it was warm and smooth like honey-dipped in silk.  “Hello James, Stella can I just steal you both away for a minute,” she says voice full of sugar, but her eyes are filled with fire.

“Oh…hello Tara,” James says seeming to be caught off guard for the second time this evening.

Did he say, Tara? Was it her I hadn’t seen any new photos of her in the papers or even on the UFCP page? I had been following the program for two years, but not once had she appeared in any photos. There were plenty of the other program directors but none of her. 

“Hey there Tara James and I were just introducing ourselves to Mr. Berlusconi. He was just mentioning how much he supports the UFCP and your mission to help so many kids in the foster system. He was just discussing how much he intends to see to it that the program is successful. Isn’t that right Mr. Berlusconi?” she asks me covering up for some unspoken misstep. 

“That’s correct Stella as I was just mentioning to you and James earlier, I fully intend to support The UFCP as much as possible.” I nod as I observe her face further it was her little Tara all grown up, and damn did she grow up. “It’s an amazing program and has done so much for children within the foster community,” I say calmly and then Tara looks at me seeming to visibly calm down at my response.

“Well, that is so wonderful,” Stella says cheerfully. 

“But what exactly made you such an avid supporter for the UFCP if you don’t mind my asking Mr. Berlusconi?” James asks seeing his way out of another potential chastising conversation after seeing Tara’s reaction to my response. 

“The fact that the creator of the program initiated regularly scheduled checkups for kids with friends and family members of foster children from their communities was something that blew me away. I’d personally like to thank the person who put that into effect, even though the city does as much as it can with child protection services. But they don’t exactly have the manpower for something so consistent. Most of the time abusers are alerted in advance about visits because it’s required by law. It gives abusers time to prepare for visits or coach kids to say whatever they want which allows for most abuse to go on recognized. The UFCPS method of using community members and volunteers to help has stopped countless attempts of sexual or physical abuse just by knowing these kids have someone looking out for them.” I say remembering a few of my recounts of the violent drunken foster father attempting to beat on me or Frankie to take out his frustrations on the kids the government dumped off at their doorstep and forgot. Tara is no longer facing James and Stella at hearing my words she turns and completely takes me in intently listening to my praises of the outreach program.

  “I even heard that the person who initiated this protocol personally goes to visit with each child once a week while regularly rotating visitations with other members of the community. I’m also here to discuss her interest in having people who are pillars in the community making regular visits to Lourdes’s place to help rebuild confidence and reassurance in the kids while also offering sponsorships and setting up possible adoptions.”

“Wow, do you hear that Tara Mr. Berlusconi has been pretty familiar with your work and wants to see about partnering with you to increase a few sponsorships and assistance for the kids?” She looks at Tara nudging her slightly.

“So, I heard.” She mumbles to Stella begrudgingly before looking back at me.

“It’s nice to meet you Mr. Berlusconi my name is Tara Holmes.” She says reaching her hand out to me. I take it without hesitation and a wave is sent through me her smooth warm tone in contrast to my own light olive warm tone sets off a primal possessive instinct through me. 

“The pleasure is all mine Ms. Holmes and please call me Gio,” I say never releasing her hand which feels way too comfortable resting on my own. She must have just realized I was still holding her hand because she pulls her hand away way too quickly for my taste. 

“I’m happy to hear you are interested in supporting our outreach program so extensively these kids are good kids who have just been dealt a bad hand in life some more bad hands than others, but genuinely they are phenomenal. They just need someone to care enough to want to see them reach their full potential.” She says with so much conviction I can’t help but admire her. She was just as ambitious now as she was back then.

“I admire your passion Ms. Holmes it’s good to know someone like yourself is so devoted to the kids in foster care as a former foster kid myself. I know how important it is to know someone cares enough to fight for you it’s too easy to lose your hope when you're lost to the system.” She suddenly regards me with a more intense gaze as if she was suddenly seeing me for the first time. Her gaze seeped into me reaching a part of me I thought to be long buried and dead after leaving Lourdes's.

“I’m so sorry you had to endure that pain of feeling like you were. I honestly understand how painful that is, I’m sorry you had to experience that. I understand how hard it had to be to overcome but if I have air in my lungs, I’m going to keep fighting for kids like us or the kids at Lourdes’s place until every kid feels safe no matter where they go. I know it’s a big job, but it won’t get done unless someone starts somewhere.”

  Just like that, it was over Tara’s words rang through me like a bell in the empty silence and called me forward. I almost forgot how she always made me speechless. Outside of Tara I never met a woman so passionate and full of fight in my life, and after all these years she still caught me off guard. I wasn’t sure how I hadn’t recognized her sooner; she had been the only girl I met who could just disarm me with her words I might have had a hard time recognizing her earlier, but I wasn’t willing to let her go with just that one conversation.

“Thank you for that Ms. Holmes I appreciate that deeply,” I say aw struck by her.

“You’re welcome Gio and please feel free to call me Tara.” She smiles warmly at me.

“Ok then, Tara would you care to dance I’d love to discuss more of your ideas about UFCP and your plans for the future of the program. I have some ideas on how I can help further your efforts in any way.” I look at her searing her with my gaze as I wonder if she recognizes me. She fidgets under my stare as she seems to be thinking over my invitation to dance. 

“I have a few more things to take care of for the event and I really should be getting back to the rest of the guests Gio. But I’d love to set up a meeting with you and our other partners to discuss the future of the program. I’m sure if you leave your number with our secretary, we could set up a few plans-” I cut her off knowing she was attempting to sway me from pursuing her further to hell with that. She was everything I had ever wanted, needed back then she was the light to my dark existence before we were pulled out of foster care. I spent years wondering whatever happened to her and now she was standing right in front of me. Whether she knew it or not she now belonged to me.  

“It sounds like a great idea however I do have a few things I planned to discuss with you today after seeing your program in action, however.” I look away attempting to seem put off.

 “I won’t be free for quite some time seeing as I have a flight out of the country to meet a few business partners abroad shortly after this and I would love to get to work on getting something in place before that happens,” I say putting urgency on my once and a lifetime offer it wasn’t complete bullshit. Sure, I had a flight after this, but it wasn’t for a while, and I would be back within forty-eight hours. She regards me for a moment and seems to be thinking of another way to reject me when James speaks up again.

“That sounds like an amazing idea Gio, Tara you should go ahead and discuss business with him Stella, Evet and I can hold down the fort while you two geniuses work something out for the new action plan.” To think I was ready to end this little old man not too long ago, I made a mental note to thank him with a few real Armani suits sent to his home after the event.

Then hold my hand out to Tara and give her my most seductive smirk. She looks to James who has now resorted to pushing her in my direction. She shakes her head at him then takes my hand, not willing to allow her the chance to think twice I lead her to the dance floor and pull her closer resting my hand in the center of her back. Instantly I’m hit by the scent of her flower bomb fragrance, using my palm I guide her body closer to mine before slowly leading her into a slow swaying dance.

She gasps a little caught off guard by me pulling her closer, but the sight of her breast pressed against my chest practically bursting from her dress was worth it. Yeah, she had grown up alright. I stifle a groan at the sight of the caramel mounds presenting themselves to me. I thought of her over the years often found myself wondering about her and where was now. I hadn’t had direct contact with anyone from Lourdes place up until two years ago when Lourdes reached out to me after my old man passed. I hadn’t even known Tara was still there until she mentioned her plans for setting up the UFCP.

“I’m sorry about James and Stella bugging you back there. Sometimes they can be a bit…” she says interrupting my thoughts then goes silent searching for the words.

“Eccentric, I know but they seem pretty harmless, and Stella seems to know how to reign her husband in.” I offer desperate to hear her sweet sing-song tone again.

“Eccentric is way too kind of a word. They can be downright crazy if you let them, and they’re not married although I have no idea why they're perfect for each other” she jokes.

I laugh at her response. “I couldn’t tell by the way she set him in place,” I say observing the dimples on her cheeks as she smiles. “Beautiful women tend to have that effect on their husbands.” She laughs at my response and it’s my new favorite sound.

“You sound like my best friend Evet she’s gonna be pissed when she finds out about me dancing with you.”

“Why is she a fan of my companies?”

“No! more like a fan of your body, she’s tall, curvy with glistening dark skin. You know an aspiring model; with curves and she knows it. She’s convinced you’ll make gorgeous offspring.”

I laugh at her description of the girl I remember as her best friend from Lourdes's house she was cute back then too but something about Tara had all my attention in those days. She was the kind of girl that everyone liked to be around, but she was never too far behind Evet and AJ. She barely hung around anyone else except for Frankie and me who seemed to always be following them around like unofficial recruits to their click.

“You know and if gorgeous women aren’t for you my other best friend AJ isn’t a bad choice, he is fabulous and a guy that turns heads.” She probes.

“Yeah, no offense to AJ but he’s not my type, and I don’t think Evet, and I would work out so well either. I’d probably be fighting her for the mirror every day.” We both laugh at my joke, and I get another peek at those dimples.

“You’re probably right, Evet doesn’t play about mirror time she threatened to cut me once for taking two minutes out of her bathroom time.” She laughs again and for the first time, I wanted to keep talking to someone about absolutely nothing instead of just business it was refreshing. “So, we’ve talked about Evet, AJ, James, and Stella, how about you Tara what are you concealing, a secret crush, substantial credit card debt, secret baby you’re hiding away from the world,” I ask probing for more information about her.                                                            

“No secret crushes unless you count Vin Diesel, but I mean that's obvious.”

“Ouch, that hurt.” I hiss feigning mock offense. 

“What can I say I like them tall, dark, handsome, bald, and built.” She says and for some reason, it makes me a little jealous of Vin Diesel.

“As for credit card debt no, and secret baby not you have to be sleeping with someone for that to happen so no...” she pauses seeming to be surprised by own her admission.

“Well, I’m not sure about shaving my head, but I think I fit the rest of the criteria, wouldn’t you?” I say suggestively. But she goes quiet on me and for the second time in my life I was being rejected by this woman.

“So, you’re leaving the country shortly after the function?” she asks quickly changing the subject.

“Yes, I have a company I’m thinking of buying that could expand our conglomerate to a large demographic and make us a household name by the end of the year in Italy.”

“Wow, that’s pretty amazing. I’d kill just to take a trip to Italy let alone own a company there.” She says sounding genuinely shocked. She purses her lips.

“Well, maybe we could discuss planning an international trip for the kids at Lourdes’s place this year while I’m working on the merger it would allow me to free up some time to show you and the kids around.”

“That would take some time to get passports for six kids and staff to assist with a trip that big. Not to mention the cost in tickets would be a bit much for us to raise right now with us trying to plan for the expansion of the program,” she says rattling off excuses.                                        “No need I have a private plane and can get someone on the passports for everyone if you need a hand, and you could bring at least four staff members that should be efficient to make sure we have enough supervision. I also have a resort we own there that can accommodate everyone easily.” I respond leaving nothing to chance was I offering to plan a trip out of the country just to spend more time with her what the hell was it about Tara that made me want to move mountains just to be closer to her after one conversation. 

“Why don’t you tell me more about your plans to expand your community outreach program, Tara. I can tell your invested you and the other program directors seem to be making a huge difference in such a short time what are your plans for the future.”

“We purchased an office area to help us organize the UFCP better but as far as housing for the foster kids that was a bit of a struggle, but we were working on raising the funds for two more homes and interviewing and doing background checks on potential families to run the other two homes. Sure, we could just pay staff, but we wanted to make sure that the other two homes would be just as personable as the original to ensure that all the kids had just as fair of a chance as any one of our other kids at living in an authentic loving family environment.” She says excitedly.

“That’s amazing Tara, you certainly are something else, goal-oriented, smart beautiful. I heard you’re the powerhouse behind most of the event plans and fund-raising ideas, your team is very lucky to have you.” They are sure as hell were, to have such a huge outcome for her program and so much positive feedback to even be considered as one of the top ten programs in such a short amount of time. 

 “So, I’m guessing a takeover can take some time to work out; are you sure you’ll have enough time to extended to assisting with the UFCP directly. With you being so busy with your new business venture and all?” she asks changing the subject trying to feel me out, she was smart trying to gauge my intentions with that question.

“If you are concerned about my commitment Tara I want to assure you that I fully intend on dedicating my free time to helping to make the UFCP as successful as possible. As you know I have contributed extensively to the program and its initiative. I have also funded numerous trips to Disney land for the kids over the past two years. Not to mention sponsoring all of the meals and providing financial support to provide the kids with clothing and all their basic needs.”

  Shit, I had things set up so well for those kids, they were practically trust fund babies. Every one of our businesses in the greater Chicago area was customized to ensure the successful transition of the kids from Lourdes's place to the real world.

She looked up at me her face set in a stubborn expression. 

“Though we greatly appreciate all your financial support I think you of all people, can appreciate that UFCP represents more than making sure to support the kids financially. For most of our kids, the most important thing is to know they have someone on their side who not only wants to support them but genuinely shows them love and emotional support. For most of these kids, that’s all they ever wanted or needed.”

She shakes her head seeming to draw, a conclusion on who she thinks I am.

“I am aware of the mission statement and the intentions of the program to ensure the success and happiness of the kids UFCP helps. But all of that while noble is not all that most kids need to thrive in this world.” I lock eyes with her wanting to make my point clear.                         “Generational wealth is a key to helping them be successful long after they leave. It may not seem enough to you, but if you were to ask any of the kids who have received jobs and housing through Berlusconi Industries, I’m sure they would agree that having a way to support themselves plays a major part in this transition from foster kid to independent adult.”

She seems to scoff at my words. Her expression radiating pure furry, and my dick twitched at the thought of her riding me with all the passion she was giving off out of duty to her cause. My dick pulsed against my zipper just imagining the same level being applied in the bedroom. She lit a fire in me and fuck if I was going to let her get away without seeing for myself. She intentionally stomps on my toe flashing a mischievous smile as I wince sharply at the pain pulling me out of my thoughts as she continued. 

“While I’m sure financial support for our older kids is extremely useful when they age out. It’s not one bit the same as making sure these kids know they have someone who cares not just as a tax write-off or another notch on their good Samaritan belt; to help them appeal to their family-oriented clientele.” She looks me up and down dismissively.

“But at Lourdes's place we do not just playhouse there, we’re a family. When our kid's age out we do not just wish them well and point them in the right direction to stand on their own. We also set up family functions things like mandatory Sunday dinners to connect and bond with our kids, so they know that no matter what they do or where they go, they have a family and a real home. Because for some kids that are more than they ever had to start with, and that Mr. Berlusconi is priceless.”

She sighs and abruptly stops moving as if attempting to step away from me. Like hell, she was there was no way I was letting her walk away with the notion that I was just some Billionaire seeking tax credit for my service to the community. These kids were more than just a charity case to me they were me and Frankie and every other kid that the system failed and dropped off in a discreet little corner to keep them out of sight, and out of mind.

I grabbed her hand spinning her out away from me then back catching her and holding her up against me as I dipped her. The look of shock and confusion that spread across her face was so damn cute, she couldn’t have thought I intended to let her leave me after that speech. Had she been so determined at writing me off as nothing more than a money-hungry mogul with no real intentions to assist these kids without getting something out of it?

“My name is Gio, Ms. Holmes you’ll do well to remember it seeing as you will be seeing more of me from now on.” 

Her face transforms from one of confusion to full-on furry and I loved it. I smirk at her before pulling her upright continuing our dance. “I fully understand your disdain for politicians and businessmen who claim to support a cause but only show up when the cameras are rolling to drop off chump change and keep it moving. However, I can assure you Ms. Holmes that isn’t the case with me. I do appreciate you bringing it to my attention that I may have seemed more like an absent parent apart from our family as of late. Rest assured I have every intention to correct that starting now. I will be the dedicated father figure I am meant to be for our family however with my busy work schedule. I’d prefer to be working more closely with the matriarch of our ragtag family to keep me grounded so to speak. Therefore, I would love to take you out for dinner, maybe we can better discuss how I can start making a better effort to be the patriarch our family deserves.” I look into her eyes expectantly as I await her answer. 

Her eyes roam over my face searching for something, was she trying to read me to see if I was lying to her? How cute even if I wasn’t a Don who had that shit beat out of me years ago, she wouldn’t break me and find out all my secrets. But I was more than willing to waste time with her while she tried.

“All great things Mr. Berlusconi but with us it’s about more than just taking care of the basic needs of the kid's hell even bullshit foster parents looking to collect a check each month can do that.” She says rolling her eyes and shaking her head dismissively.

“For us and our kids it’s about more about giving them something most never even knew past or present tense.” She shifts slightly as I pull her closer into me as we continue our odd waltz.

 “Something that lasts beyond memories and clothes you’ll grow out of the family for us is everything and for some kids the only thing. So yeah, it’s great that you support us financially, but these kids need more.” With that, she abruptly stops causing me to do the same then she removes her hand from my shoulder letting it hang freely at her side before looking at my hand still holding hers firmly in my palm, and speaks.

“If you would excuse me, Mr. Berlusconi, I do have to get back to the event to help raise more funds for the other many financial responsibilities the kids require to be met wouldn’t want all that burden of finical support to fall on you after all.” I pause a minute feeling slightly triggered was she insinuating that my support was solely basing my intentions off my financial support which has been lucrative by the way. Hell, damn Disney, I was solely responsible for the reason most of the kids who aged out of Lourdes’s place had brand new cars from my dealerships, internships at any of my five hundred thousand businesses within the US, Europe, and their housing in brand-new high-rise condo’s all at more than ninety percent less than what it cost the average adult.  I had practically set up these kid’s futures like they were my successors. Yet here she was lecturing me on how I needed to do more but not because of the money I spent but because I didn’t spend enough time with the kids. 

I was the CEO of an eight-hundred-fifty-billion-dollar conglomerate that shit took time to keep running like the well-oiled machine it is today. Sure, I had Frankie as my COO he always had my back but even he needed a break now and again. 

Not to mention our board members but those greedy bastards were so deep in my pockets they couldn’t wait for me to slip up just so they could cut me off my thrown. 

Which none of them had the balls to do most were made up of the heads of the local families with the highest rank in the mafia community. 

But they knew very well I was my father’s son and disloyalty of any kind would end in a bullet in their head. I let go of her hand but not before pulling her closer then leaning down to whisper into her ear. 

“Well, maybe you can help me to be better at devoting more time to our family. I’ll be back in town within a month and would love to get together and work on that over dinner as I mentioned before.” I say taking a card from my pocket and handing it to her.

She takes the card reluctantly fixes a fake smile on her face and says, “Sure that sounds like a great idea; thank you, Mr. Berlusconi.”

“It’s Gio, just Gio; don’t worry Tara I have a feeling we will be getting to know each other better soon enough,” I say as I stand up and release her. Watching as she cautiously backs away from me the red of her dress fading into the background then disappears as she moves further and further away into the crowd never to be seen again or so she thinks. 

I walk over to Shadow fill him in on Tara and her description and ask him to keep a close eye on her from tonight on she was now under my protection whether she knew it or not. She was mine now, I just needed to make sure that she knew that. I search the crowd for her as she makes her way over to a group of elitist men and women in the back of the room quickly following behind her if she wanted to run, that was fine I’d just make sure she ran right into me.               

Tara

I walk away from Giovanni that self-righteous rich jack ass had some fucking nerve asking me out. I couldn’t stand men like him people who claimed to care about the kids in the foster care system. Only to find out they didn’t give a damn about helping them, they just wanted the photo op for clout. Nothing irritated me more than rich people who wanted to slum it to make it look like they were our heroes for struggling people. I was beyond annoyed and couldn’t wait to leave I needed to get out of here. I make my way over to the bar where I spot Evet, James, and Stella talking over drinks. 

“Well look at you out there caking with Mr. Berlusconi you little hoe. I knew you wanted to raise funds from the supporters but damn girl I didn’t think you had it in you.”

“Girl please I ain't checking for his ass.”

“But he sure as hell was checking for you. I saw him getting all close and personal with you out there. What’s up with that?”

“Not a damn thing Evie captain fuck boy isn’t my type.”                                                      “Good, believe me, Tara you don’t want to go getting mixed up with him. That man is bad news nothing good comes out of hanging around that man trust me.” James chimes in.

“Well, I don’t care how bad he is, that man is fine enough I’ll let him fuck me and my credit into the ground,” Evet says to James.                                                                                                   “Evet watch your mouth you are at a charity function. At least act like you have some self-respect and be professional. James you to this isn’t the place for you to be bad-mouthing the man that provides funds that help keep your bills paid. You both need to remember that we're not here for your agenda but to help generate more success for the program.” Stella says chastising them both.

“Thank you, Stella at least someone has my back.” 

“No, I have the back of the kids we’re trying to help. Maybe you should remember that yourself while you’re disrespecting the one person who singles handedly bankrolled your program's initiative from the beginning.”

“Your right Stella I’m sorry I do need to take this more seriously and stop letting my pride get in the way of what we're trying to do for our kids. I’m going to go talk to a few more people and try to get some more donors.” I say feeling like a child getting scolded. Stella had a point we worked our asses off to get support to keep the program running I couldn’t mess that up not when we were so close to making a difference.

“Good about time you acted like you had some sense Evet I would think you wouldn’t want to do the same. I’m going home so I need to get up Early to more and file the paperwork for the donations we collect tonight. Let’s go, James, I’ll drop you off at home I don’t want to mess around and pissing off any other potential donors.” She says in a scolding tone as gives us both a quick hug and a goodbye to us both before dragging James by his hand heading toward the door. I spent the rest of the night constantly dodging Mr. Berlusconi’s attempts to corner me as I spoke with other potential supporters. The man was relentless every time I looked up; he was suddenly there inserting himself into the conversation standing way too close for comfort.

“I get the feeling your avoiding me, Tara. Did I upset you so how?” He says from the seat beside me as we listen to the final tally of funds for each organization.

“Not at all Mr. Berlusconi I’m just a little busy trying to raise as much funding for UFCP as possible,” I say remembering the conversation we had with Stella about my courtesy toward our supporters.

“I realize that, if you haven’t noticed I’ve been trying to do my part to assist you with my fellow donors.” He says scooting his chair closer to me.

“I have, and we certainly appreciate your help.”

“If that’s the case then maybe you consider taking me up on my offer for dinner tomorrow night.”

“While I appreciate everything you’ve done tonight, I’m going to have to pass I’m going to be a little busy over the next few weeks. While I’m getting things prepared for the rest of July.”

“That’s too bad well then I guess we’ll have to get together another time.”

“Sounds like a plan,” I say returning my attention to the announcer.

“The final program when want to recognize tonight is a notable newcomer United Foster Care Program. This program has received the largest amount in donations for the evening with a total of one point five million dollars in donations tonight. Congratulations to program directors and staff on doing such an amazing job. This program is headed by Ms. Tara Holmes and Evet Morrison please give them a round of applause. Will the program directors please meet the staff to collect the funds and take a photo with the committee directors.”

I nearly fall over after hearing the total we managed to raise that was enough to help us extend the program and even higher more staff and by more equipment to extend the program just as we intended. 

“Well, it looks like congratulations are in order Ms. Holmes with that much funding I assume you’ll be able to free up some more time sooner than you thought seeing as you’ll be able to hire more staff now.”

“It looks like it, I’m sure it was thanks to all your support tonight thank you for that.”

“No need to thank me Tara as I said it was my pleasure to help, I really do admire everything you’ve done with the program and look forward to seeing what you do now that you have more financial backing.” He says smirking at me seductively and it sent a signal straight to my clit. 

I had to get away from this man I don’t know what James meant about his family but after seeing him in action tonight it was clear that this man was no joke.

“Well, I can’t wait to put it to good use and show all of our supporters like yourself how much we plan to make a difference for the kids of Illinois. Thank you again Mr. Berlusconi I have to go you have a great rest of your evening.” I say quickly dismissing myself heading over to meet Evet to take the charity photo and collect the check for the funding for the program.

After about fifteen minutes of posing for photos and another fifteen to sign off on paperwork for the donation, Evet and I collected the check and left. I was tired as hell and desperate to get home and out of this dress, so she offered to run it by the office and place it in the safe. I drive home in silence still high off the success of gaining so much financial support for the program. Everything was finally coming together we could now afford to hire more to start a new house for Lourdes’ place it was amazing. On average we had only been able to raise twenty thousand at the most, but we had earned over a million dollars this was unbelievable our dreams were finally coming true. I think to myself as I turn onto the street leading toward the south side and am stopped by three cop cars blocking the road.  An officer walks around to the driver's side of my car I roll down my window and spot a car off to the side of the road smashed against head-on into a building as smoke starts to rise from the hood. 

“Is something wrong officer?” I ask as he reaches me.

“Sorry, ma’am we have an accident up ahead.”

“Omg, what happened?”

“It looks like an elderly couple lost control of their vehicle and crashed headfirst into one of the buildings we’re trying to have the fire department cut them out now we won’t be able to let you through this way.”

“My house is down this street should I just pull off to the side and wait?”

“I would advise you back up and park further down the road we want to keep the street clear for everyone’s safety”

Ok, I say as I watch the several firemen climb from the truck carrying the jaws of death over to the tiny car. Something about it looked oddly familiar as I watched the firemen fight to quickly cut open the hood and pull the couple free. Then my heart starts pounding in my chest as I realize why the car was familiar it was Stella’s car.

I hop out of the car and try to run toward the crash, but I’m blocked by the officer.

“Ma’am you need to get back in the car.”

“I know them to let me go, I know them,” I scream as the officer holds me backstopping me from running. The sound of my screams devastated screams the last thing I remember as I watch the firemen pull the stiff bloody bruised bodies of my mentors and colleagues from the wreck as the EMT tries desperately to administer first aid to Stella meanwhile James is laid on a stretcher and a white sheet placed on top of him.