Angel

Chapter 38

Emilio

"The preparations are finished sir," Carlos said as I stood watching her sleep. She'd been at the compound for two weeks now, crying often, but never asking to leave. She had kept her word and I had kept mine, but then we had a moment in the garden where we seemed to actually connect. I felt bad about what I was about to do and only hoped she would forgive me eventually.

"Tell the girls to head this way. She'll be a bit groggy, but compliant. The ceremony will start at five. Keep it small and make sure the priest doesn't ask questions," I growled, then shoved off the doorframe to rouse my sleeping princesa. The doctor had laced her drink with Devil's Breath after many objections. She'd be lethargic, but wouldn't resist either.

I ran my hand over her hair and shoulders, "Time to wake my Princesa." She slowly roused, blinking in confusion. "Come, you need to eat and get ready, my love. It's time."

"Time?" she asked, her voice groggy as her lips pouted beautifully. Fuck, the things I'm going to do to that mouth after today.

"Our wedding, Princesa. The girls will be here shortly to help with your dress and such things. Everything is just as you wanted, remember?" The doctor had said to make it all seem as though we'd discussed and agreed on everything already to plant the suggestions. I'd even arranged to have Tori be her bridesmaid. Of course, she'd be a bit influenced herself, but at least it would make things easier. "Tori will be here to get ready with you, love." She smiled and nodded, holding out her hand to me as I helped her up and led her to the bathroom. Before she entered, I wrapped my arms around her and pressed a kiss to her shoulder, just above my mark. "Enjoy your shower, Princesa. I'll bring you a light snack."

She turned and put her arms around my neck, her eyes a bit glazed. Her hand cupped my cheek, "I'm sorry," she whispered.

"For what?"

"Crying so much. I'm trying, Emilio, I really am. Thank you for being patient."

I pressed my lips to her forehead, "I will dry your tears, little mouse, and replace them with ones of joy. I give you my word." She let out a soft sigh and leaned into my arms for a few moments before pulling away and going into the bathroom. I heard the water start and headed toward the kitchen to get her food.

Carlos met me outside the door with Tori held by her elbow. Her eyes were glazed just like Mattie's. Lexi and Megan stood nearby as well with arms loaded down. "Perfect timing girls," I smiled at them. "Mattie is in the shower, so go on in. I'll have the maids bring up a light brunch for all of you. Make sure she's ready by four-thirty so we have time to get arranged, sí?"

"You got it, boss," Lexi chirped, "We'll even make sure her honeymoon bag is packed with some fun items." Her eyebrows wiggled as Megan laughed. I rolled my eyes and headed toward the kitchen.

Lexi

Once Carlos had left, I blew out a relaxed breath, "Thank fuck he's gone. Geez, what the fuck did they give her?" I asked Megan, nodding at Tori.

"Probably the same thing they gave Mattie," she snorted. "Hey, Tori, sweetie, are you okay?"

Tori's eyes were unfocused as she looked at her and nodded, "Yeah, just a bit tired. So, um, what are we doing again?"

Megan and I exchanged looks. Doc had given us the low down on memory suggestions for Mattie, but I guess we need it for Tori too...well fuck me. "It's Mattie's wedding day!" I fake squealed. "We get to be her bridesmaids and help get her ready, isn't that so cool? Don't you remember her asking you to be maid of honor? I mean, good grief, Tori, you talked about it for like ever."

She gave a confused look then nodded in agreement, "Oh, yeah, I remember now." That was creepy. Before she could ask another question, Mattie came out of the bathroom in a fluffy towel with her hair up. Tori grinned, "Ready to get hitched?"

Mattie gave a nervous laugh, "I guess."

"Alright ladies, we need to start with nails - hands and feet, stat!" I laughed, pulling out several shades. "So what colors?"

"Well our dresses are teal, so how about this one," Megan said, holding up an iridescent shade that had just a hint of teal in it. "It will also pop against Mattie's dress."

Mattie giggled, "It is pretty."

"It will look great on your toes where the embroidery is along the hem. Let's do it," I said, pulling her into a chair.

By the time the maids arrived with brunch, we'd finished our nails and had started planning out makeup. It was almost noon, plenty of time. "Soooo," Megan teased, "which outfit are you wearing for the wedding night?"

Mattie's cheeks flushed red as we laid out the lingerie we'd purchased. Of course, she didn't need to know we'd bought them. Her fingers ran over the lacy fabric of a soft blue babydoll outfit. "This one," she said softly. "Emilio likes this color."

Wow, the guy must have done some fancy talking to implant that in her head. I've been here for ten years and didn't even know that. "He'll like that," Tori said, looking at the rest of the items we planned to pack.

"Okay ladies, we need to pack her bag, then it's dress time. We need to be down about thirty minutes early for photos too," I said, getting them all motivated and moving. Carlos better pay me for this shit. I am not the bridesmaid type.

Author's Notes:  Getting married...

**By the way, Devil's Breath is a drug thought to induce a fog in those it is used on.  There aren't really any concrete studies to prove this, however, mostly just urban legend.

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