Angel

Chapter 39

Mattie

My head felt heavy as Carlos led me down the aisle. The room was beautiful just like my dress and everything else, but it felt so wrong. I don't remember agreeing to this. I didn't want this, but every time I tried to say that, the words wouldn't form. Instead, I now stood facing the man that terrified me most in this world, in front of a priest about to be married.

"Do you Emilio Diego Cardoza take Matilda Gabriella Theriot to be your lawfully wedded wife, to honor and cherish her so long as you both shall live?" the priest asked.

"I do," he replied and slipped a large diamond ring and band on my finger.

The man turned to me, "Do you Matilda Gabriella Theriot take Emilio Diego Cardoza to be your lawfully wedded wife, to honor and cherish her so long as you both shall live?"

My mind screamed no, but my voice said, "I do," as I slipped the silver diamond-studded band on his finger.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. Emilio, you may kiss your bride," he said cheerfully.

Emilio pulled me to him, one hand behind my head, the other at the small of my back, and crashed his lips to mine. I found myself returning his kiss as the crowd cheered. When we finished, he whispered to me, "You are now Reina, my little mouse. Hold your head high, because all of this is ours."

I felt my posture straighten as his words sunk in. I was the queen of the Cardoza cartel, and there was no hope of escape now. 

He'd won.

Emilio

I could see the subtle shift in her mannerisms as the drug began to fade. Yet again, she didn't fail to impress. When I'd reminded her that she was now Queen, her entire posture changed - she rose to it. I know this isn't what she wanted, but damn if it isn't what she was made for. Her brilliance and quick thinking would be an immeasurable asset to the cartel. Her loyalty would be unshakable once she became pregnant. She was already a fierce parent, placing her daughter's safety above her own pain at losing her. I grieved for her, but it made me admire her all the more.

As the night wore on, the guests began to leave and we swayed on the dancefloor. She was breathtaking. "I'm proud of you Mrs. Cardoza," I whispered to her, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. "You are so strong, Mattie. You have no idea how much I admire you."

Her cheeks flushed slightly, "Thank you." She let out a sigh and looked into my eyes, "Please be honest. I never agreed to any of this did I?"

"No, little mouse, you did not. I'm sorry but I couldn't wait longer," I admitted.

She stayed calm, not letting the tears that threatened, fall. "Why the rush? I told you I wouldn't leave. I wasn't lying."

I cupped her face gently and kissed her again, "Shh, that's not it, Mattie. I hate to admit it, but it's business. Too many rumors flying and talk of those that wanted to harm you, to take you from me. We need to present a unified front. Part of ruling a cartel is showing them who is in charge and leaving no room for questions."

She sighed again, "Okay. At least I'm not going crazy, because you had me wondering there for a minute."

I laughed softly, "You really are amazing, my Reina, my love." Her eyes widened. "You'll love me someday, Mattie. I can wait," I told her as I raised her left hand and kissed her ring. "Now, we have a plane to catch." She started to ask something, but I just tugged her toward the door with a secretive grin.

The driver already had our suitcases loaded and after a few short farewells, we were on our way to my jet.

****

"Wait, you're telling me you own an island - like the entire fucking thing?" she sputtered after I told her where we were going.

I frowned, "Language, mouse," She rolled her eyes as I continued, "And no, we own an entire fucking island. Everything that is mine, is now also yours."

Her bottom lip jutted out, "How come you get to cuss but I'm not supposed to?" Her pouting was absolutely adorable.

I pulled her into my lap as she squeaked, "Because, your mouth is far too pretty to have such words come out of it. Although, it would look beautiful wrapped around my cock." She turned deep crimson at my words and squirmed in my lap, her ass rubbing against my quickly hardening erection. "Mattie, unless you want me to fuck you on this plane, I suggest you quit squirming right now," I growled and she froze, her eyes growing even wider.

"Sorry, sir," she breathed.

Joder. I groaned and slammed my lips against hers, shifting her into a straddling position as I cupped her ass. Her hands tried to push against my chest, but she wasn't nearly strong enough. In seconds, I'd crushed her whole body against mine, my hips grinding into her core as she moaned softly. My hand slid between her legs, my finger making circles over her wet panties. "So wet for me, little mouse," I cooed as I nipped at her earlobe. She bucked and squeaked when I pressed against her clit. "By the time we leave our island, I'm going to completely ruin you, love." Her ragged breaths and soft moan were music to my ears.

When we reached the beach house, her nerves were in full force. I could see the confusion written all over her face. Her body responded so beautifully to my touch, but she still felt bound to those men. No matter. A few drinks to relax and she'd relent before the night ended. We had the entire week to explore and discover each other's bodies and if I were lucky, she'd be pregnant by the time we left. I'd made sure she stopped her birth control the same day I'd branded her. She needed a reason to connect to and protect the cartel, and I needed an heir.

I quickly fished out two wine glasses and poured us both a drink. She took it with shaky hands sitting on the couch next to me. She sipped as she held a small pillow in her lap, her eyes down. I'd dismissed the help for the night. They were paid to be discreet only coming in to prepare meals and light cleaning this week. I didn't want to be interrupted. When she'd finished most of the glass I gently took it from her hands and set it on the table. "Mattie, look at me," I said quietly. Her eyes darted up and I saw the smattering of tears that had already fallen. Reaching out, I brushed them away. "I'm not going to hurt you, love. How about we start with a kiss, hmm?"

She nodded hesitantly and I knelt between her legs, pulling her mouth to mine. Her lips were soft and salty from her tears. I groaned as she put her hand at the base of my neck, gently playing with my hair. Such innocence and it was all mine. My hands slowly trailed under her dress and I tugged her lower on the couch as I removed her panties. She gasped as my mouth lowered to her folds and I began licking her slowly. "Emilio," she breathed, half-heartedly pushing against my shoulders as my fingers slid inside her. When I began pumping them into her, her fingers tightened around my shoulders and I chuckled against her skin. Her body was like a fine instrument, responding to even the slightest touch. She fell apart when my fingers curled inside of her and I sucked on her clit. Her cries filled the room as she rode my fingers.

Not giving her time to think, I undid my pants and pulled her toward me as I sank inside of her. She screamed at the sudden penetration, then quickly began riding me, her legs gripping my waist as I thrust deeper. Our mouths explored each other's flesh as we reached our climax together. I clutched her to me as I felt her shudder around my cock as I emptied inside of her.

Then her sobs broke free and I just held her. She shuddered with regret and confusion but also clung to me. The realization of what we had done and who she was now settled into her very soul. With soft kisses and reassuring words, I lifted her up, cradling her in my arms, and carried her to our bedroom. I stepped away only for a few moments, grabbing towels to clean us, then climbed into the bed, pulling her against my chest. "I promise I will make you happy, little mouse," I whispered as I stroked her hair. "You are so beautiful, my love." Her breathing leveled out after a while and I slipped out to take care of business matters.  

Author's Notes:  Emilio - bad guy or good guy potential?  I'm still undecided...