Angel

Chapter 44

Emilio

"Alberto, old friend, I'm so glad you could come," I greeted him, my hand slapping his shoulder.

He grinned, "Good to see you too, now where's my Matilda?" About that time she came strolling into the room reading a book and froze, her eyes locked on him. It took me a moment. She was his spitting image. "Mi hermosa nieta," he breathed as tears rushed to his eyes.

"Abeulo?" she gasped. He nodded and she ran, launching herself into his arms. Watching them together was beautiful. After a while, they sat on the couch, hand in hand, talking about everything they'd missed in each other's lives. He was livid when he learned what her parents had done.

"Matilda, I give you my word, we will keep her safe. If you want her to stay with her father, then that's what will happen. Just know, should she want a place in the family - ever - it's hers," Alberto told her. "I would love to meet her someday."

Mattie sighed, "I'd like that too, but I'm not sure it will ever happen, or at least not for a long time. It's not fair to pull her away from her father, and seeing me would only make it harder for her." I wanted to tell her she was wrong. I wanted to find a way to give her both worlds, but I knew I couldn't. If I allowed Violet's father anywhere near Mattie, we'd be right back to square one. We had come too far in our relationship to risk that now.

They continued to visit until it was almost dinner time. Mattie left to make sure everything was ready, leaving Alberto and I alone. "What are you going to do about her parents and grandmother?" I finally asked him.

He took a swig from his bourbon and gave a wicked grin. "Ricardo always was a greedy child. If I didn't think she'd hate me, I'd kill them both," he said.

I laughed, "She threatened to kill them if they touched Violet. Not going to lie, I think she'd do it. She already wants to torture Trish to find out what her grandmother knew and did."

His eyes widened, and he let out a howling laugh, "She's a Cortez alright. Sounds just like her grandmother."

"I don't know about that, but she is a lot like you. She's got fire, Alberto. I know I brought her against her will and forced her into this marriage, but she's taken to it like a fish to water." I paused, "I will say, I'm not sure what she'll do to her own grandmother though. When she realized the woman had basically given me a roadmap to her, she was explosive. Hell, I was surprised. Yes, I wanted to find her, but what kind of woman uses her own grandchild and great-grandchild as nothing more than pawns?"

"As long as Matilda says she's safe, I'll leave the girl alone, but mark my words, Emilio, if that woman makes a single move toward her, even a flinch. I'll bring her to my compound." He rubbed his hand across his chin, "Of course, once the two of you have children of your own, she might be more inclined to allow Violet to join the family."

I shook my head, "She won't take her from the father. I already tried," I told him.

He just gave me a knowing grin and chuckled, "But once you have your own family, she won't want to leave. The girl's father would be welcome to come and go so long as he caused no troubles." I hadn't even considered that. "Have they made any rescue attempts? They obviously know who you are and where she is."

I gaped, "No, well, not that I know of. But it makes sense they know where she is, especially if her grandmother did sell her out. What if she's keeping them from making the attempt? How do I keep her from hating me if they try to take her?"

"We wait and see. I doubt the young man would take risks where his daughter is involved. I'd even go so far as to say Mattie already made her wishes known prior to her abduction," Alberto commented. "Now, since I missed the wedding, I insist on a dance at the Gala," he grinned.

"I'd be honored and I think Mattie would be thrilled as well. I think the more time she can spend with you will help her feel more at home." He nodded and then we shifted to business matters.

Gabe

"Alright, you fuckers look fabulous. Try not to destroy the tuxes," I muttered.

"We're just talking to people, Gabe," Kota smirked.

Luke came behind me and whispered in my ear, "It's not like they're going to end up naked in the pool." My face turned three shades of red as he snickered.

"Woah, did Luke just make Gabe blush?" Nate laughed. "I never thought I'd live to see the day." I threw him a glare, which only made him laugh more.

I threw my hands up and felt Luke's arms come around my waist, "Relax, baby. I know you aren't worried about the tuxes. The guys will be fine." My shoulders sagged. He was right. The stupid clothes didn't matter. I was so nervous about them going into that compound. What if Mattie accidentally gave away their identity, or Vivian ratted us out? My mind was going crazy with worries. "Besides, Kota's too desperate to see his goddess again," he smirked.

"So is everyone clear on their roles?" Owen asked as the entire group funneled into the main room.

"Kota and I will be attending the Gala as prospective business partners. Carlos is vouching for us based on our previous dealings," Victor said.

"Nate and I are working with the catering crew. We can't have ear wires because they are scanning everyone. Aren't you glad I made you all learn ASL now?" Luke smirked.

Nate snorted, "How do I sign I'm fucked?" Luke slapped him upside the back of the head but laughed.

"All jokes aside guys, we really appreciate your help. You're putting a lot on the line for us, and we don't take it lightly," Marc said. "Thank you."

Sean grinned as he carried in Violet, "Family is a choice, and this little pumpkin is our family, just like the rest of you. We stand by our family." He tickled her stomach as she laughed, "Now, let's get some dinner and we can finish things after dinner, yeah?"

"Can we have spaghetti, Uncle Sean," she asked, batting her long eyelashes. When she grows up, I swear this girl will topple governments with those eyes.

North piped up, "Sure thing little lady, but Luke and I will cook, Uncle Sean hasn't learned yet."

She gasped, "You need to practice, Uncle Sean. Reading the ingredients helps. That's what Mama always has me do."

"Come on, Uncle Sean, you can help her read the ingredients," North snorted with a wide grin as we all stifled our laughter. Sean waited until Violet wasn't looking and flipped him off, making us laugh more.  

Author's Notes:  and the lines become more and more cloudy....