Angel

Chapter 48

Mattie

"You realize you can't hide in there all night, little mouse, right?" Emilio called through the bathroom door. I kept staring at myself in the mirror. Was I really going out there as the Reina of the two cartels? What if I lose my shit and start crying? What if something happens? I felt my throat constrict and fell to my knees, vomiting into the toilet.

"Mattie? Are you okay?" Emilio's worried voice came through the door. "Baby, please let me in." I reached up and unlocked the door as I rinsed my mouth out. He handed me a toothbrush and asked, "What's going on in that beautiful mind?"

I finished brushing and sighed as I wiped my mouth, "They're all going to know I'm a fraud. I'm just a girl. I have no idea about this lifestyle or the business beyond the things I despise," I sighed.

"Well, that's a loaded comment," he muttered, then pulled me into his arms. "Mattie, look at me. You are not a fraud. Yes, you are new to all of this, but you are far from just a girl. You are the woman who captured my heart and soul, you have fiercely protected not only your daughter but your friend as well." He lifted my chin, "You will walk in there, head held high and everyone will bow their heads to you, my love." He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead and I let out a breath. I felt better but still wasn't nearly as convinced as he seemed to be.

****

Emilio had been right. I had stood side by side with him and my Abuelo as the entire room lowered their heads to us as we passed. Now, I was spinning around the dancefloor in my Abuelo's arms as he beamed with pride.

"You were made for this life, Matilda," he commented. "Such a commanding presence."

"Abuelo, I'm a petite girl with a big mouth. I'm not sure I'd call that a commanding presence," I giggled, making him laugh loudly.

He spun me out and pulled me back, still laughing, "I know you don't want to talk about it, but the way you dealt with that woman was impressive, Mariposa. You are an intimidating opponent, and everyone here now knows it."

I tensed for a moment, then decided to speak my mind. "This may not be the place or time, but I want to propose that both cartels get out of the human trafficking business." He gave me a look that let me know he disagreed, but before he could explain I added, "Imagine if I had been one of those girls, or my Violet? As a parent, a grandparent, how would you feel searching for your child, knowing the horrors that face those people that are trafficked?" His face paled, my words hitting their intended mark.

"Have you spoken to your husband about your concerns?" he asked. I blushed slightly. "Ahh, decided to start with the softie, eh?" he laughed. "We will discuss it - the three of us, Mariposa."

I threw my arms around his neck, hugging him tightly, "Thank you, Abuelo!" He hugged me back, still laughing as we danced around the floor, finally stopping in front of Emilio who grinned wickedly at me.

"May I steal my wife, Alberto?" he asked, holding his hand out to me.

He winked at me, "Yes, I think she may have a few items to discuss with you." Emilio raised his eyebrows as I rolled my eyes at Abuelo.

We moved onto the dance floor as his hand settled on the small of my back, our bodies pressed close together. "So, my lovely wife, what would you like to discuss?" His eyes twinkled as he asked.

"Um, well," I hesitated.

"Oh, come now, you can't be that shy," he prompted. "After all, I've seen every inch of your body, little mouse."

My cheeks heated as I cleared my throat and took the plunge. "I want both cartels to get out of the trafficking business."

I clenched my eyes, waiting for him to explode, or argue, but he stayed silent. When he placed soft kisses on each eyelid, I opened them to look at him. "I wondered how long it would take you to ask," he said quietly.

"Are you mad?" I asked.

"No, little mouse. I told you earlier that you are a fierce protector. It is only natural that you want to protect others as well. What did your grandfather say on the matter?" he asked.

"He didn't seem happy until I asked him to imagine it was me or Violet being taken as he searched for us without hope," I said softly. "He said the three of us could discuss it after I mentioned that."

"Mi Reina," Emilio whispered as he pressed his lips against my ear. "You truly are coming into your own. I'm proud of you." I blinked, feeling tears in my eyes. If you had told me two months ago that hearing him say that would affect me, I'd have said you were insane, but now...

"Thank you," I whispered, our lips meeting in a kiss that quickly deepened. I could feel both of our hearts racing as he grabbed my hand and tugged me off the ballroom floor. He led me down an empty hall, then pushed a heavy door open. "What are you doing?" I asked, looking around the massive room.

He pulled me toward the large desk and grinned, "I'm going to fuck my sexy, amazing wife." My eyes widened as he grabbed my waist, hiking my dress up. He groaned when he saw my matching panties and garters. "Fuck," he moaned, tugging the panties down. "You are so beautiful, Mattie." Much like he'd done that night at the dinner, he laid me on the desk and lowered his mouth to my core, but this time I readily responded. I felt my stomach tighten instantly as my hips lifted, seeking his mouth and tongue. My fingers dug into his scalp as he sent me over the edge.

I was panting as he sat back in the chair, crooking his finger at me. His grin widened as I climbed up, straddling his lap. "Emilio," I moaned as he sank inside of me, his hands firmly grasping my hips. Our pace started slowly, building rapidly. I didn't even try to stop my cries as he skillfully guided me to another orgasm. When he came inside of me, our bodies slacked in the chair.

"I love you, Mattie," he whispered, stroking my hair.

"I love you, too," I said quietly. His entire body froze. I'd never said those words to him. I don't think I'd ever admitted them to myself until now. I'm not even sure how or when it happened, but it did. Maybe it was inevitable. I leaned back, my gaze meeting his.

"Say it again," he croaked, tears filling his eyes.

I reached up and wiped the tears away and smiled as my own tears fell, "I love you, Emilio." He gave a soft laugh then crashed his mouth to mine, his arms embracing me.

A knock at the door broke our moment. "Sorry to interrupt, boss, but the two Americans we spoke about are here to see you," Carlos said from the doorway.

Emilio sighed, "Give us a moment." Carlos made a noncommittal sound and looked away as I stood up. I felt a flood of juices run down my leg and blushed. However, when I reached for my panties, Emilio just shook his head and pushed them into his pocket. He did, at least, clean me slightly with his handkerchief.

"Pervert," I teased him as we straightened our clothes.

He chuckled, his arm around my waist, and kissed the side of my head, "Only for you, love. Only for you." He cleared his throat and Carlos stepped into the hallway for a moment, returning with two men following him.

I felt my heart sink.

"Boss, this is Victor and his associate, Kota. They've been doing a fair amount of coke trades and want to discuss other avenues," Carlos said.  

Author's Notes:  And the Blackbourne guys have arrived...

Please follow, vote, and comment!