Angel

Chapter 52

Emilio

I sat next to her bed, holding her fingers gently. I'd wracked my brain trying to figure out what caused her to break like this. I thought we were doing so well. She had finally told me she loved me, and I knew it wasn't just to placate me. Up until the Gala, we had been really happy. Something happened that night, but what?

"Emilio," Doc whispered. "I...I need to speak with you in private."

I looked around in confusion. The only other person in the room was Mattie. How much more private could it get? Nevertheless, I stood and followed him into the deserted hallway. "What is this all about?" I gruffed. I just wanted to get back to her. He handed me a plain-looking piece of paper. I felt like the air in my lungs had been set on fire as I read the test result...she's pregnant. Did she hate me so much that she would rather die than have our child?

"I need you to listen to me, Emilio. She needs help that I can't provide. I'm not a therapist. Hell, I can't even give her drugs for depression now that she's pregnant," he explained. "I've sent out a few requests for help, but under the radar to avoid suspicion. The best response so far has been from the Hernandez family."

My head snapped up. "Do you think she knew when...when she..." I couldn't bring myself to say it.

"She probably suspected. Put yourself in her shoes, son. First, she's taken and abused by the man who claims to love her. She has to give up her only child, and now she's pregnant. I can't imagine the trauma all of this has done to her and she's still so young!" His hands were clenched and I felt a wave of self-hatred roll over me.

I did this to her. I raped her, forced her into a marriage, took her life away...I'm the monster. Just like my fucking father. I pushed Doc out of my way and, finding the nearest trash can, threw up.

I felt his hand on my shoulder as he offered me a napkin. "I didn't mean to upset you further. You can't change the past, but you need to do right by her and your child now. May I accept the Hernandez offer?"

"Yes, yes, whatever is best for her. That's all that matters, Roberto," I told him and headed back into her room.

I sat there for several hours more before she stirred. She let out a groan as she tried to sit up. "Careful, little mouse," I said softly, stepping closer to the bed. "Let me help you." I moved to lift her pillow and she flinched. Was she scared of me? "Hey, it's okay love. I just want you to be comfortable."

Her eyes were filled with fear as she nodded, then looked at her bandaged arms. Silent tears ran down her cheeks. "I...I'm sorry," she whispered almost too low for me to hear.

I took her hand in mine and kissed it. "No apologies. I don't understand why you did this, but I'm not judging you, Mattie. I just want you to get better. I'm sorry for the part I've played in your pain." She looked at me in utter confusion.

"What," she gasped.

"I've hurt you so many times and in so many ways, Mattie. I understand if you hate me, but please don't hurt yourself. Please don't hurt our child," I begged her, falling to my knees next to the bed.

Her other hand instinctively flew to her stomach and she made a whimpering sound. "I...I..." she sputtered.

I hugged her legs, laying my head on her stomach, "Shh, don't talk, just rest, mi corazón." She moved her hand to run her fingers through my hair and soon I heard her breathing level out once more.

After a while, I stood and placed a kiss on her forehead then pulled the sheet over her resting form. "I will do whatever it takes to make you happy, Mattie, and I will keep you safe, both of you," I said, leaning down and placing a kiss on her stomach.

Sean

We stepped off the plane in what looked like a private airstrip. I'd spent the past two weeks refreshing all of my psychology skills with Lilly. When the information had reached us that my offer was accepted, it surprised us a bit to discover the matter was mental, not physical health. No specifics were given, but I know Marc especially had assumed the worst. He sent a small fortune with Owen and me to ensure she got whatever she needed and was very clear about updates being sent to the account Corey had created.

"Dr. Green, I'm Dr. Roberto Ortega, thank you for agreeing to come on such short notice," the older man said, firmly shaking my hand. "And who might this be?" He eyes Owen cautiously.

"My pleasure Dr. Ortega, this is my husband, Owen," I replied. I could see the man cringe slightly. It was not an uncommon response, so I simply ignored it. I sure as hell wasn't going to hide him or our marriage.

"Um, nice to meet you, sir," the man said. We all entered a waiting SUV with tinted windows. "Once the two of you are settled in, Mr. and Mrs. Cardoza will speak with you in his study. All matters related to her health are to be held in the strictest of confidence. I'm sure that won't be an issue?" He looked to Owen.

"Sir, I've been married to my husband for quite some time, and I'm an attorney, so I'm well aware of confidential information and what he can and cannot discuss. I am perfectly content to sign any disclosures you require as well. I am simply here to support my husband," he explained matter of factly.

"I'm sure that will make the Cardozas more comfortable." He motioned for us to follow him as we arrived at the compound. Mr. Cardoza felt it best to place you in their private wing. This will be your room," he explained, opening a large door for us. "There is a private bathroom. The Cardoza's are at the end of the hall, Mr. Cardoza has a private office just to the left. That's where you will be meeting them shortly, and then Tori's room is just opposite yours."

"Tori?" I asked, recognizing the name.

"Oh, she's Mrs. Cardoza's friend and confidant. She is the only other person living in the wing. I'm sure you'll meet soon enough. She's hard to miss," he chuckled, "Petite, opinionated, Japanese, yep, that sums up our Tori." His expression was that of a proud parent as he described her. "Matter of fact, I'll have her come get you once they're ready to visit."

"Thank you, Dr. Ortega," I said with a genuine smile. The man seemed decent.

"Please call me Roberto," he grinned and headed down the hall toward the couple's room.

"So what do you think," Owen asked as I closed the door and started to unpack. He had placed a scanner on the nightstand to pick up on bugs. He held up his hand signaling there were two in the bedroom, one in the bathroom.

"He seems nice enough. I guess I'll know more after I speak with them and find out what help she actually needs. Let's get cleaned up before the girl he mentioned arrives," I said out loud. However I signed, I think there is something really wrong. He was too nice and cheery, almost like he was scared to explain. He was also not too thrilled about you being here.

I noticed that as well. I'll have Victor and Corey reroute the bugs asap. "I think a shower sounds perfect," he grinned as he unbuttoned his dress shirt. Well, at least whoever was listening would enjoy the shower scene I thought to myself as I too began to strip.

Author's Notes: The characters are doing it again...I had a plan, I swear I did, but...

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