Drake Wayne Mathildo

She was wearing a butterfly mesh off shoulder dress, dangling heart-shaped earrings paired with the three-layered necklace. And man, her hair was perm prettily. My heart flip-flopped when I saw the ring I give her on her left hand, fourth finger.

"Is this a wedding, Drake? The theme is classy and divine like it's the open gate to a paradise. Pwede ring birthday?"

"Watch and be surprise..."

We were in Grand Summit Hotel. I had been keeping silent since this morning. She was prettily nosy of what event we're going. I didn't want to spoil what I've been preparing.

We stepped in the venue. All eyes were peering at her intently and all the flashes of camera directed to us. I heard her gasp and I felt the coldness of her hands. We were like lovebirds caught in the headlights. Jethro on the other hand led the photographers.

"This way, Mr. Mathildo and Ms. Soledad." The organizer ushered us.

I nodded at the organizer.

I felt the relentless shift of Angel's head and the confusion that seemed to augment in her eyes.

"Drake, there's too many cameras..." bulong niya na may panginginig.

She couldn't see her family because of the blinding lights.

"Relax, baby..." I caressed the back of her soft hand.

"Drake..."

Her other hand clutched my arm as if all the photographers would pick on her. But it was the other way around. They were astounded by her angelic beauty.

"I'm here, Anghel. Your beauty should never be hide from the cameras, pretty. So, smile because this will make a pretty good memory to remember, baby."

My fingers linked through hers. It was quite cold. "Will you really be alright?"

"Yes, Drake. I just feel a little tense..."

I wrapped my fingers to her tightly to give her some warm. "Don't be, baby. You have me..."

The organizer signaled the photographers to give us some way. We strutted through the red carpet.

She puffed an air. "Anong event nga ito?" she asked for countless times already.

"Look at the screen."

Her gasp was audible enough to get into my veins.

Her flabbergasted eyes were enough to get my heart thudded and bounced like I cross a bumpy road.

"Let's welcome, Mr. Drake Wayne Mathildo and Ms. Angel Faye Soledad!" The master of ceremony announced.

Elegant applause sounded like ocean wave.

"It's a launching event for our brandy business."

She was thoroughly speechless.

"What?" She asked when she recovered.

"Angel In My Veins."

She gulped as if the sight of the brandy made her thirsty. Or the thought of it with her name on it mesmerized her.

"Drake...it can't be..." She paused for a moment to let everything sink in to her mind. "You name your brandy business after me?"

She blushed in a deep shade of pink.

"Yes, it's not only mine, Angel. It's yours too." I said proudly.

"Drake, why are... you not running out of surprises?" She breathed out through her nose.

"You deserve all the finest things in life with the finest surprises, Angel..."

She was on the verge of tears. She was fanning her eyes before a single tear could escape. "I'm going to cry again. I don't want to ruin my makeup."

"Shhh...Calm down..." I fondled her cheeks.

"Angel In My Veins..." binanggit niyang muli.

Doon ko lang napagtanto ang isang bagay. From struggling to give her a valentine gift with only fifty pesos in my pocket, for I was grounded that time: to affording a second-hand album of Taylor Swift for her eighteen birthday; and now owning a business that's inspired by her were a tremendous development.

"Angel, anak!" Mama Anne waved her hand to get Angel's attention.

Natutop niya ang kanyang bibig. "They're here too. You really planned this well..."

"Of course, only for you, Angel..."

"Anne, Soren, and Sonya! Welcome to the launching of Angel in My Veins brandy!" My father exclaimed when they arrived to their table.

"Naku, balae! Nahihiya na kami sa lahat ng sorpresa ng anak mo kay Angel!"

"Huwag kang mahiya, Tita." Russel inserted.

"Dapat sanayin mo na ang sarili mo, Anne. Drake just loves surprises, and I'm down with that! We're all family now!"

The program began. It was a lot of fun and teasing from the well-known personalities. We socialized and mingled with the high-profiled guests.

Angel was tugging along with me as I introduced her to famous and authentic beauty gurus. They might give her some advices, and motivations to start a business in the beauty industry.

"Do you want to come with me to answer some questions, Angel?" untag ko sa katahimikan niya.

I tucked the few strands of hair behind her ear. My hands found hers under the table.

"Pwedeng dito muna ako, Drake? Kahit ilang sandali lang. I'm not yet used to this..."

She looked too uptight and uneasy. She had always been calm. Inurong ko ang aking upuan at sinandal ang ulo niya sa aking balikat.

"Okay. Nasaan si Sonya?" I brushed her hair deliberately.

Everyone had this gleam in their eyes watching us. Probably the admiration that I wasn't ashamed to show comfort to my Angel.

"Nasa comfort room. Retouching her makeup."

Hindi muna ako umalis sa table namin. I waited until Soya comes back. So then, she wouldn't be alone.

Nasa kabilang table sina Kuya Soren at Mama Anne kasama ang pamilya ko. Jethro was also busy taking pictures.

"Babalik ako..." I kissed her hair before going to the only reporter we invited for the event.

My purpose of inviting one reporter was to make less unnecessary questions. She was a professional and engaging reporter. She might feel under critical scrutiny with there's plenty of reporters.

I didn't want Angel to feel that pressure. She was still in the haze of surprise. I know later she would get used to it. Especially when I spotted some female personalities tried to make a good conversation with her.

"The very famous Drake Wayne Mathildo..." The interviewer said as I approached her.

"Yes, I am..."

"What is your inspiration behind this brandy? Why is it called Angel in my Veins?" She positioned the tiny furry mic in front of me.

"Angel is in my veins ever since...I was in a relationship with someone in high school that made me smile like a giddy kid and faithful as a dog. Her name is Angel and I thought if they will drink this brandy, they will feel that heavenly feeling of like being surrounded by an Angel just the way I feel when I'm with her. But well, drinking moderately is a must." I answered her straight to the point.

I did not restraint myself.

"That's too romantic..." She praised me. "I hope we can talk to her. If that's okay with her..."

"She's actually watching me right now."

From the corner of my eyes, I saw her stiffened when I winked at her. You're the only Angel in my life. She was giving me that nose scrunch again. That cute pout too. Stop it, pretty!

Sonya whispered something to her, maybe to encourage her.

"Angel...Come here..." I mouthed and with all the graceful whispers and laughter, she got it instantly.

"Wow..." The reporter was clearly dumbfounded.

"I'm honestly a lovey-dovey dumdum for her since High School and still now..." I prolonged eye contact with Angel as she sashayed toward us.

"So, what's the current status now? Engage or already married?" She saw the ring on Angel's finger.

I must confess, that was the nicest yet not related question about the launching event.

"My Angel, my soon-to-be-wife." I announced to the world earlier than I anticipated.

"Hi..." Angel greeted the reporter and stood next to me.

I snaked my arm around her waist and my eyes never left her as if I'm entirely falling head over heels all over again.

"No doubt, Mr. Drake Wayne Mathildo is still a lovey-dovey for you."

Angel grazed her eyes on me and our love reflected to each other. "Thank you..."

True enough, Angel got more confident talking to the guests. She received heart-warming praises and the blush on her face became more apparent. She was radiantly happy. My heart felt at ease. I let her blend in with the other guests.

Sonya was alone at the far corner. I walked to her with a pleasant smile.

"Hey, sister-in-law..."

"Drake..." she called.

"You really love my sister. Hindi ka gagastos ng napakalaking pera para lang gumawa ng negosyo na inspired sa pangalan niya."

"I'll take that as a compliment and acceptance, I guess."

She didn't vocalize her acceptance to me before. She never liked me for her sister. Furthermore, she was doubting and waiting for me to make a mistake before.

I was never the perfect good guy to be exact. I understood her mistrust towards me. She only hoped for the best of the best breed of man for Angel. But it was obvious now that she utterly accepted me.

"Please, don't be stupid again." She snapped with one damn sermon.

"Never again. Thank you, Sonya for coming here. I know you're busy. Enjoy the rest of the night."

"You're welcome, brother-in-law. It doesn't mean that you're officially back with Angel wala ng matang nakabantay sayo." She countered again.

I stayed to clarify that. "You sounded like I'm going to elope with Angel. It's not going to happen, Sonya. Co's she will officially be going to be my wife..."

"What?" She raised her brow in question. "As much as I don't want to interfere with Angel's decision. I want to give you some advice."

"What is it, Sonya? If it's for Angel, I will take your advice..."

"As her sister, I want her to live in her dream before carrying a life in her womb. I want her to flourish into a fine woman, living the dream she has been imagining. I want her to be the best under your care..." She demanded rigidly.

"I'm not that selfish and controlling, Sonya. I love her so deep that taking sacrifices for her seems so easy for me. Thank you for that advice. I'll take that in my mind."

"That's a relief..."

She sighed.

It was a sister's love. Like brothers do.

She excused herself to answer a call and Kuya Soren came to me with Angel in my veins on the rocks.

"Congratulations, Drake." Kuya Soren patted my back, and we clinked our glasses. "Please be gentle with my sister's heart..."

"As always, sir..."

"I expect tomorrow both of you will be officially married..."

I thought he would back away with this plan of mine. However, he supported me. He said, time is precious. Angel and I were both on the right age. There was no need to hinder that.

He gave me Angel's birth certificate, and other requirements to obtain the marriage license and marriage certificate.

"Thank you for cooperating with my plans..."

"You're welcome..."

We talked more about how I came up with this grandiose idea. I told him everything. He also asked how was the process of making the business and added the racing journey of mine.

He was like my other older brother. I thanked him for making a time for this. Naisturbo ko pa ang trabaho niya. It was fine with him as long as it's for her sister.

My brothers were either engaged in a conversation or alone with their phones. I smirked when I spotted my father was currently speaking to a fine woman in his age.

"Mama..." tawag ko kay Mama Anne nang mapag-isa siya sa kanilang table.

"Ano iyon, Drake?"

I wondered what would be her reaction if I open up about marriage that I yearn for so long.

"Can I have your daughter's hand in marriage?"

She was taken back. She had to blink several times in an attempt to read what's on my mind. She held my hand in a nurturing touch.

"Anak, sana naman kung gusto mo ng pakasalan si Angel. E-enjoy niyo muna ang pagiging mag-asawa. Huwag munang gumawa ng anak. You have still to be more patient with Angel. Hindi naman ako atat na magkapo. Ang akin lang ay handa na kayo. Lalong-lalo na si Angel... Pinagdaanan ko na iyan. Hindi madaling magbuntis..."

"Mama Anne, I also want Angel to enjoy life with me before we step in into that stage. She has a dream to fulfill. I want her to live in that first...with me by her side..."

Niyakap niya ako. That was a promise to keep.

Angel and I had a long journey ahead. I wanted the permission and blessing from her before the night ends. I didn't want to wait for another year to officially be married to Angel. We could be after this event.

Uncle Dwight set foot on the venue late. I knew he's busy with something. Thus, he had to catch up what he's missing for the last few hours. Pinag-uusapan din siya ng mga kababaihan kagaya ng mga kapatid ko.

Beautiful genes run in our blood. It wasn't surprising at all.

"Excuse me...excusez-moi...mi scusi!" Uncle Dwight was scurrying in the middle of dancing guests.

He was breathing heavily when he reached our table. "You must be, Angel."

"He's uncle Dwight..." I told Angel.

Angel stood up and gestured her hand for a handshake. "Nice to meet you, sir."

They shook hands in front of me.

"You look incredibly handsome, sir. Drake mentioned you to me."

"God, you really are an Angel. I can't blame Drake kung palagi ka niyang binabanggit. You are the main reason why he agreed to my offer."

"I will let you two talk."

Hinayaan ko silang mag-usap. Hindi nawala ang kislap sa mga mata ni Anghel habang nagpapasalamat siya kay uncle Dwight sa ginawang kabutihan nito sa akin.

She was grateful for him to open doors for me. She was heartily pure to the bones.

Other than this event, I had something planned out later. Robert texted me that he would be back here in Grand Summit to take over the event.

I strode to a quiet corner. I browsed through my contacts and tapped the call icon under his name. He answered in a few rings.

"It's all set, sir..." he notified.

"Take care of the rest, Robert."

This felt like we planned something illegal. But it wasn't.

"Yes, Sir."

"Is the Priest ready?" I lowered my voice when a group of girls walked by to go to the bathroom.

"Yes, Sir..."

"Thank you..."

I put my back to my pocket. I straightened my posture to avoid speculations. All the guests were enjoying.

Pinuntahan ko si Angel pagkatapos niyang makipag-usap kay uncle Dwight. I occupied the seat I took a while ago.

"Anong pinag-usapan niyo?"

"Too many things..." She lifted her hand and took a swift touch on my cheek.

"Like what?"

"Secret..." She giggled and scrunched her nose like what they were talking about that amused her.

"Uh..huh..." I pushed my face to her until we were one breath apart.

"Get a room, lovebirds!" hiyaw ni Jethro sa malayo.

She was tapping her white heels for we had garnered some attention. I placed my hand on her leg under the table to pacify what's bothering her.

She thought it wouldn't stay there long, so she crossed her legs. Now my hand was between her folded legs.

"Naughty, Angel. Not here, later baby. My hands are always ready to drive you and my mouth to eat your sweet bibingka."

She reddened profusely.

"Drake, I didn't mean it that way..."

Jethro and uncle Dwight retrieved the attention of the guests as they dance in front of a big circle.

"How about we escape tonight?" I suggested.

"Is it possible? Hindi pa tapos ang event."

"We can make it possible. Everyone is enjoying. No one will notice. Shall we?"

We stared each other's eyes. We knew we have one thing in mine. While everyone was tipsy and swaying to the music. We snuck out of the party. Pinagsiklop ko ang mga kamay namin papuntang parking lot.

We left the hotel successfully. It wasn't traffic already. It was easy to navigate through every street of Gensan City. I drove to one place in mind. I halted in front of the Church of Plaza Heneral.

***

"Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish." she read the name of the church. "Why are we here, Drake?"

I took out a red box from my pocket and opened it. The band ring by Tiffany & Co was glimmering in the dark. It was in platinum with a half circle of diamonds.

"I know there are better fishes and ducks than me, Angel. But will you spend your life with me? Let's cross roads together with our hands intertwined."

"Drake..." Her eyes were now glossy.

Her face dulcified into a brightest smile I have ever seen.

"Yes!" She exclaimed, hugging me.

"Let's get married tonight!"

Shock tumbled her face for the second time this evening. "Tonight...?"

"Yes. The Priest is waiting for us. Let's get inside."

I grabbed the important papers from the small compartment of my car.

Lumabas ako ng kotse para pagbuksan siya ng pintuan.

"Are you serious, Drake?"

She hopped out. I closed the door of the car.

I reached for her hand and gave it a little squeeze. I pressed a super light kiss on the back of her hand.

With our hands interlaced, I dragged her inside the church.

The Priest was on the altar waiting for us. Robert made an appointment with him. I knew I break a norm.

There should be a formal ceremony or at least two witnesses. I somehow made him agree with me. I donated a great amount for the church to give it to those in need.

"Drake, you may now kiss your Angel..." The Priest said after the vows and rings.

We solidified our commitment with the sweetest and longest kiss that he had to fake a cough to stop me.

Angel and I giggled in merriment at my endearing impatience.

"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Mathildo..." He declared.

We signed the marriage certificates. We took pictures and run off as newlyweds with only love beating in our hearts. We raced home to our penthouse and I almost ignored the traffic light.

We got cozy with few drinks of Angel in My Veins and started swaying to the slow melodious music. I was over the moon for everything that happened seemed to be in a right timing.

"I'm the happiest Angel on earth..." Angel pressed her forehead in mine. "I thought our love will be just one of those random occurrences..."

"I swore to God that would not happen, Angel." I swaddled her to my arms tightly.

"Yes. And I'm just so glad."

"I'm so glad too baby."

"Drake–"

I caught her off guard when I sweep off her feet from the ground. Humalakhak siya at kumapit sa aking leeg.

"Sa kwarto na tayo?" I wagged my eyebrows in mischief.

"Yes, hubby."

I laid her in my bed as if she was made out of feather. She gazed into the depths of my soul while I'm undressing in front of her. I was under her angelic influence when she imitated my wink.

I smooched my tattooed knuckles noisily to express my insatiable hunger for her.

I jumped onto the bed.

"Let's enjoy this night we've been waiting for."

My hand cradled her neck, directing her face to me. We meshed each other's lips until we drew apart breathlessly and eager for more. I was deliberate in unzipping and unbuttoning her clothes. I used every trick to stimulate and drive her wild with my tongue and fingers.

I struck her clit with my thumb every plunge of my middle finger. Her eyes and her little sounds gone a little no reservation with the delightful things I did to her.

Desire was clouding my eyes when I continued my actions. "I'm really going to drive you now, baby. Are you ready for that?"

"I'm ready, Drake..." She sent me a saucy grin with a series of giggles even when she's sweating, squirming, and panting.

I dipped my head to the crook of her neck. I ran my tongue over her delicate skin.

"How fast?" I whispered.

"As fast as you can..." she droned with moans in between.

I forged in into her angelic world. Her sheath clutched my raging rod and a lot of moist coated me.

It was smoothening my thrust and easing our joining. But her breath hitched, and a sob catching in her throat.

"Shh...I'll take it easy...." I was crooning sweet words to her to ease the pain.

I waited patiently. Hinugot ko ang aking sandata. I racked my brain what technique should I do to make it painless for her. Nevertheless, as she locked her eyes on mine with her chest rising up and down. I know she was taking her time.

I fondled her breast like it was made of marble. I was gentle as a lamb with my hands.

She closed her eyes at my every light brush and tickles.

She touched my cheek to indicate something and said, "Go, drive me fast, hubby..."

She smiled at me seductively like all the pain had been thrown away. I saw desire burned behind her eyes as if an Angel just turned into a temptress. I penetrated her in two worlds of quick and slow.

Our bodies welded together. Her moans ricocheted as her pleasure increases and the way I enrage her cave together with my lavishing tongue and words.

We were shaking the bed and sheets. There were gravelly words being uttered against our flesh. She grabbed the duvet, clutching it in her hands to keep herself in control. She needed other thing to hold on to.

Our heads were twisting frantically when we're one lap ahead. Angel clung to me and forget about the duvet. We were close to exploding. I could tell by the lustful face she was making. I upped my rhythm by a couple of notches until I could feel it.

The sounds we created became desperate and wild. I bottomed in and shove more to her fortress. I didn't stop to the point she was dripping in the proof of her ecstasy. I burst mine in the sheets huffing like I passed the finish line of the race.

I nestled in her, seeking a refuge, and calmness from the surge of emotions. We curled to each other's arms.

The experience of that seventh heaven. Angel couldn't say anything but pouted her mouth to request another kiss from me.

I laughed at her comely reaction.

After the launching event, our secret wedding, and our first night together. I didn't able to check my phone after letting my brother use my Instagram account to post all the pictures. My smile was wide.

He posted series of pictures of us, family, and with the guests. I checked down the comments.

Angel in my veins

comments

There's no doubt, why Drake named his brandy after her. She's literally an Angel!

Her beauty is full of life even without smiling.

God, you're so fucking bless, Drake! You have the prettiest girlfriend!

Nakakanghel nga..

This is what I mean pretty with class

Literal na Anghel!

Makabili nga..

Malapit ng ma-sold out!

Fairy na Anghel. Ewan basta ang ganda niya talaga.

Sold out na!

Ayden congratulations to the both of you!

Ligayamo nagkatuluyan talaga kayo! Congrats!

Jeanetta our favorite high school sweethearts! Congrats, Drake and Angel!

Ps: pretty mo talaga, Angel kahit saang anggulo!

Nagbigay din ng mga komento ang mga kaklase ko noon. I wondered what happen to their lives.

Jethro sent another set of pictures of Angel on the event last night while she's sitting, her elbows rested on the table, while looking sideways, at the camera, and at the distant.

I posted it all in and got up to do my duty as a husband. It wasn't good to check my phone first thing in the morning. Hindi ko mapigilan ang excitement.

The moment I entered our kitchen, I thought she was carrying a ring light with her, because damn my wife was glowing as ever after our very first coupling as married couple.

I dropped my head to her elegant shoulder and encircled my arms on her so that my nose rubbed the side of her face.

"Morning, my wife." I murmured to her ear, planting a soft peck to her hair.

"Morning, hubby." she greeted back.

Her smile was shining like there's diamonds on her parted lips.

"How's your sleep, wife?"

I stroked her cheeks and I cupped her jaw to press another set of kisses.

"Beyond good, hubby." She stepped aside to give me some space, but I stood still behind her.

"What are you making?"

"Bibingkas."

She was measuring rice flour, baking powder, and other ingredients gingerly. Like she was about to join master chief.

I grabbed the pink apron and signaled her to come closer in an effort to wear it to her. She turned around. I grappled her hair upwards and fasten the knot at her back.

"Oh...you're interested in cooking now, huh." I kissed her shoulder. "Can I help you?"

I laid a soft trail of kisses from behind her ear to the sensitive hollow of her throat.

"Don't interfere, Drake. I need to practice..."

I stepped away from her. I leaned back on the counter and watched her.

"Wife..." I drawled and she glanced at me.

"Hmm?"

I had been thinking of this. If she started early, she would do more great things along the way.

"Do you love the idea of making a cosmetic line?"

That nearly knocked her down with a feather: words failed her. Seconds ticked by; she leaped in pure bliss.

"That's my biggest dream!" she squealed.

"Let's make it into reality!" I mimicked her energy.

She bolted from the glee and realization hit her. "How?"

"I can fund it."

She shook her head. "I want it to be my own money, Drake. Siguro mag-iipon muna ako."

"Ibabalik mo rin naman ang pera sa akin when your business will boom in the market." I convinced her.

Nag-isip muna siya. "Parang nangungutang ako sayo ganun?"

"You don't want to use my money for free, and I'm proposing another way to make you say yes."

She nodded slowly. "Yes. Deal." She nibbled her bottom lip when doubt strike her mind again. "What if hindi mag-work? Paano kong walang bumili?"

"That's business, baby. There's always a risk. We'll make it work. For now, focus on the products you will be going to sell. Don't mind the aftermath. I will help you with this."

Our families knew about our secret wedding. They were happy we did it, instead of reacting bad.

That was the prize of patience.

I urged her to create a YouTube channel. I used my platforms to help her. She began posting make-up tutorials on YouTube. Her subscribers were increasing day by day.

She said it was because of my fame. I disagreed with her.

It was because she has the talent. People saw how she created art through make-up. Brand deals were lining up for her. I love witnessing her dreams were slowly happening, step by step.

I hadn't given her a single reason to give her the benefit of the doubt.

We updated each other when I'm on a training session and when managing our businesses.

When a great opportunity with Ferrari was offered to me. I opened up about Formula 1 to my wife. I wanted her to know and give her thoughts about it. It should be decided by the two of us since we're married.

My wife was excited what Formula1 is. I explained to her that it's quite different from the race she had seen in Japan. There would be a lot of travelling around the world. It could be exhausting for her.

It was either she would stay home or travel with me. But she agreed, and she was determined to be with me in this journey. Therefore, I signed the contract with Ferrari to be part of their Formula1 team after ending my contract with Toyota.

My soul would always quest for her utter presence after an exhausting day. This was just one of those days.

"How's your training session?" Angel asked softly, perching on my lap.

"Excellent. Formula1, here I come again..."

"How's the samples? Was it good or not?" I asked.

Nakapaskil ang ngiti sa maganda niyang mukha.

I bet it was good news. For the past months, there were samples of make-up products she didn't approve.

"I think we can launch now a cosmetic line..."

"Thank, God..." I sighed. "I'm so proud of you, pretty."

My lips formed into an optimistic smile, yet my eyes were kind of sleepy. It had been long a day for me and all I wanted to do was to feel her in my arms.

"Are you tired?"

She run her hands through my buzz cut hair.

She pillowed my head with her palm with a slight massage.

"I was tired a while ago but not now..." I cocooned on her warm body and silky soft skin.

"But you look sleepy."

"This is the face I make when I'm resting..."

"Are you really alright? You should sleep early..."

"I'll be alright with a bad day or a rough day than a day without you. It would be hell."

She crunched her nose and pouted. That melted me like ice cream on a summer day.

"You always keep me on the right track, my angel in my veins."

She was embedded in every fiber of my being. She was my nirvana in this world full array of uneven roads. Her name was true to her nature. The Angel in my veins that keeps me running.