Kam's POV

Something about that guy seems off. "Noeli, did that guy seem familiar to you?"

"No, not really. Why do you say that?"

"I can't place it, but he looks very familiar. Like he asked Layla for her autograph on purpose. And, I think that is why he paid for our dinner so he could talk to her."

I wracked my brain the whole time we walked to the movie theater. Twenty minutes had gone by, and no Layla.

We waited for another 20 minutes-still no Layla. Suddenly, I knew who it was.

"Oh no! Now I know who that was! He is here! I know those beady eyes anywhere!"

"Who is here, Kam?"

"Chase! And Layla is his target!!! He is after Layla just like he is with me!!!"

"I'll call Cris, Kam. We need you to calm down."

Cris' POV

We sat down with the kids and watched "Cars." I heard my phone ringing and saw that it was Noeli calling me.

*****************

Cris - "Hey, what's up? Is everything okay?"

Noeli - "Kam is hysterical!! She saw Chase. And we haven't seen Layla in over an hour. Chase paid for our meal and asked Layla for an autograph. I didn't know who he was but did notice him having 'eye sex' with Layla."

Cris - "Wait for us at the entrance! We are on our way!!!"

Noeli - "Please hurry, Cris! Layla has been through enough this week with what happened in Milan!!"

Cris - "We will be there!!!"

****************

"Yo, Marco and Ryan, let's go now!! Layla is in danger. Noeli said Kamea saw Chase, and he is after Layla!!"

Braelyn heard me say Layla's name. "Is my mommy okay, Uncle Cris?"

"Sweetie, a nasty man is after your mommy. We are going to get her and bring her home, okay?"

"Okay."

"Baby girl, come over here. Cris, we will watch the kids. Please bring Layla back safely. "

Even though Austin and Layla are not together, he still cares for her very much. I can see it in his facial expressions when he sees her. I think he still loves her. But that is none of my business.

"I'll come with you, Cris."

"Thanks, Mr. Toscano."

"Call me Val. Mr. Toscano is for my father."

"Got it." Marco drove, and Val rode with him. I drove, and Ryan rode with me.

We got there in about fifteen minutes when it usually takes about 30 minutes. I am surprised we didn't get a ticket. We didn't even bother with a parking space. We stopped both vehicles at the front entrance and ran inside. We saw them in the front. Kamea and Noeli were both crying.

"Has Layla come back yet?"

"No, she hasn't! Who knows what he is doing to her!!!" Kamea said while crying and screaming at the same time.

"Listen, love. I need you to calm down."

"I am going to kill him!!"

"Where did you all see Layla last time?"

"She was going to grab her phone from the room so she could text you, handsome, about the time we were leaving. We left The Palm Willow Resort Restaurant and headed to the movie theater."

Just as we were about to search for her, Layla stepped off the elevator. When she saw us, she came over. "What are you guys doing here?"

Ryan tells her, "We thought you were kidnapped, Layla."

"Layla, the guy that asked for your autograph and paid for your dinner is the same guy who assaulted Kamea and is stalking her. He wants you too. I'm so sorry, Layla."

She started crying. "Who knows what he is going to do with my name on that napkin? Why me?!!"

"Cris, when Kamea's bodyguard comes for a visit, we need to chat immediately. Layla needs one, and soon!"

"Layla honey, where were you?"

"I was stuck in the elevator after I got my phone. I couldn't call or text anyone because there was no service in there. Maintenance for the spa just finished fixing it. I'm sorry for scaring you all."

"Thank goodness you are safe now. But believe me when I say Chase will not give up in his pursuit of both you and Kamea."

Marco added, "Cris is right. You are now on his radar."

"Layla, do you want to stay or go back to the house? If you would like to stay, we are staying with you. No one will be touching any of you," Val reassured Layla.

"This place is open 24/7, so Ryan, Marco, Cris, and I can buy some clothes."

"I would like to stay as long as you all stay with us."

"You got it. Let's head over to the mini-mall. I'm paying."

Then, we all followed Val. When he talks, everybody listens. Well, everyone except Chase.

Chase's POV

I was about to snatch her but heard male voices. The only ones I recognized were Cris and Mr. Toscano. "Drat."

Ryan - "He will not come near you again. I hope Kam's bodyguard, Jake, knows someone to be you and Braelyn's bodyguard. She was scared for you, so how about we call her?"

Layla - "Okay. Let's call my baby girl."

Smart move, Ryan, to get my girl a bodyguard. But that won't stop me. I wonder how did they know it was me? It must have been Cris' wife.

Time to send Cris a message.

Cris' POV

Kamea had a tight grip on my left arm. Layla had a tight grip as well on Ryan's arm. I heard the default ringtone I use for people I don't know. It was from an unknown number. I already knew who it was, though.

Unknown - "Tell Ryan he is fortunate that he got to Layla before I did because I was just about to snatch her. Otherwise, Layla would be under me, enjoying the pleasure of a real man. See ya."

I need to call Jake now. I dialed his number." "Real men don't harass a woman, period."

Jake - "Hey Cris, how is Florida treating you?"

Cris - "Before I answer that, how soon can you come to Florida? I will send the jet to you. Bring whoever you need with you."

Jake - "I can be there tomorrow."

Cris - "Thanks, Jake. Now to answer your question, things are great except for the fact that Chase is at it again. This time, it is Kamea's best friend, Layla Jordan. We need a bodyguard for her and her daughter, Braelyn. If he can be with her 24/7, that would be great. Layla lives in New York with her daughter and fiancé. Chase almost got his filthy hands on her. When you come, I will show you the disgusting message he just sent me now."

Jake - "Wow!!! Why can't this guy just leave people alone? I have a friend whom I trust. I'll see if he is available. If not, I'll ask my father for suggestions."

Cris - "You are a lifesaver. We are still up, so give me a call so I can let the pilot know how many passengers are flying. Talk to you later."

"Ryan, take a look at this message."

My jaws were clenched tight after seeing that garbage. After a minute or two, he had the same clenched jaws as I did. Layla asked, "What is wrong? "

"Layla, trust me, you do not want to see what was in that message." Ryan passed the phone to Marco. Then, Marco passed it to Val. They were both pissed.

"I already warned him once at the gala about messing with my family. Keep me posted. I'll help with whatever you need to capture this guy - once and for all."

I  almost had my phone back until Layla reached out and grabbed it. "Layla, I am warning you - do not read that message," Ryan said while irritated.

"Why not? I want to see it."

He whispered something to her that only she could hear. Then, Layla said,  "Fine." She was not pleased with what Ryan said. We could tell they needed privacy, so the rest of us walked over to the side.

Sunday morning

Kam's  POV

While Layla talked to Braelyn on the phone, we all waited downstairs in the living room.

When Layla came downstairs, she asked, "Cris and Marco, did you guys get tickets for parking in front of the resort?"

"Yes, we did. And we already paid for them."

"We were one step ahead of you, Layla."

"Layla, don't even try. It took me a while to get used to Cris spoiling me. They are going to do the same for you and Braelyn."

"What would you ladies like to do?" Daddy Val asked us.

"Well, we were going to go to the movies last night, but that didn't happen. How about we go today? I have been dying to see the new Avengers movie."

"Me too, Layla."

"We all know why Kam and Layla want to see Avengers - Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pratt, Chris Evans, and Chadwick Boseman."

Cocoa started fanning herself. "They are not the only ones. Those guys are totally hot. And don't anyone tell Cam I said that."

"Right, and none of you want to see Scarlett Johansson." Suddenly, it was quiet. "That's what I thought."

Layla and I looked at each other and chuckled. "That is not the only reason we want to see it. It is a great movie, and it broke records." Layla called dibs on paying for the movie and snacks.

"After the movie, we can get something to eat and head home. Jake is on the plane now," Cris tells everyone before we leave the penthouse.

Cris, Ryan, Marco, and Daddy Val grabbed our bags, and we left the room. They went to the vehicles, and we waited for them to return in the lobby. Then, when they came back, we went to the movies.

Layla paid for the tickets and snacks.

"Too bad they don't have pickle-flavored milkshakes. I could really go for one right now."

"Kam, Sonic now sells pickle slushies."

"Yes! And there is a location 10 minutes from our house."

Cris looked at Layla and said, "Geez, thanks, Layla."

Ryan and Marco chuckled. But that chuckle did not last. Layla tells them, "Ryan and Marco, the both of you need to stop laughing. When Noeli and I are pregnant, that is what you will be getting us." That shut them up really quickly. Noeli, Layla, and I had the last laugh.

Cris, Layla, Ryan, and I sat in a row. The others sat in front of us. Layla and I sat in between the guys.

"Ouch."  She felt something being thrown at her. But when she turned around, nobody was sitting behind us. Everyone sat in front of us. We sat in the back so we could make out if we wanted to.

"Ouch." I heard Layla say again, but no one was sitting behind us. So, Ryan leaned over and whispered to her, "Um, Layla, what's wrong?"

"Somebody is throwing stuff at me. But when I turn around, nobody is there."

It stopped for a bit, but 20 minutes later, ''OUCH! That hurt!"

Everybody turned around and shushed Layla. She placed her hand on the back of her neck. "Oh goodness, it really hurts."

Ryan, Cris, and I looked at the back of her neck. "Layla, your neck is bleeding!!" Needless to say, Ryan was pissed. He grabbed Layla's hand and exited the theater.

Ryan's POV

I got a better look at Layla's neck once we were out of the theater. "My goodness, someone threw a big piece of glass!! Somebody help!!"

"I can't move anymore, sugar. I feel like I am about to faint. It really hurts!!"

Kam and Cris came out shortly after two ushers ran over when they heard me scream. "Call for the ambulance, now!!"

"Sir, we have an ambulance company on the resort campus. They will be over in a few minutes." The other usher brought over a chair for Layla to sit in.

"Catch me because I am going to pass out."

After she said that, Layla passed out. "Layla, wake up!! Wake up, Layla!!"

Cris took Kam over to the side because she was hysterical. Marco, Noeli, Mr. Toscano, Mrs. Alyshea, and Cocoa had just come out of the theater. Layla's neck was really starting to bleed. "Please don't let her die on me!"

I couldn't lift her because it could make Layla's cut worse. The paramedics arrived with a stretcher. Also, the police arrived as well.

The guy who did this to her was caught and handcuffed. Like a raging bull, I made a beeline for this dude and punched him right in the face. "You better hope she doesn't die!!!"

"Ryan, go with Layla to the hospital. We will handle it here. What hospital are they taking her to?"

"Thank you, Cris."

"We are taking her to Diamond Grove General Hospital. Let's go!!!"

Ryan left with Layla and the paramedics.

Cris' POV

The guy they apprehended looked like a college kid. Before the kid was taken to jail, I had questions and wanted answers.

"Why would you hurt my friend, Layla? You just ruined your future by committing this senseless act!! And don't give me that 'I'm sorry' crap!!! If she dies, you are going to be the one to tell her five-year-old daughter!!!"

He then pulled out a wad of money and said, "A lady with long, black hair and blue eyes gave me that money. She said, 'I will give you $20,000 in cash. I want you to purposely hit either one of those women that just walked in that theater with this stuff, including that big piece of glass that was stuck in her neck.'

The guy had a variety of things - paper balls, candy, popcorn, etc.

He continued talking. "She said the pregnant one was the main target. But I couldn't hit her because she was pregnant. So, I threw the stuff at the other lady."

I know exactly who is behind this - Miranda.

"And you freaking thought it was okay to hit her because she wasn't pregnant?! Give me that wad of money!!"

"B-but that is ----."

"It was yours. But, it is now going to her daughter. Thank you for your generous donation. You would never be able to spend it because you'll be in jail for the rest of your life! I am praying, and you better do the same, that Layla makes it because you are going to apologize to her and her daughter. Get him out of here before I choke the life out of him, and then you will have to carry me to jail!!"

While walking to our trucks, Val mentioned, "You all go-ahead to the hospital. We will be there shortly. I am going to have a chat with the owner of this resort. Layla, Ryan, and her daughter are about to have a permanent VIP suite."

"And I will call Cam and tell him what happened," Cocoa added.

Kamea, Noeli, Marco, and I left to go to the hospital.

Ryan's POV

"I hope it is not serious." I really am scared right now. Layla had been back there for about 30 minutes now. I saw a nurse walking this way.

"Excuse me, sir, are you the gentleman that came in with Ms. Layla Jordan?"

"Yes, I am. I am Layla's fiancé, Ryan Meyers."

"Mr. Meyers, the doctor wanted me to let you know that because of the way the glass was positioned in the back of her neck, Ms. Jordan was rushed to the OR. I will let you know when the surgery is complete."

"Thank you." I know there is a saying that 'Real men don't cry.' Well, that saying is rubbish. It should say, 'Real men do cry.' A real man should not be afraid to show their emotions.

I sat in the waiting room with my face in the palms of my hands and cried. For the first time in my life, I finally have someone that I truly love. But, now she is in a hospital, fighting for her life because of jealousy. "What the heck is wrong with people?!!"

I just sat there and cried my eyes out. I heard Kam, Noeli, Marco, and Cris coming. When I looked up, they noticed the tears.

"Is Layla okay?"

"A nurse just came and told me Layla was rushed to surgery because of how the glass was positioned."

"I am so sorry, Ryan. She didn't deserve that."

"Thanks, Kam."

"Ryan, there are several major arteries in a person's neck. The main one is the carotid artery. That glass had to be really close for them to rush Layla to surgery. And who even knows what was on that piece of glass? Layla could also have blood poisoning. "

"What if she dies? I can't lose her. And, how can I tell Braelyn that her mommy died?" I could not fathom the thought of her dying.

"Ryan, this hospital is one of the best in the country. When Marco and I move here, this is where I am going to try for my residency. Layla is in good hands."

"I got a text from Cocoa. She said they went back home to watch Día and Rocco. Cam is bringing Braelyn and Austin with him. They are on the way. Ryan, what is your parents' phone number?"

"It is ---. And their names are Jason and Valerie."

"Okay. And I am also calling Layla's mom and dad."

"Thank you, Kam. That means a lot to me."

"You're welcome, Ryan. Layla is my sister from another mister. And she is my best friend." "Hello, can I speak to Valerie, please?"

Cam, Austin, and Braelyn arrived. Braelyn ran over to me. "Ryan! Ryan! Is my mommy okay?"

It hurt to look Braelyn in her eyes and tell her about Layla. "Sweetheart, some monster hurt mommy while we were at the movies. The doctors are taking care of mommy right now."

Braelyn saw that I had tears coming down my face. She looks like a replica of Layla, but Braelyn's hair is curly.

"Don't cry, Ryan. Mommy will be okay." And, she kissed my cheek and hugged me. Braelyn is going to be a great big sister. I just know it.

"Ryan, your parents said they will catch a flight in the morning. And Layla's parents are flying tomorrow too."

"I called my parents as well, and they are flying out in the morning," Austin added.

"I'll call my dad and ask him if everyone can stay at his house."

"Thanks, Cam, Kam, and Austin."

Two hours later, the same nurse came out, I'm guessing with the doctor who performed Layla's surgery.

"Excuse me, Mr. Meyers. I am Doctor Miller. I performed the surgery on Ms. Jordan. We safely removed the glass from her neck. She will not have any permanent nerve damage. However, she is in critical condition. We analyzed that piece of glass, and it was contaminated. Ms. Jordan has a staph infection, which caused her to have blood poisoning. We are giving her medicine to help fight off the effects of the infection and blood poisoning. The next 24 hours are critical."

Devastated - is how I felt. "When can I see her?"

"She is being wheeled to a room right as we speak. I'll get the number for you."

"Thank you."

******************

Chase's POV

"Ladies and gentlemen, we just received breaking news. Layla Jordan was rushed to the hospital today. While at the movie theater in The Palm Willow Resort and Spa, some monster threw a piece of contaminated glass at her. She is currently in critical condition at Diamond Grove General Hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with Layla and her family."

There is only one person that I can think of who did this - Miranda. She is a walking dead woman.

*****************

Thank you all for reading chapter 42.

The pictures and videos are courtesy of Pixabay, YouTube, PNG Tree, and Can Stock Photos.

And thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘