Kamea'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. 20 minutes had gone by and no Layla.

We waited 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." The boys liked it, but the girls didn't. 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. He 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 very bad man is after your mommy. We are going to get her and bring her home, okay?"

"Okay."

"Lollipop, 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."

Marco drove and Mr. Toscano 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 Cris about the time we were leaving. We left from The Palm Willow Resort Restaurant, heading towards the movie theater."

Just as we were about to go search for her, Layla comes 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 the whole time after I got my phone. I couldn't call or text anyone because there was no service in there. They just finished fixing it. I'm sorry for scaring you all."

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

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

Ryan's POV

Just when we were making progress, this mess happens. I didn't know if Layla would let me hold her, but I tried anyway. I was surprised she let me hold her. I pressed her head to my chest. She likes to hear my heartbeat.

"Layla, sweetheart, 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." Mr. Toscano reassured Layla.

"This place is open 24/7, so Ryan, Marco, Cris and I can just 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 Mr. Toscano.

Chase's POV

I was about to snatch her but heard male voices. The only ones I recognized was 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? 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 from a real man. See ya."

I need to call Jake now. So, I dialed his number.

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 for 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. And, 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 is in that message." Ryan passed the phone to Marco. Then, Marco passed it to Mr. Toscano. 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."

Ryan's POV

Cris almost had his phone back, until Layla reached out and grabbed it. "Layla, I am warning you - do not read that message."

"Why not? I want to see it."

I hope the screen was locked. "Look, just do what I asked you, please?" I told her through clenched teeth. I pulled her close to me so she would be the only one to hear what I have to say.

"We do not have time for stubborn games. I am going to throw you over my shoulder, take you to your room, and lock the door. So, don't test my patience. Now, give Cris the phone."

"Fine." She said through clenched teeth.

I turned Layla around so that she was now facing me. Everyone had stepped away so that I could talk to her privately. For the first time in my life I felt scared - scared of losing the one I love the most. It showed on my face because I could feel tears starting to drop in her hair. "Listen to me Layla. I'm sorry for feeling angry a few minutes ago. This guy is dangerous. He probably already knows where you live and everything about you. Ever since what happened in Milan, we have progressed each day. If I show you that message he sent, it is going to hurt the both of us. It already hurt me. What he said was vulgar and disgusting. I don't want to lose you."

"But, you're not going to lose me." She saw the tears that were dropping and started wiping them.

"I thought I did today. Braelyn was scared too. Even Austin was - I could see it in his eyes when we left the house. Please understand why I don't want you to see that message."

"I understand, sugar. So, where are we supposed to live? I already have Braelyn registered for school in Long Island. It is kind of late to be switching schools. Manhattan is out of the question. I refuse to pay thousands of dollars for an apartment about the size of my living room, kitchen and dining room. And, there would be no space for Braelyn to play."

"Whatever it takes to make you happy and feel safe, I will do. If it means selling my place in Brooklyn, I will do it."

"I can't ask you to do that."

"Layla, we are getting married in April. I had already planned to sell it. I want us both to have a fresh start. And, we both were looking for 'our' house anyway."

"Don't sell it. Can't you rent it out? And, I'll do the same with mine. Besides, I don't want it to be just myself and Braelyn in the house anymore. So, can we stay with you until we find something together? I'll just have to get up earlier to drive from Brooklyn to Long Island."

"You don't have to ask. We are a team, Layla. When we go back to New York, I'll help you pack things for Braelyn and yourself."

"Let's go join the others." Layla grabbed my hand and we all went shopping.

Nolan's POV

It feels good to finally take a break from work. I have to take more breaks often. Of course I had my 'fun' selection for the night. She is a little too bubbly. But, meh, I didn't care. As long as I got what I wanted, that was all that mattered to me.

While waiting for the VIP floors elevator, I heard a voice I just can't seem to stop hearing. Bubbly chick turned around to see who it was and confirmed it.

"I saw you on the news last night. Layla, right? It is so nice to meet a pleasant celebrity. And, congratulations on the photoshoot and your engagement."

"She certainly is not a celebrity."

"Stop that nonsense. Yes, she is a celebrity. I loved the swimsuits you modeled. Can't wait to buy one."

"Thank you so much for your kind words. But, I am not a celebrity. I am just an ordinary girl from New York."

"You may not see it now, but one day, you will. I just know it. Would you mind signing my autograph book, please?"

Ugh, why is she asking Layla for an autograph?

"It is not a problem at all." She gave Layla her book and she signed it.

"Thank you so much for being so nice and kind."

"Ugh, now I don't feel like being bothered with this chick. I need to find someone who doesn't recognize Layla."

The bubbly chick decided to leave. "Hey, what about going to my room?"

I saw Layla and Ryan shaking their head in disgust.

"I suddenly lost interest and realized I can do better than a one night stand. Gosh, what in the world was I thinking, hooking up with you? I am going to wait for someone like Layla's fiancé. You on the other hand, you have a long way to go. It was nice meeting you, Layla. You rock." Then she left.

"Thanks a lot, Layla. You ruined my evening. The elevator door finally opened. "You're going up to a VIP suite?"

"First of all, I didn't ruin anything! It is not my fault you play with women's hearts. And, you even had the nerve to hit on my cousin. She has found someone who is sweet and has eyes for only one woman. Second of all, what is your problem with me? I own my own successful business, thanks to my parents for their financial support. My business allows me to do nice things for me, my daughter and my employees. So, back off!!! I am sick and tired of your 'I am better than you, Layla' attitude! I have earned everything I have gotten!!"

"Layla love, you don't owe him any explanations at all."

"Oh, I know. But, he is going to hear it anyway. I have never, ever cheated or lied to get ahead with my business. I am able to expand into Europe, thanks to Marco and Cris Fiore. And you know what they told me? They said and I quote, 'Layla, you have a beautiful and loving heart. Believe me, I have seen my fair share of people who do underhanded things to succeed. But, you display pride and love in what you do.' That is what Cris Fiore said to me. And, if you ask me how I know them, I will punch you right in the mouth!!"

Layla and Ryan got off on the same floor as I did. Ugh.

Layla started crying. "I have been through enough this week, so I don't need no lip from you. LEAVE ME ALONE, NOLAN!!"

Ryan's POV

"Layla, what room are we in?"

"The room number is #3520."

"Go on ahead and I'll be there shortly."

As soon as Layla walked into the room, I let Nolan have it. "Nolan, if I ever catch you harassing Layla about what she has or how she got it, I WILL HURT YOU! It is none of your business what she has been through, but she has been through some crap this week. Whatever little friendship we had, consider it done. I think the only reason you harass her is because you are jealous. You better keep your jealousy in check before I knock it out of you, got it?"

"Leave!"

"Layla!"

"Alone!"

As I walked away, I heard Nolan say, "Boy, what a bunch of killjoys." He just doesn't get it. Everything is not always about him. And, he needs to quit the playboy lifestyle.

Sunday morning

Layla's POV

"Mommy, I miss you. When are you coming back?

"I miss you too, baby girl. I'll be back later today. Are you behaving and having fun?"

"Yes, mommy."

"Good girl. I'll bring you a present back, okay?"

"Okay. Bye mommy."

"Bye, Braelyn." We both hung up the phone.

I made my way downstairs towards the living room. Everyone was waiting for me. "Cris and Marco, did you guys get tickets from parking in front of the resort?"

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

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

Dang.

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

"What would you ladies like to do?" Mr. Toscano 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."

"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."

Kam 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. I call 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, Ryan, Marco, and Mr. Toscano 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.

I paid for the tickets and snacks. "Too bad they don't have pickle-flavored milkshakes." I couldn't help but laugh at Cris' facial expression when Kam said that. I'm not going to lie, it is a gross combination, but when I was pregnant with Braelyn, I loved it.

"Kam, Sonic now sells pickle slushies."

She said, "Yes!" But, Cris looked at me and said, "Geez, thanks Layla."

Ryan and Marco chuckled. "Ryan and Marco, the both of you need to stop laughing. When Noeli and I are pregnant, that is what you are going to be getting us." That shut them up really quick. Now, Noeli and I had the last laugh.

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

"Ouch." I felt something being thrown at me. But, when I 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." Again, when I turned around, no one was there. Throughout the movie, this kept happening. Ryan leaned over and whispered to me, "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 me. I placed my hand at the back of my neck. I felt something dripping and something was stuck in my neck. "Oh goodness, it really hurts." When I looked at my hand, I saw blood.

Kam and Ryan looked at the back of my neck. "Layla, your neck is bleeding!!" Needless to say, Ryan was pissed. He grabbed my hand and we exited the theater.

Ryan's POV

I got a better look at Layla's neck once we was 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. 2 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. Her 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 had 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 proceeded to pull 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.'" He 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 that 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 were never going to be able to spend it sitting 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 we were walking to our trucks, Mr. Toscano, 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.

So 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 her 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 there, 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 the way 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 the kids. 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 has curls in her hair. "Don't cry, Ryan. Mommy will be okay." And, she gave me a kiss and hug. She 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 can everyone 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.

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Thank you all for reading chapter 14. 

The pictures are courtesy of Can Stock Photos and apps:

1. opening image - © Can Stock Photo / jewhyte

And, thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘