Layla's POV

Of course." So, we got out of the tub and got halfway dressed in our room. While putting on Ryan's shirt, my phone rang.

"That number doesn't look familiar." I gave the phone to Ryan and he answered.

"Hello. Who is this?"

"Hello, yes I am looking for Layla Jordan please?"

"This is her husband, Mr. Meyers.. May I ask who this is?"

"My name is Doctor Joseph calling from the hospital. Her number is listed as a contact number for Austin Mitchell. I'm afraid to say he was found beaten pretty bad in a alley Saturday evening."

"What hospital is he in?"

"Grandview Hospital. He is currently in a coma and in serious condition."

"My wife and I will be there shortly."

"Layla, get dressed. Austin was found beaten up badly and is now in the hospital!!!

Ryan's POV

Layla gave me the shirt she had on. After putting on her lacy underwear, she put on a mini skirt and tank top. I threw on a pair of jeans and we left the room.

"How are we going to get there?"

"I rented an SUV for us to drive around the island. We need to get directions from the receptionist." Once we got off the elevator, we headed over to the desk. "Excuse me, can you tell me where Grandview Hospital is?"

She printed out the directions for us, then we left the hotel and headed towards the truck. I programmed the address in the GPS in the truck, then we were on our way.

"I need to call Rachel and Dylan." Layla called them and told them what happened. They said they are catching the next flight available and coming to Jamaica. "I'll call Cris and Kam too. I'm sure they just landed in New York."

I saw tears in Layla's eyes while she was talking to either Kam or Cris. We arrived at the hospital and used valet parking for the truck. Before we went inside, I gave Layla a hug.

"He can't die, Ryan. Braelyn already believes he left her. If he dies, she is going to be heartbroken. Please don't be mad at me for crying. A part of me still cares about him, but only as a friend. I have no romantic feelings for him at all."

"It's okay, Layla. I understand. I can't be mad at you at all. You both are Braelyn's parents. We have to think positive. Come on, let's go inside."

I held on tight to Layla's hand as we walked inside to check on Austin. We walked to the lobby desk.

She was too nervous to talk, so I asked the nurse at the desk. "We are here to see Austin Mitchell. My wife was listed as his contact."

"Sure. I'll check to see what room he is in." The nurse checked her computer and said, "He is currently on the ICU floor. His room number is #8642. The elevators are down the hall to your right. What are your names so I can get visitor passes for you?"

"Layla and Ryan Meyers." She jotted our names down and gave us two passes. "His parents are traveling from New York. I'm not sure when they will arrive. Their names are Rachel and Dylan Mitchell."

"Okay. Thanks. Once they arrive, I will have their passes ready for them."

"We have a daughter together and she is 5 years old. Will she be able to visit him? She will be coming also, but not at the same time. She will be coming tomorrow."

"As long as their is an adult with her, it will not be a problem. What is her name?"

"Her name is Braelyn Mitchell. She will be flying with Cris and Kamea Fiore."

"I'll add their names to the list."

"Thank you."

We then made our way to the elevators to go to Austin's room.

Layla's POV

I was not prepared to see Austin hooked up to machines and with tubes. I held on to Ryan's hand tight because I was not going in that room by myself. We opened the door to his room. He was hooked up to a breathing machine. Austin had bandages on his head and chest. He also had on a neck brace. I moved a chair close to the bed and sat down and cried.

"I don't know why you left the reception and right now I don't care. Right now, all that matters is that you pull through. Rachel and Dylan are on the way. Kam and Cris are bringing Braelyn with them tomorrow. You can't die, Austin. Braelyn just got you in her life. Please fight for her." I grabbed his hand and rubbed it, hoping he would wake up. The tears were still streaming down my face.

The doctor came in Austin's room. "I'm Dr. Joseph. He was in pretty bad shape when he was brought to the hospital. He suffered some brain trauma. The swelling has come down significantly. He had cracked ribs, a large cut across his head, broken right arm and a broken left ankle."

"Why would somebody do this to him?"

"May I ask your relationship with him?"

"Austin and I are parents to our 5 year old daughter, Braelyn. She will be here tomorrow. This is my husband, Ryan. We are here for our wedding and honeymoon."

"Do you have any idea what could have happened?"

"No, I don't. He was supposed to take our daughter back to New York on Sunday. But, he left our reception and didn't tell anyone where he was going. How long is he going to be in the coma?"

"It will be up to him to wake up. Talking to him could help in some way. When his daughter comes tomorrow, maybe have her read stories to him. A nurse will come in shortly to change his IV."

"Thank you, Dr. Joseph. I'm Layla. My last name is now Meyers."

Ryan's POV

Why in the world would he just walk away? Thank goodness they found him. Both of our stomachs started rumbling. "Layla, what would you like to eat?"

"Anything is fine. I just don't want to leave the room, just in case he wakes up."

"Okay. I'll go find the eatery."

"Thanks, sugar." After walking out the room, I went to the nurse's station. "Excuse me, where is the café or place to get food from?"

"It is on the first floor."

"Thank you." So, I made my way to the first floor.

Meanwhile, somewhere in Montego Bay.

Nolan's POV

Ahhh, no sign of Layla or Ryan. This was a great place to pick for the company yearly trip. It is a beautiful country - delicious food, amazing views, and beautiful women. Can't forget the women. After the company picnic, I'm going clubbing tonight. So, I took my shower and changed into my outfit. Then, I left my room to head over to the picnic.

While on the elevator, it stopped at a floor where 4 women in bikinis got on. "I am in heaven. And, no one is here to judge me for my ways." They were all sexy, but they all have seen my face, so I could only have 'fun' with one of them. "Good afternoon ladies." One of them looked at me and licked her lips. "She is the one I want." Before they got off to go to the swimming pool, she whispered her room number in my ear and said, "I'll be waiting for you to rock my world." I wanted to take her right there on the elevator, but I can wait until tonight.

Once, I arrived at the location for the picnic, I made my way to the stage to make my speech.

"Welcome everyone who was able to make the trip to Jamaica. We have so much in store for you at the picnic - food, fun and plenty of entertainment. This is our way of saying thank you for your support throughout the year and we are already in the planning stage for next year's trip. Thank you all and enjoy your time here in Montego Bay. Let's get this party started!"

After exiting the stage, I made my way over to my parents. 

"Great place to choose for the company trip, Nolan."

"Thanks. I actually let the employees choose this year through a survey in January. I think I will do the same thing for next year."

So my mom starts to say, "About the merger idea. We would like to set up a preliminary meeting so that the two companies can meet. The owner is currently on her honeymoon, so we want to schedule the meeting for October."

I thought they would have forgotten about that idea. "I will go along with this meeting stuff, but don't really plan on implementing it."

"Of course mom. Set it up for October and let me know the details. But, right now, let's enjoy this party."

Just scanning through the employees, we have some very hot, endowed women working for us. It's unfortunate that we have that 'no dating policy' because I see one that I wouldn't mind playing with. Ugh, all of this gorgeousness and it is off limits. "I'm going to the bar for a drink."

"Bartender, glass of your most expensive alcohol."

"Coming right up."

While waiting, the entertainment news came on.

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"In entertainment news, this past weekend, rising star, Layla Jordan, said 'I do' to fiancé, Ryan Meyers on Saturday in Montego Bay. As seen in these pictures on the monitor, it was a private ceremony with family and friends. Mr. Meyers is one, lucky fellow. Congratulations, Layla and Ryan. Looking forward to her interview on The Natalie Duncan Show in October."

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Why am I not surprised that they are here? And how in the world did she get on The Natalie Duncan Show? That is huge. Why can't our company get publicity like that? Ugh, I hope I do not run into them. I can't take any more of them ruining my chances to have 'fun.'

Chase's POV

Looks like I may get another chance to take her and make her mine. If not here in Jamaica, then at that interview. Why did she marry him when she can have me - rich, sexy, and did I say rich? I can give her everything she wants - money and plenty of sex, all day, every day. If she wants a challenge, prepare to be in for a long one. I will not give up until I have her. "Time to send another message. And this time, I know who to send it to."

I called Mike for a favor. "Hey Mike, can you get me Ryan Meyers phone number? Better yet, how about his wife?"

"Sure boss."

"Time to test this Ryan character out."

Narrator's POV

Back at the hospital.

Layla's POV

Ryan and I stayed in the room until Rachel and Dylan came. Kam and Cris are flying over to Jamaica tomorrow morning. The nurse came in a couple of times to check on Austin, but he still hasn't opened his eyes yet. There was two chairs in the room, so we sat in them near the window. I was a wreck. So, I did my favorite thing when I need to be calm - lay my head on Ryan's chest and listen to his heartbeat.

"Layla, you have not eaten your sandwich. Eat something please? You haven't eaten anything at all today."

"How can I eat when Braelyn could lose her dad? I saw what happened to Darlene and what she went through. It hurt seeing her go through the grief of losing a parent. Braelyn is only 5 years old, Ryan. It is bad enough I kept them apart until this year."

"When are you going to stop beating yourself up for that Layla? Nobody knew that he was going to get beaten so bad that he would be put in the hospital. No, he did not deserve this. But, it was his choice to walk away from the reception. And, I know why and I want to hear it from him when he wakes up."

He paused for a minute, then said, "Layla, Austin still has feelings for you."

I looked up at him like he was crazy. "Stop playing. Now is not the time for jokes. He can't have feelings for me because I don't have those same feelings for him."

He was irritated with me. "Layla, why would I joke about someone having feelings for my wife? When we first started dating, we sat down and talked. I asked him several times if he was okay with us dating. He said and I quote, 'Layla deserves to be happy, so go for it. I'm glad she chose you because you would never hurt her.' When you were assaulted in Milan, I saw the way he looked at you when we ate dinner at that restaurant. When we thought that you had been kidnapped, I saw the same look in his eyes when Cris, Marco and I left for that resort. He freaking cried when you were in the hospital. Do I need to say anymore?! He freaking loves you, Layla! Why the heck would I joke about that?"

 He unwrapped my arms from around him and left the room.

I just sat there and pondered on what he said. Is it obvious and I don't see it? But, why would I see it anyway? I have eyes for one man only - Ryan. I was so deep in thought that I did not hear Rachel and Dylan enter the room.

"Hi Layla. How is Austin?"

"He has cracked ribs, his left ankle is broken, his right arm is broken, a large cut across his head and swelling in his brain. The doctor said the swelling has gone down a lot. He walked away from the reception and didn't tell anyone where he was going. Braelyn cried because she thinks he left her."

"Layla, first we would like to say congratulations. We wanted to come, but couldn't make it. So, we watched the live stream with your business family. And, we know why Austin left. We overheard a conversation he was having with someone on the phone last week. He still loves you. He even said he wasn't going to come at first, but knew it was important for Braelyn to be with you. Honey, do not blame yourself for Austin's careless mistake. He is jealous of your relationship with Ryan. Speaking of, where is he?"

"He got mad and left because I thought he was joking when he told me he believes Austin is in love with me." 

"Austin is a dead man when he gets out of this hospital."

"Layla, go find Ryan and enjoy your honeymoon. We will call you when he wakes up."

"Braelyn is flying tomorrow with my friends, Cris and Kamea Fiore. We will get you guys a hotel room and text you the details. And, thank you so much for viewing the live stream of my wedding. It means a lot to me, Rachel and Dylan."

Now I am the one irritated. He left 2 hours ago and didn't even come back. I am not the one he should be mad at. It's getting late, I am hungry, and tired. And, he is no where to be found. I started feeling light-headed and it is probably because I didn't eat. I walked to the nurse's station and asked if they had any vending machines.

"Yes ma'am. They are in the waiting room. But ma'am, are you okay? You don't look so good. Have a seat and I'll get you something." 

So, I sat down in the chair she brought over to me. "Thank you. I haven't eaten anything all day."

"I'm going to the cafeteria and get you something." While she went to the cafeteria, one of the other nurses brought me a bottle of water. "Thanks."

Ryan's POV

It was stupid of me to get mad at Layla and leave the room. And, to make matters worse, that was 2 hours ago. And now, I can't shake this chick from me. I have told her over and over that I am happily married. I am just going to have to face the consequences and go back to Austin's room. This chick even got on the elevator with me.

"Look lady, for the umpteenth time, I am happily married to the love of my life. LEAVE ME ALONE!"

"Sexy, I could be your side chick. Your wife doesn't have to know."

"Lady, you are sick!! There is no way on this planet that I would ever cheat on my wife!! I have the woman of my dreams waiting for me. Now again, LEAVE ME ALONE!!" She started walking over to me. "Do not invade my personal space!!" "Why do people start trouble on elevators?"

"Ding."  Thank goodness. I got off the elevator and she started following me. As I was walking towards Austin's room, I saw Layla sitting at the nurse's station. She saw me and looked peeved. The crazy chick started trying to grab my arm. I yanked it away from her grasp. Layla saw it and walked towards me. "Uh-oh." 

"Layla, I have been trying to get away from this chick for almost 2 hours. Please believe me. She even asked if she could be my side chick. I flat out told her to leave me alone several times. " She was really pissed.

"Oh honey, I believe you. But, that is not what I am mad about. We will discuss that later." Then she says, "Excuse me, Ryan." Then she put her hair in a ponytail. "Layla, remember we are in a hospital."

Layla's POV

"Oh honey, I know we are in a hospital. She better hope she doesn't need it. Now, move Ryan!!" He didn't move, so I moved him myself.

"Excuse me, um, whatever your name is. When my husband told you he was married for the last two hours, why were you still pursuing him? Then, you had the audacity to ask him to be a side chick?!!" She stood there looking stupid as heck. "Uh, uh." That was all she kept saying and it was pissing me off even more. "Ryan, give me your left hand, now!!" He gave it to me and I said, "See this ring on his finger? It means he is taken. This man, from head to toe, is mine!! Other than his mother, sister, nieces, and my daughter, I am the only other female that should be touching him!!" 

Before we were about to leave, "If I ever see you trying to touch or seduce my husband again, you will be needing a hospital so they can surgically remove my foot from your....."

"Layla, let's go. I think she got the point." He tried to grab my hands, but I gave him a dirty look. "Do not touch me!" I looked over to the nurses. "Thank you for getting me the food and water." Then, we made our way towards the elevator and left.

We didn't say one word to each other as we reached the hotel. I stopped at the lobby desk to get Austin's parents a room. Kam, Braelyn and Cris were staying with us. "I wanted to see if you had any available suites left. I need to book a stay for one suite for a week."

"Layla, we need two suites."

"No, we do not."

"Yes we do." He told me through gritted teeth. He told the guy, "We need two suites, please." He checked his computer. "Yes, we do."

"Here is my card. One room is for Rachel and Dylan Mitchell. The other is for Cris and Kamea Fiore. Rachel and Dylan will be here later. Cris and Kam will be here tomorrow with my daughter."

"We can hold their room keys until they arrive. Here are their room numbers - 2550 and 2552." 

"Thank you so much." I shot them both a quick text with their room numbers. Then, we went to our room. As soon as we got inside, here came the argument.

Ryan's POV

"Layla, did you seriously wait until we were about to leave the hospital to eat something? And, why did you say only one suite?"

She didn't say one word, just looked at me like I was crazy. "And, why did you get mad at me and leave Austin's room? Plus, you didn't come back for two hours!! Answer that?"

"I asked mine first. Now, why did you wait so late to eat? And, why only one suite? Stop moving around and sit!"

"I will not sit! You need to deal with it! I didn't feel like freaking eating!! I told you that in Austin's room. And, I said one suite because I wanted my child, along with Cris and Kam, to stay with us. You know her name. It's Braelyn, remember? I am not in the mood for you and don't feel like talking to you!! Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to sleep!!"

Through clenched jaws, "Layla if you do not sit down, I am going to make you sit!!"

"I would like to see you try!!"

"Fine!!" So, I just walked over to her, threw her over my shoulder, and went upstairs to our room.

"PUT ME DOWN, YOU BIG JERK!!"

"I'm going to put you down alright!!" I threw her on the bed and pinned her down. "Stop being stubborn, woman!! Let's talk like civilized adults!!"

"I don't want to talk to you! Now, leave me alone!!! If anybody is stubborn, it is you!! If you wanted to talk so bad, why did you leave me alone in Austin's room?!!! It is not my fault Austin still has feelings for me!! I told you how I felt - Austin and I are only Braelyn's parents and nothing else!!!!! He is the one you should be mad at, not me!!! Now, GET OFF OF ME AND LEAVE ME ALONE!!!"

"You're right. I am sorry. I took my frustration out on you and that was wrong." So, I got off of Layla and laid down on the bed. "When Austin gets out of the hospital, we need to have another serious chat with each other." Layla got up, went to the bathroom, changed her clothes and was about to leave the room. "Where are you going?"

"To sleep in one of the other rooms tonight."

I sighed, "You don't have to go. I will go. Good night." So, I got up and went to another room.

Nolan's POV

"Yes!" No Layla and Ryan to ruin my night like at the resort. I am free to have whoever I want. And, this woman is good. Makes me want to do something I have never done before - pleasuring the same woman more than once. We have been at it for hours, and this woman is wearing me out.

"You are a freak in the sheets."

"So I have been told. But, so are you." She was screaming my name and had me screaming hers. Another thing I have never done.

"Oh goodness gracious! Go faster sexy!!"

"Less talking and more screaming and squeaking! Be prepared to be extremely sore!!" This chick might be a keeper.

Ryan's POV

Later, I was awakened by a scream. I ran into our room and saw Layla crying. "He has my phone number." She tossed me her phone. This message had me fuming!

"I hear Braelyn's father is in the hospital. I can take care of Braelyn and she will be in good hands. Braelyn is a very pretty girl. You need to watch her carefully before she goes missing."

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  Thank you all for reading chapter 18. The picture comes to you courtesy of Pixabay. And, thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘