23. I Do

[Xavier’s POV]

“Layla, Layla,” I called, scared to death.

She laid there unmoving and not saying a word. Her breathing was faint, and her body was slowly getting cold which only made me all the more apprehensive and afraid.

I didn’t want to lose her. I couldn’t afford to lose her.

As I held her in my arms, not caring about what anyone had to say, I shivered as I muttered a prayer to the Goddess. The attraction I felt to Layla was dampening, and she was slipping away from me.

“Jeffrey, where is your father? He should be here by now!” I yelled, looking desperately at him.

“He’s on his way here. For now, you should take her to a proper room with ventilation. I will get some napkins to control the bleeding,” he said.

I got a hold of myself. If I couldn’t be in my right frame of mind, it would only make things worse for her. I needed to be strong for the both of us.

“Stay with me, Layla,” I whispered, carrying her in my arms and began to walk hurriedly, almost running as I took her away fr