Jared
They say love and hate dance together on one line.
My feelings for Layla don’t dance on the line; they destroy it.
It’s been seven years since she disappeared.
And now she’s back, but things have changed—I’ve changed.
I’m no longer the Jared she remembers, the boy who wanted to protect her.
I’m very much my father’s son, and I take what I want, and what I want is Layla.
But this time, I’m keeping her forever.
Layla
Seven years—that’s how long it’s been since I’ve seen him.
After painstakingly putting myself back together, I’m finally ready to start a life without his memory chasing my every step.
Imagine my surprise when my new beginning leads me straight back to him.
Only he’s not the boy I remember.
He’s angry.
Damaged.
Hiding secrets that want to destroy him.
He hates me. He wants me.
I’m not sure I’ll survive the man he has become. His demons threaten to destroy us both.
Broken People Duet: Deceive Me is created by Vi Carter, an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

Broken People Duet (1): Deceive Me

Morning comes quickly. I spend too much time sitting in the parking lot rereading the message.


I want answers too, but I don’t think I’ll get them—all the answers to too many questions. I can assume the answers will be painful, anyway.


Why did you not try to find me? Maybe he had finally gotten rid of me, and he was glad that he didn’t have to save Layla again. I’d been a noose around his neck that he was free of.


I squeeze my eyes shut before opening them, like I can erase that last thought, which terrifies me. Jared is better off without me. I seem to bring pain to the people I love most.


I shake my hands out as I get out of my car and make my way to the main entrance of the college building. Once I make it all the way to the back hallway, my shoulders slump as a bitter smile moves my lips. He wants answers.


I tell myself I’m overreacting and need to calm down. Maybe the message isn’t from him.


Chapter 17: Layla