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

When I arrive home, it’s not the silence that makes me pause in the grand hallway; it’s William’s absence. He normally materializes like a phantom with some update or request. Today, there’s nothing, and that makes me edgy as I make my way to the top floor of the mansion. I’m still disturbed by my father’s earlier arrival on campus. I’d been stupid and careless, but Layla’s disappearance had burned so deeply that I needed to douse the flames and find out where she was. I dump my bag on the floor and make my way to my bedroom. After pulling my sweater over my head, I hit the double doors with both hands, and they swing open.


I stop advancing into the room and pull my cell out of my jeans. I got Layla’s number when the dean was out of the office, and I grin as I stare down at her name in my phone—where it belongs. I write a text.


Chapter 18: Jared (Eighteen hours before)