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

The next morning, Alex is waiting for me. I already know it’s about Layla. I think I left everyone wondering what was going on with my outburst yesterday. Maybe that’s what tipped my father off. My display was stupid and out of character. I’m sure Alex ran to my father. 


I bury everything—all the hate I feel for Alex that tries to consume me—until there’s an odd silence in my head. The habit from years of training myself not to think or feel returns like a blanket across my shoulders, and I get out of the car.


"I need to know what’s going on with that girl. Layla?"


I lock my car and walk to Alex. With a nod, I speak. "Layla and I knew each other as kids. She moved away, and our friendship ended."


Alex folds her arms across her chest with a look of satisfaction. "When you were kids?" She smirks. 


Chapter 19: Jared