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

Jared shifts and rests his chin in his hand, two fingers covering his mouth. The intensity in his eyes burns my soul. I swallow all the emotions and clear my throat. I’m not ready to relive that night, but looking at the tension in Jared’s shoulders and how still he is, I know this is important to him.


"I was taken straight to the hospital." My voice sounds so weak, and I clear my throat again.


Jared shifts closer to me, and I’m momentarily frozen solid before warmth rushes through my body and thaws the coldness. Jared slowly and carefully takes my hand in his, and I’m dumbfounded as I stare at his tanned one entwining with my small, pale one. A part of me knows our holding hands isn’t right, not when Jared has a girlfriend. Yet, I don’t pull away. He said he doesn’t have one, but Alex seems to believe they’re together. 


Chapter 21: Layla