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

I lie in bed that night, staring at the ceiling. Carl comes home from work, and I wring my hands as I listen to his and Evelyn’s hushed voices. Carl’s is raised slightly, but I still can’t understand what he’s saying. A part of me wants to leave my cozy double bed and try to listen in on their conversation, but the sensible and tired part of me keeps me in bed. Their discussion lulls for a while, and I start to drift off. The ping of my phone has me pushing the lavender duvet off me as I reach for it on the side table.


That one sentence from Jared plays havoc with my emotions. I want to pause them and place them under the microscope like Evelyn had taught me, but I’m drained. Instead, I text back quickly, not doubting his threat.


I’ll have lunch with you tomorrow. I hit send before I can think any more about him. I don’t even get the phone put back down when it pings again.


That was a given. See you tomorrow, Layla.


Chapter 26: Layla