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’m in a daze as I leave the library. Everything in me burns. The cold air outside doesn’t do much to cool me down. I should be in class, but after that kiss… My tongue flicks out, and I lick my lips. As I make my way to my car, I tug my bag up on my shoulder. I need to text Jared and tell him he can’t meet Evelyn or Carl. I can’t do this. I need time to think. His words about kissing every inch of my skin have me walking faster. I hate how badly I want him.


I get into my car and don’t look around as I leave the parking lot. I blare a classical music station to get my mind off Jared, but forgetting him is like forgetting to breathe. My mind would burn as violently as my lungs would, and it would fill with Jared just as my lungs would fill themselves with air.


My breath grows frantic, and I have no idea what’s happening to me. My vision dims, and I pull in off the road.


Chapter 30: Layla