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 have a sour taste in my mouth as I get into my car. I don’t turn the ignition but look back at Layla’s home. I don’t know what I was expecting when I knocked on the front door, but it wasn’t Carl, a man who truly loves Layla. He was genuinely happy to meet me. I came with the intention of confronting Layla for not answering her phone and warning her never to do that again. But as I stepped over the threshold, my intentions changed. Their home is modest, but it’s a real home. I can picture Layla laughing here, eating, sleeping. I want to see her comfortable with her surroundings, and that’s exactly what I found outside.


Chapter 38: Jared