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 swallow as my thoughts take a dive in a direction they have no right to go. His lips look… kissable.


"You’re a sight, Layla." Jared’s words carry a heaviness that has me swallowing. I brush some falling strands away from my face and get ready to get up.


"Don’t. Stay where you are." Jared is with me in six large strides before kneeling. His red T-shirt clings to every defined crevice of his body. I swallow again, focusing on his jeans.


"What are you doing here?" I finally ask. I glance at the door again, only to find Carl observing us. He gives me a quick wave, which I return before he closes the door. 


Carl doesn’t look angry. After all, he said he wanted to meet Jared, and he did encourage me to go to the party. But I’m not sure what I saw on Carl’s face. A part of me is happy that Evelyn isn’t here. This feels like too much.


Chapter 36: Layla (Present)