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 blink when the sliding door closes, only to find that Jared is watching me. I rock on my heels. "What?" I ask, wondering why he’s looking at me like it’s the first time he’s seeing me.


His eyelashes flutter, and he’s Jay again.


"So, what time will I pick you up tonight?" he asks.


I sit back down and pick up my gloves. I don’t put them on, just hold them, and Jared sits down beside me, his shoulder flush with mine. We both face out toward my empty flower bed. He bumps into my shoulders.


"I’ve nothing to wear." Yeah, that sounded as lame as it did in my head.


I glance at him sideways. "Fine, I’ll wear my overalls."


His lip twitches. "That’s fine by me. You look cute in your overalls."


I laugh at him. "Yeah. People will be dropping at my feet," I say, sliding on the gloves.


Jared’s gaze drifts to me. He’s focused, serious. "You’re right. You can’t wear your overalls." He grins now, not able to remain serious. "So, what time?"


Chapter 37: Layla