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 don’t want you to give up on boxing, Jay. Just think about it." Rex gets back into the ring.


"I will," I offer before we start back into our training. My mind is made up about the competitions, but I don’t want to end my time with Rex. I’ll find a way to keep money coming to him. After all, in a few months, I’ll inherit everything. I’ve never allowed myself to fully accept that I will have riches beyond anything I can imagine. 


If Rex doesn’t expect my money, then maybe I can help him find someone to fill my place. Maybe Warren might be the answer to that. Then again, I can’t imagine him having any discipline. Time will tell.


The two hours fly by, and it’s close to five when we stop. I’m soaked in sweat and take the bottle of water that Rex tosses to me.


"I have an old student returning. He’s a cage fighter. I want you to come by one of these days and meet him." Rex isn’t giving up.


"Max. He’s a beast. Think Conan the Barbarian."


Chapter 39: Jared