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’ll be back in a minute," I bite out, and I don’t look back at Layla.


I search for Alex, but the drama queen has disappeared. I stop by the bar, and I’m ready to order a vodka and 7UP, but I think of Alex telling Layla that’s what I drink, and I hate it.


"A beer." The red cup is filled from a keg. I expect the beer to be flat, but it tastes nice. I turn and keep scanning for Alex. I’ll give her five more minutes, and then I’m going back to Layla. I finish the beer and see Alex with a group of girls who are squealing as they race into the water. They all huddle together as one of them snaps a photo.


Alex is smiling and laughing, her lips pursed for the photo. I’m wasting my time.


Chapter 44: Jared (Before)