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

We arrive at the hospital, and he parks the car while I go to the main reception area. The receptionist takes far too long to find out where Layla is, and my agitation is at its max. She’s aware of my anger as I tower over her; her gaze keeps diverting to me, and her eyes widen. 


"Got her." There’s relief in her voice, but I don’t feel it.


My father arrives at my side when we’re motioned toward a waiting room. The minute I step in, I want to leave. Evelyn stands up from a row of blue plastic chairs, and she has a look of hate directed at us. Carl reaches out and takes her arm. He knows, I know, everyone in this room knows, that she blames me. It’s written all over her f*cking face.


She pulls away from Carl, and I don’t react as I allow her hand to connect with my face. 


"Why couldn’t you just leave her alone?" Her hysterical words don’t affect me, and when she reaches up to hit me again, I grip her arm. 


"You brought her here, remember, Evelyn?"


Chapter 53: Jared