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

A shiver assaults me. The door opens, and once again, I get a wash of relief that it isn’t Carl and Evelyn. The doctor enters with a soft smile that lights up his eyes, which are framed with black glasses.


He nods at each word. "That’s normal. Have you had any memory loss?"


"Yes. I don’t remember what happened."


He nods again and moves closer to my bed. "That’s normal as well. In most cases, memories return. And it’s looking good, Layla."


"The Gardaí are here to ask a few questions. If you don’t feel up to talking, I can send them away."


It doesn’t matter. "I don’t remember what happened."


"I’ll tell them to come back another day." The doctor smiles again before leaving the room.


I drift into a light sleep. At some point, Evelyn and Carl return, and their whispered words float around me.


Chapter 55: Layla