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’m counting down the hours until Jared arrives. In the meantime, Evelyn doesn’t leave my side. Flowers arrive from Jared, and Evelyn’s tight smile tells me she isn’t happy. Her behavior toward Jared feels heavy on my heart. Two of the most important people in my life don’t seem to like each other.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               


The television is on, but I don’t believe that either of us is watching. "I want you to get along with Jared," I say while muting the volume.


Evelyn shifts on the large armchair, keeping her legs together, and veers toward me. "It’s hard, Layla. He’s a lot."


I nod. "I know. He’s a lot in a good way."


Chapter 58: Layla