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 staring at the wreath in my hands. A small note has been attached.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       


I pull off the note before racing from the room. The hallways are pretty much empty. Three people approach, and one by one, I stop them.


I block the pathway of the first man. He tries to step around me, but I don’t allow the movement as I pull down his collar, checking his neck for tattoos.


"What are you doing? Get off me!" The man fixes his shirt back in place after I release him.


I keep walking until I reach the reception desk.


"Who was just at Layla Masters’s door?"


The receptionist frowns, and I slam the wreath on the counter.


She jumps slightly, her hand fluttering to her chest. "I didn’t see anyone."


Chapter 56: Jared