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

"Jared. Just give me a minute. Please."


I want to warn her not to keep me waiting, but the pleading in her voice has me clenching my jaw.


"I’ll be in the car." I press a kiss to her forehead before leaving. Evelyn is at the bottom of the stairs.


That leaves her unsettled, and she marches up the stairs.


Outside, I get into my car. I have two missed calls from Alex.


I’m busy, I text her and look back at Layla’s house.


I can’t imagine the conversation is going well with Evelyn. It takes a lot of restraint not to get out of the car and rush into the house to get Layla.


Thirty painful minutes pass before Layla leaves the house with a small backpack. She won’t meet my gaze as she climbs into the passenger side. The door closes, and with shaky hands, she struggles to put on her belt.


"Let me help you." I reach across to grab the belt.


"Jared, stop." Her gaze meets mine, and she’s beyond pissed.


Chapter 61: Jared