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 fold my hands in front of me, trying to find meaning in all of this. Jared’s plan to kill Bert has dread chasing me. I look over my shoulder, expecting to see something large and dark looming. Instead, the bedroom door opens and three women file in.                                                                                                                                                                 


They wear the same uniforms—navy trousers, a white shirt, and a navy jacket. The ladies have their hair pinned back so severely that it stretches the smiles on their faces.


"Miss Masters, we are here to serve." The taller of the three steps forward, and her lips curl back over her teeth. Thoughts of a horse spring to mind. It’s not a fair analysis of her looks, but I can’t stop the comparison.


"Serve me?" I’d laugh, only the dread I’ve been sensing hasn’t left. My confusion keeps deepening.


Chapter 62: Layla