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 turn away from her but pause at the kitchen door. "I love you, Evelyn. I’ll call every day." 


I can’t look back. The pain in her words propels my steps out the door.


I stiffen as Amanda appears beside me. I exhale loudly, trying to relax as I shake off the memory of Evelyn.


"I’ll need you to help me with my clothes." I don’t exactly want help, but I’m exhausted, and removing everything with one arm is something I don’t look forward to doing.


Amanda helps me, being careful with my arm. Once I’m down to my underwear, I make my way into the bathroom alone. The steam has fogged up the mirror, like it knows I don’t want to see my face. Guilt is choking me, and I don’t need to see it in my gaze. 


Chapter 63: Layla