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

His lips drag down as he jerks his head. "Kieran?"


God, he sounds pissed. His gaze darkens, and he’s waiting for me to explain myself.


"You kissed him, Layla. I was homicidal."


"That’s what every girl wants to hear," I say without thinking.


His grin makes no sense. "I was jealous. So we took a few swings at each other. Boys fight. You have nothing to feel guilty about. Kieran and I are cool now. In fact, he apologized." Hearing his words helps the guilt I felt sprout wings and fly away.


"So yeah," he murmurs before glancing away. "All’s good."


I take the foil out of his hand, and his brows rise. I have no idea why I keep taking it back. Maybe so I can be closer to him. This time, when Jared takes the foil out of my hand, our fingers brush slightly. The contact causes my pulse to skip. I shift back at the unexpected feeling that takes over all my senses. Jared doesn’t seem to notice my reaction as he stuffs the foil into the brown paper bag.


Chapter 73: Layla