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 know that look. She’s trying to backpedal. I’ll f*cking kill Alex. I can imagine what they did to Layla, and to hear the pain in her words has me marching to my car from the exhibition center. I release Layla’s hand and open the door for her. Once she’s in her seat, I close it too hard and the car shakes.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       


I’m trying to calm down, so I don’t get into the car immediately. Instead, I stand outside my door. I don’t want her to see me this volatile. She’s already half-afraid. I can tell by the way she spoke of Kieran. I never want Layla to be afraid of me. I’ve done so much bad sh*t, but I always put her first. Never me.


Chapter 76: Layla