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 go straight to the gym. The urge to drive home and check on Layla nearly has me turning the car around.


I arrive at the gym and get my pre-packed gym bag out of the trunk. Like always, the gym is empty, and Rex is in his office. I knock on the glass, and he raises his head. I open the door, but I don’t enter.


"When I fought in that competition in Inishmore, was that in January?" I ask.


Rex squeezes the bridge of his nose before folding his arms across his chest. "I think so. Why?"


"No reason. Just curious." I tap the doorframe.


"Are you thinking of fighting again?" Hope fills his voice.


I hate to be the one to kill that notion. "I’m still thinking about it," I lie before leaving his office and getting ready to practice.


Rex is waiting for me by the ring when I come out onto the gym floor. I crack my neck from side to side.


Rex is quiet as he wraps my hands. I zone in on the beat of the music that pumps out from the overhead speakers.


Chapter 77: Jared