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

"Where are the paintings?" my father shouts through the phone.                                                                                                                                                                                                                  


I lift my head and glance up at Layla’s window before answering him. "Safe." My one word has him growling through the phone.


"Jay, this is no time for your smartness. Where are they?"


I’m tempted to hang up, when I see movement close to the front door. I just rang Layla to tell her I’m outside.


I look at the phone. "Layla remembers who shot her, so we reported it to the Gardaí like good citizens. So the paintings are in their rightful place." 


I had to call in another favor with Warren O’Reagan. He hasn’t told me what it will cost, but I’m sure it won’t be cheap. He had his men move the paintings into Chester’s home before I took Layla to the Gardaí station.


Chapter 80: Jared