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

The morning comes too soon. I’m tired, and my eyes feel grainy. I scrub my face, hoping to bring some life back into it. I look so much paler than I usually do. Getting dressed for class, I ignore the knock on my door and the soft words from Kerry. I tie my hair up in a high ponytail and try to center myself. Today at school, I’m going to ask Warren about Jared.                                                                                                                                                                                         


Every time I think of everything that Athar told me last night, my head spins. So, one thing at a time. I don’t want Jared to get into trouble, so finding out what he and Warren are up to is what I’m going to focus on today.


The knock at my bedroom door again has me taking one final look around my room before I open it.


"Good morning," Kerry says. "Your breakfast is ready in the dining room with Master Jay and his father." 


Chapter 87: Layla