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

Jared reaches out and takes my hands before pulling me back into the chair I was previously sitting in. His legs clamp on either side of me, and I feel trapped. I think that’s his intention.


He would never hurt me. I repeat the reminder in order to stay calm.


"First, tell me why you’re asking." Jared shifts closer to the edge of the bed. If I leaned in slightly, our foreheads would touch. His hands trail along my arms until his fingers rest on my wrist. I glance down. His thumb strokes the tender flesh.


"Your heart is beating so fast, Layla."


I try to pull my hands back, and when Jared doesn’t release them, I glare at him. "Let me go."


"Why? Are you afraid that I can tell when you’re lying?"


I yank my hands again. "You think this is normal?"


He releases me before running his fingers through his hair.


Chapter 89: Layla