Jared

They say love and hate dance together along the same line.

My feelings for Layla don't dance on the line; they destroy it.

It's been seven years since she disappeared without a trace.

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.

***Part Two of the Broken People Duet***