Prologue Olly

(Two Years ago)

" T hanks for joining us today, Olly. It was an absolute pleasure meeting you. This article will be a hit."

I drum my fingers on the glass desk, itchy to leave this meeting. Privacy has always been important to me, but as one of the guitarists for Arcade Lake, it's like I gave up that privilege years ago. "The pleasure was all mine. Thank you, Sarah." At least she was sweet and stuck with the least intrusive interview questions.

"One more question, before you go," she drawls, placing her palm suggestively on my forearm. Here we go. I wince internally, but give her a smile that hopefully doesn't portray my discomfort.

"Is this on or off the record?"

Her blue eyes sparkle. "Oh, come on Olly. On the record, of course. Your fans are dying to know: are you seeing anyone special?"

My mind immediately wanders to Oscar, and I can't fight the smile on my face. My Oscar. I plan on keeping that particular answer to myself, but I know my expression gives me away. So instead, I lean into it, letting my smile grow a little wider as I stand and give Sarah a knowing wink. She can jump to her own conclusions. "Like I said, Sarah, the pleasure was all mine."

She gives me a mock pout, but stands up and walks me out of her office. We make it all the way to the elevator before she speaks again. "You might have dodged the question, Olly, but don't think that smile and dreamy look on your face won't be mentioned in my article. Because that was gold."

I laugh, enjoying her honesty. "You gotta do what you gotta do."

The elevator door opens and I step inside. She leans against the frame, catching the door with her red stiletto heel before it closes. "Maybe next time you can convince your brother to actually join us?" Her tone is hopeful, which makes sense. My twin is the more outgoing and charming one of the two of us.

With a ding, the elevator doors finally close, and I let out a deep breath.

I have no idea what happened to Zayden today. He was supposed to be in that stupid interview with me. Although it isn't unlike him to get easily distracted. I swear, my brother needs a keeper. He'll probably be upset when he realizes how gorgeous Sarah is.

Pulling out my phone, I check to see if there are any missed messages. Nothing. So instead, I call my younger brother, Noah.

"Hey there, Olly. How's the tour going?"

"Good. We finished the West Coast leg yesterday. We're in New York. Guess what I just did all by my lonesome?"

"Hmm. Let me think. What would my introverted, book-loving brother do on a Saturday morning after a tour?"

I laugh. "Okay brat, I'll just tell you. I wrapped up an interview with your favorite magazine."

"Oh my gosh," Noah squeals. "You interviewed with Dee Rama Magazine?"

An image of Noah with his pink hair and infectious smile pops into my mind. Five bucks says he's jumping up and down in his living room like a hyper cheerleader.

"Wait, where's Zayden? I'm surprised Dee Rama didn't want an interview with the both of you."

"They did want him. Hold on one second," I say as I slide onto my motorcycle and switch over to the Bluetooth in my helmet. "Zayden was supposed to be here, but I'm guessing someone distracted him."

"Classic Zee. So how was it? Did Dee Rama dig up any dirty secrets from you?"

"Much to Sarah Salt's dismay, she did not."

"Oh wow, you got to sit with Sarah Salt? Fuck, I love her. That time she interviewed Jude Hale was inspiring."

I laugh. Noah sounds star struck. Ever since Noah was a teen, he's been obsessed with Dee Rama Magazine. So much so that he is doing a double major in business and journalism, hoping to work for the company someday.

"She asked me if I was seeing anyone special, and I almost fucking blew it." My little brother is the only one who knows I'm seeing Oscar. It started a few weeks ago. He appeared so suddenly and somehow wormed his way into my heart. Makes sense, though, as he's exactly my type; tall, dark, and handsome, with his wavy black hair and soulful blue eyes. Throw in his passion for music and late nights spent at the recording studio, and I was a fucking goner.

"Oh no. Did you tell her about your boyfriend?"

My heart flips. "We haven't put a label on it, but I'm happy I told you about Oscar. It's nice to talk about him with someone. No, Sarah didn't find out. Although, I'm sure my face gave me away when she asked if I was seeing someone special. I smiled like a damn fool."

Noah chuckles. "Yeah, you aren't the best at hiding your emotions. Not like Zee."

I make my way through the busy streets, weaving through traffic as Noah tells me all about his school year and how he and his best friend, Jules, will be graduating together. By the time I get to the penthouse apartment I share with Zayden, I hang up the phone with a promise to Noah that I'll call soon.

Unlocking my door, I walk into the penthouse and toss my keys and wallet onto the dining table. "Hey Zee, you home? You fucking owe me, man. I had to do that damn magazine interview by myse—"

Music filters through the apartment, clearly coming from Zayden's bedroom. I cringe. Music means he's probably getting it on. Quietly, I walk back to our kitchen and start pulling ingredients to make myself a sandwich when I hear it. A groan. A very familiar groan I know all too well.

The blood drains from my face and I feel dizzy as I somehow make my way back to my brother's room. They are quiet for a moment, with the exception of one of our songs playing through the speakers. Is Zayden seriously fucking someone to one of our tracks?

After a moment of listening, I start feeling awkward. My wave of dizziness is no longer present, and I'm pretty sure I just imagined Oscar's groan through the walls. At least that's what I tell myself until I hear Oscar's voice. "Fuck, you are so good. So snug and perfect."

The door isn't clicked closed, and the curiosity, confusion, and pain are too much. I need confirmation. So, I nudge the door open with my foot.

I instantly know I've made a horrible mistake. Zayden is lying on his back on the edge of the bed as the man who I've stupidly started to develop feelings for pounds into him. My mouth gapes open as my heart pounds so loud it beats in my ears, drowning out the music.

Like a car crash I can't pry my eyes away from, I just stand there, staring. Oscar notices me first. His striking blue eyes meet mine, no longer looking soulful but downright smug. To my shock, Oscar doesn't stop. He continues to pound into my brother. Zayden's eyes are closed, his mouth open in ecstasy. A part of me wants to deny this is happening. Zee and I are identical. Is it possible that Oscar thought it was me on the bed?

Only, I know that doesn't make any sense. The fucking gut punch in this whole damn scenario is that Oscar is topping and he never tops. Not once has Oscar hinted he wanted what he's currently doing to Zee.

"What the fuck?" I say, voice trembling with fury.

Zayden's eyes snap open. "What the hell? Olly? Close the damn door!"

Even at the sound of my brother's panicked voice, Oscar doesn't stop. Zayden props himself up on his elbows, but Oscar grasps his hips and yanks my brother toward him, causing him to moan.

Oscar gives me a calculating smirk. "Oh look, the boring twin is back. Wanna join, baby?"

My face flames at the pet name. "You fucking asshole. Get your disgusting dick out of my brother and get the fuck out of my place," I roar. Spinning around, I storm out of the bedroom and slam the door.

"What the fuck is going on?" Zayden yells at Oscar. "Are you fucking both of us?"

Oscar is talking, but I can't make out what he's saying. I stomp back to the kitchen and see my forgotten sandwich ingredients. Appetite lost and anger fueling through me, I viciously swipe an arm over the counter and cause the food and paper plates to go crashing to the ground.

I hear a door open and close. Suddenly, Oscar is by my side. His black wavy hair is falling into his eyes. "Baby, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize, I thought—"

My hands flex at my side, tempted to smash into his cheek. I don't know this man in front of me. The Oscar I started to fall for was a figment of my imagination. Someone created by this manipulative man. The fucker probably wants me to punch him.

What's his endgame? Money?

"Get the fuck out. You damn well know that wasn't me. I'd never fucking bottom for you." I wince internally. I might be a top, but just an hour ago, I thought Oscar could be the one. It was just a fucking hour ago I was in Dee Rama's corporate office, smiling at the thought of the pathetic man in front of me. I have no doubt I would have tried bottoming for him if he asked.

"Get the fuck out," I whisper again, suddenly feeling drained and tired.

"Okay, baby. I'll give you time to cool down."

Zayden storms forward, fully dressed. When did he leave his room? "Like hell. You heard my brother. Get the fuck out of our apartment."

Oscar doesn't even acknowledge or look at Zayden. "I'll see you in the studio tomorrow, Olly."

Zayden gets in Oscar's face and shoves him back. "Like hell, you will. You can kiss your job goodbye."

Oscar sneers at Zayden. "You can't do that. I don't work for you. I work for the label."

"Consider your job gone," Zayden hisses.

The door slams when he finally leaves.

I finally look up at my brother. His face is bright red, he's panting, and his eyes are filled with angry tears. Fuck. Why didn't I tell my brother about Oscar?

"Olly," Zayden says in a low tone. "I had no idea."

I stand up and walk toward my identical twin. I clap him once on the back. "It's okay, Zee. I should have told you. He fooled us both. We never have to see that guy again."