Chapter 1
After getting drunk at a party, I ended up sleeping with my arch-nemesis, Alex Sterling.
When I woke up, I threw my clothes on and tried to make a run for it.
He grabbed the hem of my shirt and wouldn't let go.
Alex called out, "Hey, you're just gonna sleep with me and run?"
I snapped, "Alex, quit acting like some cute little puppy!"
He shot back, "I'm not that bastard Alex. I'm his twin brother, Evan."
After that, whenever Alex got on my nerves, I'd take it out on Evan in bed.
Then one day, I went to Alex's company to talk business.
On my nemesis' neck, I spotted a hickey.
That mark was supposed to be on Evan, not Alex.
*****
At the Grand Crest Hotel's top-floor ballroom, I was chatting away with a client, Felix Yates, wine glass in hand.
"Our company is planning to switch suppliers next year. I heard your plant in Riverside City is really something..." I said.
Before I could finish, a tall figure stepped in and interrupted us.
I could tell it was my arch nemesis Alex just from the back of his head.
He planted himself right in front of me, blocking me out completely, and started talking to Felix like I wasn't even there.
I was so mad that I could barely stand it. I wanted to plant my stiletto right in his backside.
I told myself to calm down.
No way I was wasting my energy on that jerk.
Then Alex turned around and looked at me with that annoying, smug grin.
"Oops, didn't notice you there, Ms. Bennett. Almost stepped on your foot. Mind moving back a bit?" he said, pretending to be all polite.
I took a deep breath, turned on my heel, and walked away.
Out on the terrace, I downed the rest of my wine in one go, then fished my phone out of my bag.
I shot a message to the contact I'd saved as "My Sweet Boy."
I wrote: [I'll be home at 9:30. You know what I expect.]
He replied almost instantly: [Did Alex piss you off again? Don't let him get to you, babe. Whatever he did, you can take it out on me tonight.]
[All set. Come home and do whatever you want with me, babe.]
Seeing those cute meme stickers on my screen, I couldn't help but crack up.
When I glanced up, I caught sight of Alex not far away.
He was staring at his phone too, wearing that goofy, lovesick grin.
Was he actually falling for someone?
He really looked like Evan right now. Guess that was the twin gene at work.
Just as I was thinking that, I locked eyes with Alex.
His grin disappeared right away, and he looked a bit sheepish.
I strutted toward him in my heels, click-clack, click-clack, making sure he heard every step.
"I haven't congratulated you yet on becoming CEO, Mr. Sterling. Here's to you," I said, raising my glass.
Alex lifted his glass too. "Ms. Bennett, you built your company from nothing. That's the kind of success I respect."
Our glasses clinked. I made sure mine was just a little higher than his, like I was staking my claim.
After the party, I'd just gotten in my car when a black Maybach sped past.
"What's the rush? You'd think he's late for his own funeral," I muttered.
*****
At 9:28 PM, I pushed open the door to my apartment.
There was Evan, playing the part perfectly—obedient, pitiful, and looking just like my nemesis.
He was bare-chested, only his jeans on, putting on a pitiful show.
"Babe," he called out, his voice sweet and playful.
"Such a good boy," I teased, walking up to him and leaning in to take his chin between my fingers. "Why do you reek of booze? And your forehead's all sweaty."
He nuzzled into my palm, giving me a sweet, well-behaved grin.
"I just warmed up a bit and had a drink," he grinned. "Babe, I'm all ready to make up for my brother's behavior... with my body."
I couldn't help but smirk, running my finger along his Adam's apple.
"Alright, get up and take a shower," I told him.
The next morning, the blaring alarm dragged me out of sleep.
I tried to move, but every inch of me was sore.
Without a second thought, I booted Evan right off the bed.
He was crouched by the bed, peeking up at me with those careful, puppy-dog eyes.
"Babe, I'm sorry. Next time, I'll be more gentle," he said, sounding all sweet and apologetic.
There was always a next time with him.
Honestly, I was starting to think Alex sent him just to drain me dry.
"Move. You're in my way. I'm off to work. Tidy up the room," I said.
He got up quickly and made a show of straightening the sheets. "I'll be the perfect little househusband for you, babe."
I glanced at the hickey on the back of his neck but didn't say anything.
Good thing Evan didn't have to show up at an office like Alex. Those marks would be impossible to explain.