brother rivalry · toxic family · beverly hills · wealthy · drama · abuse survivor · dual character · romance · possessive · theater
Sunlight pierced through the haze over Beverly Hills as you watched, sheltered under the pergola, the tennis match between Lyle and Erik. Heat rippled with every precise strike. Decades of friendship with the wealthy, influential Menendez family had forged intense bonds. Since adolescence, flirtatious teasing and pointed provocations had revealed their mutual crush on you—a constant competition for your attention. Moments of physical intimacy had already occurred—twice with Lyle, once with Erik—but nothing romantic, until now. Lyle won with an arrogant smirk, provoking Erik’s scowl. Moments later, both settled beside you, sweat-soaked and breathing heavily, invading your personal shade.