I joined him at a long, occupied table where he stood at the end, scanning the dark bar. The music was loud enough to make everyone talk a bit louder but not at maximum volume. That would come around ten when the drinks were flowing and the dance floor started to fill.

I stood close to Asher and accepted the beer when he shoved it into my hand. I glanced around. There were people clustered nearby, close enough it would make any discussions about this topic difficult.

It was a good two songs and ten minutes later when Asher met my eyes for the first time. I knew the look. It was his are you serious? face, which matched his I can’t believe we’re related look perfectly. I’d seen it plenty. It was possible I’d spent twenty-one years annoying the fuck out of my twin brother and making him wish he was an only child.

“Twenty-four thousand dollars,” I said again. It was like the needle on my record player was broken. It was my only argument, the sole reason I’d brought up this insane plan in the first place.

“Are you that bad off that this is what you’re considering to pay for school?”

“This or sell my ass on the street, which is starting to feel like the wiser choice because I really don’t want you to punch me.”

He scanned the room and leaned closer, hissing in my ear. “We’d have to be naked and doing … erotic stuff to each other like kissing and groping. They’re going to take pictures and post them where anyone can see them. This is your best idea for making money?”

“It could be worse.” I bit my tongue, wishing I’d kept my mouth shut when he looked at me like I’d lost my mind.

“How could it possibly be worse?” His familiar hazel eyes searched my face. They flickered with anger in the low-lit room.

I shrugged. “It could be porn. I’m not asking you to fuck me, just be … I don’t know … sexy with me?”

Asher growled and told me to shut up as he glared around the room. Well fuck, it wasn’t my idea to come somewhere public to talk about this. I’d insisted on privacy, but no, Asher needed a beer as he processed.

“You’re insane if you think I’m doing this. Not only are you my brother and it’s a hundred kinds of gross, but how many thousands of people will see those pictures and videos? Talk about rumors, Atti. Fuck. It will get back to Mom and Dad, and being gay will be the least of your problems.”

I hadn’t entirely thought about the ramifications of having our pictures splattered all over erotic book covers, especially when they implied incestuous things.