Neil Bronte's a cop; his entire job is to find and arrest Artemy Volkov, professional criminal, counterfeiting and forgery expert, and son of one of the most dangerous crime families in the country. When he lucks into a meeting with Volkov, Bronte has to be cautious- he has to approach undercover, in order to protect himself and his two kids. Fortunately for Bronte, Artemy himself isn't likely to pose any danger. Unfortunately for Bronte, Art is a kind, beautiful genius, who makes Bronte's heart beat in a way his ex-wife never quite did. Bronte's a good liar. Is he a good enough liar to hide his profession, when Art seemingly knows everything else about him? Or is Bronte lying to himself when he says that's the only reason he's getting so close to Art? And what about Art's secrets? There are secrets he's keeping from his not-so-pacifist family, for one- but what is he hiding from Bronte?

ORION GRAVES has always been on top. A straight-A, high honors student. Top of his class on the path to valedictorian and an Ivy League school. Until suddenly, that all changes. Orion was outed as transgender at his old school, and became victim to relentless harassment. Not to mention that in June of his junior year, his mother lost her battle with cancer. Now, he must move in with his father-whom he hasn't seen since his parent's divorce when he was 8. Moving all the way from Red, California to Lakeview, Maine, he has to start from the very beginning. But, as he starts his senior year in a brand-new school he's quick to learn that it's not going to be easy to get back on top, nor keep his head down and stay under the radar like old times. Because there's Caleb. CALEB MITCHELL, the star child of Lakeview. Honored for being so well-rounded he probably shouldn't get too close to a hill. Not only that, but he's nice. And funny. And surprisingly good-looking. And Orion's new best friend. But Caleb's lost someone too, and is struggling just as much; this perfect kid suddenly not so perfect anymore. He's got his own demons, and pressures, and a heavy depression holding him back. And yet, through these shared struggles, their friendship somehow manages to blossom into something so much more sacred. ---------- Cover and story by me, @devenwrites Official Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2XONF7xeRhcFwDBWpbxmsB?si=7s4Whhq-RlewQIiya3UwQw