River

The tropes said that there would be a bi awakening, and the content warnings mentions internalized homophobia. I think the one with the bi awakening is Marcus, and not Preston. And Preston is the one who deals with the internalized homophobia.

First off is the fact that Marcus grew up OUTSIDE of Vencor with a very supportive mom, while Preston grew up in the organization being surrounded by it's homophobic values. And whether or not he actually agrees with them, it's way more likely for him to internalize them .

Next is this quote from the preview.

We know from the previous books (mainly Beautiful Venom) that Preston actively looks down upon people who use violence on the ice. But something as simple as Marcus taunting him by insinuating they should sleep together is enough to make Preston stoop down to that level.

And these quotes show why I think it's Marcus who has the bi awakening and not Preston.

Preston has the most visceral reaction to this line. Based on the the fact that he's smelling things, I think it's partially because he's triggered and is remembering his attacker. But the last part. "How the fuck does he...No. No one knows. It's impossible" likely refers to the "unspeakable things" Preston wants to do. And growing up in Vencor, being gay would be unspeakable. Also Preston wondering how Marcus knows, means Preston already knows he's attracted to men (or at the very least Marcus)

The emphasis on "that" implies it's something serious. And given the fact that Marcus has been making taunts implying they should sleep together/Preston is attracted to men, I think that it refers to his sexuality. Specifically, Preston hiding his sexuality.

This one is the most supportive of my theory. Especially the last part where Preston questions how Marcus would have known that those words would have effected him like that. "Because he knows more than he should. But how? Why the fuck..?" Again shows that Preston already knows on some level he is attracted to men.

Somepoint after that, likely during the second half of the book (when they're in a more established relationship) someone from Vencor finds out about them. And first Marcus is targeted. Preston asks Kane for help, since at that point Kane had fully figured it out.

I think that Pres "dying" happens toward the middle of the book. Since they're clearly not fully together yet (shown by Preston's shock at learning it was Marcus who avenged him) but they're at least in a situationship, (since Marcus was willing to kill the people who caused it)

Kane calls Kayden for help, since Kayden was part of Vencor, and has experience with the whole "Being gay in an organization that bans it" thing.

Kayden has the protection of Gareth (and Gaz's mafia connections).

Gareth tells Vaughn and Jeremy that he needs their Mafia to save his man's -nephew's-friend's boyfriend. And mentions it's a homophobia thing. Niko is either already there, and over hears. And demands to come, because. "Beating up homophobes? Hell yeah!"

1. More Miley and Pres moments. They're so fucking cute please Rina, I need more.

2. Miley's reaction when it's revealed Preston's alive.

3. Marcus's reaction immediately after Preston is shot.

4. Them cuddling.

5. Marcus helping Pres through his obvious internalized homophobia.

6. The forest scene, from either POV (preferably Marcus)

7. Marcus killing the people who "killed" Preston

8. More Gareth and Kayden crumbs

9. Pres meeting Niko

10. More childhood flashbacks