Page 112 of The Twisted Beats

“I did ask and he said he would.”

She huffs a fake laugh and nods, but something about it assures me she believes me.

I stride over to her and kneel before her. “Please, Lily. Let me explain.”

“I didn’t get a message from John. I don’t need to know anything else. It’s obvious he wants us apart and since he’s your manager…”

“No. You’re supposed to be left out of this. Anything hedoes to spin my reputation is only supposed to land at my feet. You’re not to be a part of it.”

“I’m not sure he’s making well on his promise.”

The air leaves my lungs. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“The pictures they’re running are of you and Zara. You’re singing to her from the stage with your hand in hers, sleeping next to her, and holding her in your arms. They have pictures of you leaving her hotel this morning in the very same clothes you’re wearing now.”

The blood in my face drains. “They couldn’t… There can’t be pictures of that.”

“Really?” Livianna studies me like she knows something I don’t. “What makes you believe that?”

I can’t tell her why. Not without her doubting every word I’m saying.

I run my palms over her thighs to reassure her. “There just can’t be.”

“But there is. My mom saw them for herself.” Livianna builds a sad smile. “You were with Zara alone and that’s why you don’t think there can be any photos out there of that time with her. Is that what you’re not telling me?”

My heart stops and my stomach bottoms out. I sit back on my heels with an emptiness in my chest.

Livianna tightens the blanket around her. “You always tell me you’re not a liar. Don’t start now. Not if I mean anything to you.”

I blink and glance away. “I don’t know how it happened.”

There’s a moment of silence.

I face Livianna and shake my head. “I was with a big group. We were partying. My uncle was with me and I was waiting for you to get there. Faith showed up and?—”

“Her name is Zara but go on. I’m listening.”

“She came up to me and thanked me for singing to her. I don’t even remember doing it. I was lost in the moment ofmaking Mayhem a reality and being out on stage as me, who I’m meant to be.”

“You were and for that, I’m so proud of you.” A cry catches in Livianna’s throat. “You’re going to be a big star, Callum Mayze, and last night proved it.”

Any other moment and her words would mean everything to me, but this is like she’s saying goodbye. Is being a rockstar worth it if I can’t have her by my side?

“Lily, I don’t want it if it means?—”

“Did you have sex with her?”

I press my palm to my heart. “Absolutely not. I passed out before anything like that could occur.”

“Were you doing coke last night?”

“A little. Why?”

“How did you go to sleep? You never can after you do blow.”

“I don’t know.” I lower my head and try to piece it together. “Faith, I mean Zara, kept following me around. I was ignoring her and that was working well until something weird happened.”

“What was that?”