Page 44 of The Twisted Beats

“And the next time you’re that upset, go downstairs and hit the punching bag in the exercise room.”

“Yes, sir.” He pauses. “I’ll clean up the mess in here.”

“No need. The groundskeeper will be here in about an hour. I’ll get him to do it.”

Their footsteps grow louder like they’re walking this way.

Crap.

I scurry to my feet, carefully close the door, and run into the kitchen. I grab the bowl and a handful of dough as they stroll into the house, laughing.

I can’t believe how well this day turned out. When I planned this, I was only hoping it would end with Callum jealous enough to demand to speak to my parents.

I’m in shock it worked out so I’m able to date him. My stomach does cartwheels as soon as Callum and I make eye contact.

My dad steps around him. “Livianna, I think you owe Cash an apology.”

“For what?” I ask.

“No, it’s okay, Mr Hemings. I asked her to tell me about her work. She was just being honest with me. That’s all I can ask of her.” Callum joins me at my side and slides his arm around my waist.

My insides tingle everywhere. I peek at my dad to gauge his reaction. He smiles and leaves us alone.

I turn to Callum. He’s staring at me like he’s about to eat me. His blue eyes grow dark.

He cups his hand around the back of my neck. “Get ready to be swept off your feet, Lily.”

He brings his mouth to mine and fireworks ignite. He parts my lips with his tongue, showing me what to do. Surprisingly, I’m not nervous or uncomfortable. Something about his kiss makes me feel supported.

He kisses like a lesson—slow, exact, and the kind you don’t forget even if you try. His tongue twists with mine like a romantic dance. I get weak in the knees, so I place my hands on his chest.

His heart is pounding, probably as hard as mine is. Too soon, he pulls away. I open my eyes and gaze into his.

They say people can fall in love at first sight. I’ve never heard of it happening after a first kiss, but I know it just happened to me. It’s at this moment, I hand my heart over to Callum Mayze.

If only I could see into the future and know that this would be the biggest mistake of my life, I’d run away. But sometimes little girls need to learn that heartbreaking lesson on their own.

Chapter Ten

CALLUM/CASH

Then

Burn The Map & Follow the Fire

I was never looking for direction, just a reason to detonate.

Uncle John peers at me through the glass of the control room where he’s standing. “Cash, what’s the problem now?”

Bren and I are in the live room at the recording studio with the rest of Ur Boyzmemberslaying tracks for our new album. I hate every song they have us doing. The three other guys in the band, the sheep as I like to call them, are irritated with me.

“These songs are shit.” I point to Bren. “Guns can attest. This album will be a flop because we sound like we’re singing to a bunch of fourth graders.”

Bren glares at me. “Dude, don’t fucking pull me into your bad mood.”

“Do you think these songs are worthwhile?” I deadpan.

“No, but we have a contract?—”