Page 85 of The Twisted Beats

My back is to my bedroom door. I’m facing my mom, who’s still sitting near the window.

She stands and smiles. “I wouldn’t be too sure about that.”

“Why?”

She glances over my shoulder and gestures to the door. “Come on in, Cash. We were just finishing up.”

I spin around to find a sad-faced Callum dressed in jeans, a black T-shirt, and a red-and-black checkered flannel, resting on his palm against the doorframe.

My mom excuses herself, giving Callum a pat on his shoulder as she passes him.

I fold my arms over my chest. “What are you doing here?”

“Can we talk?” He motions to a chair. “I want to explain and tell you I’m sorry.”

My insides melt, but he didn’t treat me well last night, so he’s going to work for my forgiveness.

I splay my hands out. “Why now? You had all night and all morning.”

“I know, but I’m dealing with a lot and didn’t wanna say something I’d regret.”

“No, instead you planted yourself between two stupid chicks who were all touchy with you.”

“Forget the girls, Lily. Nothing happened. I left right after you did.” He takes two strides and pulls me into him.

“But I didn’t deserve the way you treated me.” I try to push away, but he holds me tighter.

“And I didn’t enjoy seeing some other guy all over you.”

“I told you last night I had nothing to do with that.”

“But I had just sung my soul out to you. When I finally saw you, there was some guy’s tongue down your throat. And he’s someone you kiss almost every day. He wants you, Lily. Can you put yourself in my shoes for one fucking minute and try to understand?”

I lower my head and consider what he’s saying. He’s got apoint, even though I had nothing to do with Sebastian’s actions.

“Why did you leave the stage?” Callum bends down to catch my gaze. “I went over to kiss you after our song and you had decided to go to the floor so you could dance with that dickface.”

My eyes round. “No, that’s not why I left. I was told I was in the way and needed to move. That’s the only reason I was down there with Sebastian.”

“What? That can’t be. I got special permission to do that song when I knew you were coming to the concert.” Callum steps back with his face bunching up. “Who said you were in the way?”

“Your uncle.” My stomach rolls. “Why? What did he tell you?”

There’s a brief moment where disbelief spins in Callum’s eyes as if he’s made some shocking revelation.

He smirks a look of frustration as he shakes his head. “He’s gonna do it using you.”

“Do what?” Heaviness fills my lungs.

“On top of everything else…” Callum fakes a laugh like he can’t believe something, moves over to my bed, sinks down, and rubs his face in his palms. “Fucking hell. This is the last thing I need.”

Chapter Eighteen

CALLUM/CASH

Then

The One Mistake That Still Breathes