Page 103 of The Twisted Beats

He’s been using for a while and has never spoken a word about it. He might not lie, but he keeps things to himself, so I’m justified in doing the same.

I do a couple of lines and let myself think about all the great things about Callum. He’s my best friend and the most sensitive and amazing lover.

Sometimes I find myself crying after we have sex. The feelings I experience are overwhelming because I’ve never felt so loved for just being me than I have when I’m with him. Welove just hanging out and talking, too. We genuinely get along.

Once I have a great buzz, someone knocks on the door to my suite. I answer to find a tall guy with a bald head staring back at me. There’s no expression on his face.

“Hi, I’m Livianna.” I hold out my hand to shake.

He glances down at it and nods. “I’m Tony. It’s time to go.”

“Yeah, sure. Let me grab my stuff.” I run back to the coffee table, put on my shoes, and grab my black clutch.

He stands at the door, propping it open but staring at me like I’m his personal eye candy. His gaze trails over me and lands on my chest. A weird twist turns my insides upside down.

I roll back my shoulders and shove the rest of the cocaine in my purse. He spots me doing it but doesn’t say anything. We leave the suite and he guides me to a private elevator.

He hits a few numbers on a code box and the doors open. We ride it down in silence. I fill the quiet with anxious chatter and he barely responds.

I’m buzzed and I hate the stifling energy around me. “Hey, we’re like partners in crime tonight, so I have a party favor in my purse if that will help get us on equal ground.”

He rubs the top of his head and a slight curl of his lip exposes itself on one side of his mouth. “You got yourself a deal, Livianna.”

We don’t get in a car when we get to the main level. Instead, we get into a golf cart. He drives us to a laundry room area in one of the casino hotels.

He parks behind a huge clothes bin. “Got that stuff to share?”

“Yes, sir.” I pull it out and realize I left my straw. I glance around for something.

He lifts my hand and takes one of my fingers. “Your nailsare long enough. I’ll use one of these. They’re pointy, so don’t shove it up my nose. Just hold it out and I’ll do the rest.”

I let him use my nails to get his fill. Once he’s had enough and I take one more line, we skid out of the area, laughing and ready for a great night.

Once we get to the bar where Mayhem is performing, we skip the long line. Party music fills the air. People are shoulder to shoulder and pushing like they couldn’t care less who’s in their way.

Tony finally gets us to the front where the bouncer is. He says something to the guy.

The bouncer looks at me and shakes his head. “Not tonight.”

I step beside Tony. “I’m with the band. Callum Mayze is my boyfriend and Bren Hemings is my brother.”

Tony glares at the guy. “She’s supposed to be backstage. They’re waiting for her.”

“Not tonight, she’s not.” The bouncer turns and lets two other people in.

“Why?” I push forward. “My name is Livianna Hemings?—”

“And I’m part of this organization.” He gives me a look of apathy. “I know who you are and you’re underage. I’m not losing my job because some teenage TV star thinks she’s entitled to get in. We could lose our license. Cops are watching everywhere tonight.”

I glance at a security guard nearby. “But?—”

“If you were meant to be here, they would’ve instructed you to be early so we could’ve gotten you in under the radar and kept you out of sight. You can’t come in now. Your access has been denied.” The bouncer presses on an earpiece in his ear.

He waves three more people in and turns his back to me. My jaw drops. I face Tony, dumbfounded. He pulls out hisphone. He types something to someone. I pull mine out and text Callum.

Me:They won’t let me in. Help!

Nothing.