Page 34 of The Twisted Beats

“Exciting,” he says sarcastically.

How rude. I get defensive.

“They would make plans to take us, but when I was with my mom, all I wanted to do was play dress-up and take pictures. If I was with my dad, all I wanted to do was read a story, recite it to him while I acted it out.”

Callum rolls his eyes. “That’s not fun, Lily.”

My breathing picks up. “It is for me.”

“Like I said, one of these days, I’m gonna show you how to let loose. Hey, I might even take you to an amusement park. Trust me. You’ll be enlightened.”

I growl at his smug attitude. “Using your big words again, Callum. I’m not impressed, so save them for when you’re trying to get some other girl.”

His expression grows serious. “No. I won’t ever try to date some other girl. I only want you.”

And just like that, I melt. Yeah, Callum Mayze is definitely going to give me a run for my money. Worse, he’ll probably break my heart and I’ll lose him.

I know too many women at the studio who have told me stories about how they’ve loved hard and lost even harder. That sends beams of fiery rage striking my chest. With that revelation, I rise to my feet.

I glower down at him. “I’ve heard about boys like you. You’re the kind of guy who says that to every girl you meet. I think you’re a big, fat liar.”

I spin away. Bren’s strolling toward us while the adults stare in our direction. I start to march off, but Callum grabs my arm and twists me back to him. He steps an inch away from my face.

His pissed-off glare burns into mine. “I don’t fucking lie, so don’t say that ever again.”

My breath catches in my throat. I stare up at him, afraid to move. No boy… No person has ever been this emotional with me unless it was acting. Callum’s not doing that. He’s dead serious.

My dad yanks Callum back. “Son, why are your hands on my daughter?”

Chapter Eight

CALLUM/CASH

Then

Crimson Faultlines & The Hunger Beneath My Skin

It isn’t the truth that cracks me open…it’s the moment she does.

Mr. Hemings has my arm held tightly in his grip. “I asked you a question.”

“She called me a liar.” I step away with my blood pumping hard.

He drops his hold. “Cash, I realize you don’t have a father figure in your life other than your uncle, so I’m going to help you out this one time. You never put your hands on a woman out of anger.”

I race to bring in air. “But she?—”

“No excuse will do, Cash. Touch her again and you won’t be welcome in our house anymore.” Greg glares deep into my eyes. “Understood?”

My stomach drops and my cheeks burn. “Yes, sir.”

I crossed a major line and know it.

Bren joins us. “I told you inside, it’s nothing but trouble ifyou go after my sister. Just look at you, bro. It’s been one night and you’re acting like a dick.”

Greg’s eyes slide to Bren. “What happened inside?”

He gestures between Livianna and me. “I caught him telling Livianna to wait for him until he can date her. We’re going on tour, and you know how that is. I told him I’ll kick his ass if he tries anything with her.”