Page 43 of The Twisted Beats

“Are you saying you two have actually followed our rules?”

“Yes, sir. I gave you my word.”

There’s a moment of silence. I try to breathe as softly as possible to avoid drawing attention to myself. Footsteps fill the air like someone is pacing.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Hemings, but your daughter could pass as a twenty-five-year-old woman. And I say that with respect. Okay?”

“I understand how you meant it, Cash. Livianna has never looked or acted her age. She developed early and has been acting so long, I don’t know if she knows how to be a young girl. That’s why we haven’t let her date.”

The footsteps stop. “She’s not a girl anymore, sir.”

“I know. We just wanted her to enjoy being a teenager without all the stress of dating for a little while.”

“I understand, and I’ll always respect your house rules. It’s just hard to be around her and not wanna kiss her.”

There’s a clapping sound as if someone is patting someone on the back.

“Cash, I’ve been exactly where you are before.”

“What did you do about it?”

My dad laughs. “Broke the rules and did it anyway.”

Callum chuckles. “So you get how I’m feeling.”

“Yeah, I guess I do.” My dad sighs. “You can take Livianna out.”

“Really?” Callum’s voice fills with hope. “I have your permission?”

My heart swells. I think my dad’s going to say yes.

After a moment, my dad answers. “I have to speak with Lorna, but yes. You have my permission.”

“Thank you, Mr. Hemings. I swear I’ll treat her well.”

“You’d better, son. If you don’t, you won’t be allowed around her anymore.”

“That won’t be an issue. I really like and respect her. She’s different from the others.”

“I know what life on the road is like for guys in a band.” My dad clears his throat. “I don’t want to know the specifics, but you will not be doing anything like that with my daughter. Understood?”

“Of course. I don’t see her like that anyway. I mean, I do, but not… Lily’s not like that. She’s a good girl.”

Oh, am I?

I might be inexperienced, but I have a vivid imagination and it has only heightened after I overheard how Callum is in bed. If he thinks I’m going to be some timid little angel, he’s got another thing coming.

My dad’s voice cuts into my thoughts. “Be careful withher, Cash. She can take things to the extreme when she wants something. She doesn’t let up.”

“I’ve heard that about her.”

“Yeah, it’s not a big secret. The entire industry knows that about her.” There’s another pause, then my dad continues. “Take it slow with her, Cash. No matter how old she thinks she is, she’s still young.”

“Okay, sir. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now let’s get inside and you can share the news. While you’re doing that, I’ll let her mother know what’s going on.”

“Sounds good.”