Page 82 of The Twisted Beats

Through the scary whispers of the night, you’re my star, my guiding light.

You, the comfort in the black. Me, your strength, I have your back.

With every step, hand in hand, together let’s forever make castles in the sand.

You’re always mine, no matter what.

Through the highs and the lows, I won’t give up.

In this world, where time can fly, together we’ll soar, you and I.

You’re always mine, forever true.

With every heartbeat, I’ll always choose you.

Lily, for you, this is our love song.

With every heartbeat, in every breath, never doubt I’ll love you past death.

The song ends and the crowd goes wild. I stand frozen. When did he write that? I sweep my stunned gaze around the venue. The lights go down as cheers and a standing ovation consume the concert hall.

Callum has a mic attached to his shirt. He must think they’ve turned it off, but it’s still live. I can’t see him, but there’s no mistake it’s him when he starts talking to someone on the side of the stage.

“Where’s Lily?” he asks in a hostile tone.

“I don’t know. Haven’t seen her in a while.” The voice isn’t as clear as Callum’s, but I can tell it’s his uncle who answered. “You’ve got a few more sets and then you can find her.”

The stage lights start moving in flashing beams and patterns around the room as Callum makes his way back to the center of the stage. The other four guys dance behind him as Callum dissects the crowd.

The next song begins, but he doesn’t seem into it. He’s just singing words while scanning the audience.

“Hey, Livianna.” Sebastian slides up to me. “Some show.”

“It’s been fantastic. I’m glad I was able to come.”

“Yeah, because you weresicktoday, right?”

My chest tightens and I peek over at him. “I was, but I’m feeling better.”

“You had a stomach bug all week, but I’ve been kissing you and I haven’t felt ill.” He inches closer to me. “It makes me believe it’s because we’re not doing it right.”

“Could be.” My gut knots.

He steps into my personal space with his eyes dialed in on my lips. “We’re not at work, so why don’t you show me what it’s really like to make out with you?”

I back up against a pillar. “Sebastian?—”

He pushes into me, trying to work his tongue into my mouth. My brain scrambles and spins. I do not want this. My palms brace his sternum.

I turn my head. “No, Sebastian!”

“Cut the music!” Callum’s singing stops and the crowd quiets. “Hey, asshole! Get your hands off my girlfriend!”

I try to shove Sebastian off, but he doesn’t seem bothered by it. If anything, he tries harder.

Interference from the microphone screeches through the amplifiers as it hits the ground. Sebastian is ripped off me a few moments later.

“I said, get off her!” Callum’s fist slams into Sebastian’s jaw. Not once or twice.