Page 137 of The Twisted Beats

It’s as if this baby is somehow healing a void in his heart. Most likely, one his dad’s suicide created.

“Lily, I think you should quit and come on the road with us. That way I can still be around if you need anything.”

“I’ll get fired as soon as the studio finds out, but I’m not sure my parents will allow me to travel with you guys.”

My breathing speeds up and my thoughts race. What am I going to say to them? What’s going to happen with my contract? Where are we going to get money to raise a child? We are way too young for this.

Fuck!

The reality of my situation hits me all at once. I’m headed straight for a panic attack. I dig my sharp fingernail into my wrist. The cuts aren’t healed, so they break open and bleed on the first slice.

I sit and try to breathe, but I can’t get any air. “Callum, help.”

He flies up and turns on the light. “What’s wrong?”

“Bren.” I barely get his name out and point to the door.

Callum runs out of the room and they come back in seconds.

Bren rushes into my en suite. “Cash, hold her arms apart while I get her medication.”

“Why am I holding her arms?” He hurries over to me and flips the sheets back. As soon as he sees the blood, he takes my hands in his. “Please don’t hurt yourself, Lily. Stop.”

I tremble and my vision goes blurry.

“Just look at me.” Callum stares into my eyes. “It’s okay. I’m here for you.”

Bren returns with a glass of water and my anxiety meds. “Here. Take these. We’ll stay with you until they kick in.”

My hand shakes as I take the pills and drink. Callum adjusts himself, leaning against my headboard.

He works me between his legs and pulls me tightly to him so my back rests against his chest. Bren sits on the edge of my bed.

“What caused it?” He tips his chin to Callum as he applies a cold wrap and ointment to my cuts. “These aren’t so bad, so leave the bandages off so they can dry and scab over.”

I nod and focus on calming breaths.

Callum gives me a tight hug. “We were talking about Livianna coming on tour with us.”

“That would do it.” Bren half rolls his eyes. “There’s no way my parents are gonna let her travel when she’s pregnant.”

“Guys, I can’t talk about this right now.” My heart jackhammers in my chest.

“Right.” Bren gets up. “I’m going back to my room. She should be good in about twenty minutes. Just give her some time and make sure she keeps her hands away from her wrists.”

“Will do. Thanks, Guns.”

“Anytime.” He leaves, closing the door behind him.

Callum rocks me from side to side while my medicationworks itself into my bloodstream. He hums ‘Perfect Lilies’ as my muscles loosen and my breathing returns to normal.

My limbs go weak and I start to fade. “Callum, I’m getting really tired.”

“Get comfortable and I’ll take care of you.”

“Okay.” I slide off him and roll to my side.

He wraps around me, kissing my shoulder and rubbing my stomach as I fall asleep. I wake to mind-bending cramps just as the sun is coming up. There’s a warm, wet sensation between my thighs. I already know what’s happening.