Page 28 of The Twisted Beats

“BB guns aren’t powerful.” My little Lily makes her way over and nudges me to give her some space beside me.

“But guns are.” I waggle my brows as she glides to my side and lightning strikes between us. “Any requests from you, my pretty little Lily?”

She turns my way. Her ponytail falls over her shoulder as she tilts her head and studies every inch of my face in wonder.

“What do you know, my handsome Callum?” Her eyes twinkle in adoration.

“Okay, I’ve seen enough.” Mrs. Hemings is at our side in two strides. “Cash, save the flirting for your audience. Livianna’s only fourteen. She may look your age and like to believe she is, but she’s still my baby.”

Fourteen? My jaw drops all the way open. If it could extend any farther, it would slam into the piano keys.

The weight of this reveal has my heavy hands, which just a second ago wanted to explore Lily’s body from head to toe, plunge against the ivory. The vibration of the mismatched notes reverberates around the room as I shake my head in stunned silence.

Fucking hell, I thought she was older than me.

“Mom, he’s the same age as Bren. That means we’re only two years apart.” Livianna bats her ma’s hands away, who’s trying to move her. “Callum, tell her you’re good with me sitting next to you.”

I’m in a fucking predicament. How do I break the heart of the girl I’m gonna be with someday within the first ten minutes of being linked with her for life?

I’ll tell you how. I glance over my shoulder at where her terrifying pops and my uncle stand.

They both have their arms folded across their puffed-out chests and their dark eyebrows raised to the ceiling. They glare my way with evil eyes and wait to seehow far I’ll take it.

My balls shoot straight into my throat.

Fuck me!

“Sorry, my pretty little Lily. I’m gonna need some space to play. But don’t you worry because I’ve got the perfect song that will fill your void.”

She relents to her ma and flashes me a seductive smile.

Seriously? She’s fourteen? I shake off the thought and lead with my stage game.

“This song will keep me warm until the day your parents say you’re allowed to claim your place at my side, right where you belong on this here throne.” My fingers find the right keys, and I paw into a tender rendition of James Blunt’s ‘You’re Beautiful.’

Brendan picks at the guitar strings and strums into the perfect rhythm. My Lily moves to the side of the grand piano and gazes into my eyes. I stroke the eighty-eight black and white with my fingers as I will one day over my beautiful Lily’s body.

Greg cuts into the song before I start singing. “Damn, John, your nephew is a natural stage performer. I guess that means I’ll be playing referee between Lorna and Livianna as I try to keep her away from this heartthrob. And with his Irish accent, it won’t be easy.”

He guides his wife into his arms. She leans her head back against his chest and wraps her arms around his. She sways with Greg and hums along with the tune.

“It’ll all pay off in the end. Just wait until you hear Cash’s voice.” John tips his glass to his mouth and sips. “Pretty near perfect, even if he’s only going to be seventeen in December. I can’t imagine what he’ll sound like when he’s twenty.”

“Yeah? As long as he keeps his head on straight. A boy that young could get into a lot of trouble in this industry.” Greg gives me a nod.

It’s my cue to start. I sing into my newly intertwined soul’ssky-blue eyes. The room turns into a mini concert consisting of this one song.

Little does anyone know the sinful things I have planned for the future. If they did, I’d be murdered by the time I’m done.

As my finger hits the last key, the note echoes throughout the room. I turn and bow my head.

“Thanks for joining us today. I’m more than grateful you graced us with your presence.” My steamy gaze catches Livianna’s and I transmit all my unholy intentions her way.

Even if it kills me, she will be mine forever. I should care that she’s only fourteen, but I don’t, which is a dangerous combination. As fast as time flies while we’re out on a grueling tour, it’ll seem like a second before she’s old enough to date.

It’ll be hell, but I vow to wait for the day the world can know we’re one. Until then, I’ll remain a tortured kid who’s waiting to claim his only true love.

Greg cuts into my thoughts. “Not only do you sing like you’re an old soul, but you know how to reach your audience and make them feel special.”