Page 79 of The Twisted Beats

“Darling, just let the tabloid print its story. Once we know how much damage control we have to manage, we’ll have a better idea of how long you should wait to go public. In time, you can do what you want.” He tries to hug me.

I spin from him, storm away, and slam myself on the couch next to Callum. “No. I’m going to his concert tonight as his girlfriend. You promised me I could go.”

My dad gives me a pointed stare. “That was before you broke the rules. And I’m not just talking about going out today. What happened in your bedroom after is just as important. If not more. You shouldn’t be having sex.”

I almost stop breathing. I forgot that’s what started this whole confrontation.

“Mr. Hemings, I’ve kept my word about trying to go slow.” Callum takes my hand in his. “We haven’t had sex. I admit I love her. It’s hard to keep my hands to myself, but I promise we haven’t done that.”

Wait. What? Did he just tell my dad he loves me?

After Callum’s confession, my dad caved and let me go out tonight. Now I’m on cloud nine as I stroll hand in hand with Callum to the backstage area in the small music venue where Ur Boyz are playing. “Are you excited?”

“No.” He struts next to me in full leather rocker gear. “I hate this shit music.”

“But you get to sing to me. That should make it worth it.”

“It makes it better.” He slides his arm around my neck and pulls me into him. “You look fucking hot as sin, so make sure youstay in my sight.”

“You’re the one who’s going to have the girls throwing their panties on the stage.”

He kisses the top of my head. “Yours are the only ones I want.”

“I am wearing a skirt, so it could be arranged.”

“Keep ’em on. Your skirt is short and I’d rather know your ass is covered.”

“Kind of.” I peek up and flash him a flirty smile.

His eyes narrow as he peers down at me. “What’s that mean?”

“I’m wearing a thong, so my ass isn’t really covered.”

“Fucking hell, vixen. It was bad enough seeing you in this red corset with your perfect tits showing off. Now I have that to add to my fantasy.”

I laugh right as we get into a room where all the crew and other significant others are hanging out.

The walls are painted black and there are a few dark couches and chairs to sit on in various areas. There are pictures of bands and singers on the wall. Definitely backstage vibes.

Bren trails in behind us with Callum’s uncle. I hang out while the band goes over the set list. I keep grinning at being a part of it even though I’m sitting away from everyone as they practice and drink a few beers.

Callum might hate the songs, but his voice is what makes them so special. He sings from his soul. There’s a raw, smoky tone that pours from his lungs. He was born to be a rockstar.

Once the management tells the band they’re ready for them to go on, we all leave and head for the stage. The three guys Callum can’t stand walk out first, then Bren. Callum leads me by the hand, with his uncle following me.

As we get closer, the energy in the air mounts. The crowd cheers in a rhythmic beat, anticipating the show.

With each step we take, Callum grows in stature, as does his persona of a rock god that owns the night. It’s intoxicating.

We arrive at the edge of the stage behind a curtain. Callum, in rocker mode, gets into the moment, shaking out his hands and running his fingers through his hair while staring into the space before him.

It’s as if he’s picturing himself in a different time and space, yet right here in the moment. It’s fascinating to witness.

A guy taps my shoulder. I peek up and my co-star, Sebastian Holloway, is smiling down at me.

“Hi, Livianna. I wondered if I was going to see you here tonight.”

“Oh, hi. I didn’t know you were coming.”