Page 77 of The Twisted Beats

“They’re not, and if he’s in there with you?—”

“Daddy, he’s not! I swear.”

There’s a moment of silence, then my dad cuts in again.

“Meet me downstairs in ten minutes.” His voice is much calmer. “And not a second more.”

“Sure thing. I’ll be done soon.” I sit on the shower bench and catch my breath.

That was too fucking close. I tremble thinking about what would’ve happened if my dad had walked in on us. He’d kill Callum and I’d never be able to see him again.

Once the water is warm, I wash up and get ready to get an earful from my dad. The good news is I don’t think he knows Callum was in my room.

I hop down the back staircase from upstairs. They lead directly to the far end of the kitchen. I think that’s where I’ll find my dad, but he’s not here. Male voices float through the area from the other room.

I work my way out of the open concept kitchen through our casual dining area and into our modern-style living room. The decor is classy, with dark wood and neutral colors accented by a splash of deep blue.

A TV hangs on one wall and a fireplace on another. The fireplace has two large floor-to-ceiling glass doors on either side, which can fold open to a large concrete deck that overlooks our pool and patio area below.

There’s a huge latte-colored U-shaped couch and coffee table that fits the room perfectly. That’s where I find my dad, Callum, and Bren sitting.

“Hi, Daddy.” I lower onto the edge of the couch near Callum and try to act as innocent as possible. “Why are you home so early?”

“I received a call from your mother. From the sound of it, there’s going to be quite a story hitting the tabloids soon.” He stares at us stone-faced from the other side of the couch. “Which one of you would like to explain?”

“Explain what?” I glance at Bren, who shrugs, then at Callum.

He scratches at his throat. “I’m sorry, Mr. Hemings, but I’m not sure we know what you’re talking about.”

“Let’s start with why Livianna called in sick twice this week. One of those days being today.” He glares at me.

“I wasn’t feeling well?—”

He raises his eyebrows. “Livianna, you were photographed at the amusement park with Cash today and you looked like you were doing great.”

My cheeks burn and I coil into myself.

Bren laughs under his breath. “Busted.”

“Shut up, Bren.” I throw a decorative pillow at him. He catches it before it hits him in the face.

My dad turns to him. “You’re far from out of the woods, so before you gloat, you might want to hear me out.”

“What did I do?” Bren shoves the pillow away from him.

“You covered for these two.” My dad motions between Callum and me.

Callum inches forward, but in a respectful manner. “Mr. Hemings, Guns knew nothing about Livianna and my plans for the day. He shouldn’t be getting into trouble.”

My dad stares hard into Callum’s eyes. “But he knew you were in Livianna’s room and bolted upstairs to warn you the second I walked in the door.”

Callum swallows hard and turns red. My entire body sets on fire.

My dad addresses us. “I heard you all running around up there and doors opening and closing. And don’t try to tell me it was just a coincidence that Livianna and Cash were both in the shower when I came in to check on you.”

“Sorry, Dad, but you know how it is.” Bren hangs his head. “I’ve gotta have their backs.”

My eyes bulge and I gawk at Bren for selling us out.