Page 91 of The Twisted Beats

“Okay. Are you sure you don’t mind if I stay?”

“I was planning on it, anyway.” I pour two shots. “You were going to be my alibi.”

“What?”

“Never mind. It doesn’t matter anymore.” I hand her the Fireball. “Cheers.”

We take the shots and both wince as they go down.

She shivers and grimaces. “That burns.”

“Hence the name.” I pour two more and repeat the process.

She places her shot glass down and slides onto a stool. “At least it tastes good.”

“Yeah.” I lift the bottle.

“Wait, Livianna. Let’s see how we do with these before we go off the deep end. I don’t want to be throwing up tonight.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.”

Gia’s eyes go wide. “Livianna, Sebastian just came down the stairs.”

“Yeah, so?” Then it hits me.

The last time Callum saw me with Sebastian, he was all over me. Callum knows Sebastian wants me and that gives me an idea.

It’s the only reason I was able to talk him out of pressing charges against Callum. I promised I’d give him a chance if Callum and I ever break up. If he sued Callum, I threatened to demand he get fired due to a conflict of interest.

Since I’m the star of the show, he knows I hold all the power. Just like I do in this situation.

I’m about to do something I shouldn’t and I own that. But it’s time I take back the room and bring my boyfriend’s attention back to me.

I smile at Gia. “Girl, you’re so smart. That’s why I love having you as my friend!”

“What are you talking about?”

I wave Sebastian over. “Sebastian, come here.”

He and his friend veer our way and slide up to the bar. Sebastian introduces us to his friend and we talk for a few minutes.

He apologizes again for trying to kiss me and admits he’s uncomfortable with Callum here. I give them shots to help them relax.

I move around the bar. “Come on, guys. I’d love for you to meet my brother.”

Gia gives me a side-eye glance. “Livianna, are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Sebastian loves Ur Boyz.It’s only right that he chats with them tonight. Most of them are here, so why not?” I hook arms with Gia and Sebastian. “Don’t worry. Everything will be cool.”

Sebastian peeks over his shoulder at his friend, who’s tagging along. He shrugs and shakes his head as if it isn’t up to him. And quite frankly, it’s not.

I nudge Sebastian forward. “Quit being a pussy.”

He glances at me and a flicker of fire flares in his eyes. “That’s not a name you should be calling me.”

“Then prove it.” I lift a shoulder as if I don’t believe him.

He grows taller and stares ahead. We round the corner where I find Hawke and Cooper casually leaning against the bar, watching Bren and Callum like they’re waiting for the popcorn to be delivered.