Page 21 of The Bitter Words

“Why?” Callum inches back as if he doesn’t trust Leon.

“You write the lyrics. You sing the songs.” Leon removes the tiny stick from his mouth. “It’s your voice, your soul the world needs to hear. Not some guitarist and backup singer who isn’t connected to the message you’re so desperately trying to get people to understand.”

The background noise seems to disappear and the area hums with a thick energy. The tension around us grows as Callum and Leon stare at each other. It’s as if they’re engaged in some kind of ping-ponging power play through their eyes.

It’s obvious Leon wants Callum to align with him and Callum definitely wants Mayhem to become legendary. They need each other.

They both have authority and are great at what they do. The questions are: Who has the most to gain and who wants their desires more?

The one who doesn’t cave is the one in control. Even I know that.

I’ve been in uncomfortable situations at work before but nothing like this. I scratch at the skin on my arm. Should I leave, or is that a sign of weakness?

John shuffles to the side. “Cash, if you want this partnership to be explored, go with Leon. I’ll take Livianna back to the hotel with Guns.”

My stomach turns to iron. “I’m not going anywhere with you, John.”

“Livianna, I said we’ll get Guns. I won’t touch you.” His apologetic gaze lands on mine. “Please believe me, I’ll never hurt you like that again.”

Leon focuses on John as if he’s taking something John said and coming up with an explanation of his words. It’s as if Leon’s stockpiling any useful information he can take to turn things to his favor. I don’t like it.

“John, I overreacted.” I build a tight smile and glance at all the men. “I was just trying to let Callum know I wouldn’t leave him if he wanted me to stay. We’ll let you two meet andJohn will take Bren and me back to the hotel. It’s best that way.”

“Lily… Are you sure?” Callum studies me. “I promised you I wouldn’t leave your side.”

“You’re not. I’m leaving yours.” I get on my tiptoes and give him a quick kiss. “Go on, rockstar. Have one conversation with Mr. Baker. What harm can it do?”

“Listen to her, Cash.” Leon slides the toothpick between his lips again. “She makes a good point.”

Callum gives a terse nod. “Okay, but let’s make it short.”

“It’ll take as long as we need.” Leon starts to walk away. “Nobody rushes creativity.”

Callum gazes down at me with a weighted expression and then shakes a thought loose. “I’ll try to get back to you soon.”

“I know. Just go so we’re not standing here wasting any more time.” I turn him in Leon’s direction. “Good luck.”

“Thanks. Send good vibes that this goes the way we want it to.” Callum squares his shoulders and stalks after Leon.

It’s all I do for the next three hours while Bren screws some groupie in the room next to mine. John’s in his own space, so I’m all alone. I listen to music, rehearse my lines, and make a trail in the carpet from my constant pacing.

I slide into bed at two but toss and turn. What’s taking so long?

At two-thirty, the door clicks open and the light from the hallway filters in. I catch a glimpse of Callum before the door closes and he disappears into the bathroom.

He didn’t glance at the bed or search the room for any sight of me. It was almost like he wanted to avoid me. I lie still, waiting for him to work through whatever has his mind caught in a trap.

Maybe the meeting with Leon didn’t go well. The shower turns on and I get an idea. Callum needs to get out of business mode and I know just the way to do it.

I strip my pajamas off and saunter to the bathroom. I place my hand on the doorknob and try to turn it. It’s locked.

Why would he do that?

I get a sinking feeling in my gut. I don’t want to assume anything or create drama, so I put on my PJs and slip back in bed.

Callum takes about twenty minutes to clean up. He comes out of the bathroom, turns out the light, and creeps through the darkness across the floor until he slides in next to me.

He maneuvers me so he’s curled himself around me with my back flush to his chest. I place my hand over his and squeeze.