Page 55 of Heartbeat Girl

“I’m not replying to either of you,” I muttered.

Pete: What about me?

Steve: (sad face emoji)

Liam: Don’t reply to them.

Liam: Don’t speak either. Text me. Just me.

Steve: Liam doesn’t have to know. (wink face emoji)

“Leave the hotel. All of you,” I said as I stared at the wall. Speaking toward a wall didn’t help my sanity at this point. “I’m tired. I want to know everything about vampires tomorrow.”

Steve: Not listening in 3,2, 1…

Oh, brother.

Liam: Sleep, Jayne. They won’t continue to listen to you.

I typed a reply to Liam.

Jayne: What about you?

Liam: You ask the impossible.

I frowned.

Jayne: What do you mean?

Liam: I’ll tell you tomorrow.

My heart jumped.

Liam: One day, I’ll record your heartbeat and play it with my GUITAR... I’ll create music with the sounds you’ve given me every day without knowing.

I touched my hot cheek before fingering the necklace. No one had spoken about me in such an unusual, beautiful way before. Liam was like no one I’d met before. The undead man made me feel more alive than any living one ever did. Like I stepped out of my body and found my soul.

Liam: Goodnight.

+++

Since being on tour with the band, the previous night was the first time I slept peacefully. All it took was almost getting killed and proving myself right about The Oppressors.

After showering and getting dressed, I felt refreshed that morning. When I opened my hotel door and found Liam, I jumped.

“Good morning,” he said in that smooth tone.

I grabbed my chest.

His gaze brightened as he reached for my overnight bag. “I’ll carry it.”

“Of course,” I muttered. When he arched a brow, I elaborated. “I knowthings.”

He smirked. “Because I allow you to.”

My stomach churned. “Couldn’t you have let me think I was in control a little longer? It’s hard enough knowing you can steal my thoughts.”

“I won’t steal your memories, Jayne.” Liam placed his hand against my lower back and guided me forward. “I enjoy being a part of them too much. Why would I want you to forget?”