Page 17 of Hacking His Code

In a lifetime full of disappointments,I hate adding another to my parents’ plate, but I see no way of avoiding it.

They’ve dreamed of the day I’d bring home a lady to introduce them to, ever expectant that I’ll eventually settle down and add to the family line. It’s especially important to them because they’ve become so reclusive.

But they aren’t the only ones who keep people at arm’s length.

Unfortunately, my parents’ trust issues, which they inherited from Lucy’s betrayal, have rubbed off on me, leaving me with no ability to open up to people, and I don’t foresee that changing.

They’re going to love Arinessa simply because their criteria at this point are so low. Must not be crazy. Must have a uterus. That’s basically it, but I’d be willing to bet they’d overlook crazy for a grandchild.

I used to reason that if I were able to get to know a woman better, the feelings would come, but the lengths I was taught to go through to protect my identity were not conducive to nurturing relationships.

When I travel, I introduce myself as one of my aliases, never using my real name. I have a background I fall back on, happy childhood memories that are not mine.

Because a Davies knows they can never trust.

As a child, my secrecy prevented me from gaining friends, and eventually, when I grew older, lovers. Well, not lovers, I’ve had plenty of those. Meaningful lovers is what I mean.

As much as I want to blame my parents for being batshit bonkers, I can’t. My aunt’s disappearance and betrayal forever cast a shadow on our world.

My mother finally came around some and realized I was having trouble forming friendships, but by then, it was too late. The damage was done.

She worried constantly that I’d end up alone in this world and got it into her head that if I settled down, all my problems would be solved. I can’t count the number of uncomfortable dinners I’ve had with the daughters of friends and good acquaintances. None of whom appealed to me.

When they finally got the hint that I wasn’t quite ready for matrimony, or even monogamy for that matter, the household went through a staffing change, and I’d wake up to women cleaning my room in their underwear. Because apparently, the most important part of this whole me finding love nightmare is the part where I impregnate a woman with my mother’s first grandchild.

And, yes, it was all my mother’s doing. It breaks my heart that I’m not at a point where I’m ready to give her a screaming, shitting bundle of joy, but hopefully, one day, I will be.

Don’t make a big deal of this. Be direct. Keep his expectations low.

I knock three times on my father’s office door.

“Come in,” he calls.

I’ve barely gotten a foot inside when he begins rambling about numbers, digital sales, and returns on investments. I smile, nod, and let him carry on until I find the briefest moment to interrupt.

“Yeah, about that, dad. You see, I was hoping that could wait until next week.”

His brow shoots upward. “The Rockford patch will ensure there is no ‘back alley’ entrance into the mainframe’s prototype. What could be more important?”

“It’s not work…”

Inhale. Exhale. Break his heart.

“I’ve met a woman, and I’d like to get to know her a little better. I’ve invited her to stay in my suite for the week.”

Please don’t look too happy. Please don’t look too happy. Please don’t look too happy.

A wide grin spreads across his face. “That’s fantastic! Ernestine’s going to be delighted! Don’t you tell her! Let it be a surprise. I want to see the look on her face.”

“It’s not a big deal, really. I just need a vacation and don’t necessarily want to spend it alone.”

“Of course, a vacation! If anyone deserves one, it’s you. Take all the time you need.”

“We’ll mostly stick to my suite.”

“Yeah, yeah—that’s great. Your mother will be so pleased.”

I manage a tight smile, suddenly regretting the whole debacle. Part of me wishes I had just checked Arinessa into a hotel room, but there are risks involved with hacking, and there’s no safer place than the Davies Estate, where we work and live out of.