Page 6 of Hacker Christmas

Daisy’s hand froze in midair. I could see her body tensed. “I don’t like Christmas.”

I glanced in Neal’s direction, and he shrugged. It seemed he didn’t know she didn’t like Christmas.

“Okay, I’m up for the challenge of changing your mind. How about you, Neal? What is your favorite part of Christmas?”

Neal looked as caught in the headlights as Daisy had been by my question. It seemed as though I would have to work to change their thoughts about the magical time of year.

“Christmas was the only time of the year my mother would sober up. She did it so she could get me a gift.”

Over the past three months, Neal didn’t discuss his life growing up, but he said it had been hard. Daisy reached out, grabbed Neal’s hand, and squeezed it. I wanted to grab his other hand and comfort him, but we needed to talk to Daisy first. Everyone around the counter ate in silence, all lost in their own world.

I looked over and saw that Daisy had finished her food. I motioned to the living room. While Neal and Daisy got situated, I grabbed her a glass of white wine and beer for Neal and me.

Neal and Daisy curled up in the middle of the couch. I squeezed into the opening next to Daisy. I took my seat and rested my arm around the back of the couch so I could also lie my hand against Neal’s shoulder. He looked over Daisy’s head in surprise.

“Okay, Daisy, do you want to tell us what happened last night?” I asked, running my hand through the back of Neal’s hair.

Daisy pulled her knees into her chest and exhaled. “When you mentioned we were going to California, Dai—I panicked, and I went back in time and wanted to erase the memories. The easiest way to clear my mind is subspace. I found the first free dom and inquired about a scene. Dai—I’m sorry. I know you guys don’t want to be with me. Is it possible for you or Neal to be in a ménage? Both of you have public careers. I want to escape before I lose everything.”

Holy shit.“Daisy, you just talked in first person.”

Neal had a smile on his face.

“I talked to Dr. Robison today. She told me to think about what I said before I spoke. She said I use the third person to escape reality. Dai—I’m trying, it might take a while.”

“I’m proud of you for trying to improve yourself. Now, let’s talk about California. I wanted you both to go to my movie premiere. I don’t care if Hollywood knows I’m in a ménage.” When she went to speak, I put my fingers to her lips. “I planned to tell you on Christmas, but I think you need to hear this sooner. I asked Neal last week if I could move in with the two of you. I’m moving back here.”

“Really?”

“You have the most beautiful smile, Daisy,” Neal said, and then he looked at me. “Yes, he is moving in with us. Now tell me why the mention of California sent you into a spiral. We’ve talked about going to California before, and that didn’t happen.”

Daisy took a sip of her wine. “Talking about it and having an actual plan are two different things. Daisy hasn’t been back since Sam carried me out of the evil man’s house. Damn it. I meantIhaven’t been back.”

“Daisy, it will take time. Don’t beat yourself up about flipping back and forth. Take your time and work through it.”

Neal and I were stupid for not thinking about how even mentioning California would affect her. Daisy never talked about her years being held by a psychopath—but we also never asked her to. “Do you want to talk about your time while Al had you? If it’s too hard, we don’t need to go there. As for California, I want the world to know I love you and Neal.”

“No, you have to go. Ipanicked, andI feel like you and Neal will get sick of me. I love you both so much.” She started to cry.

“We love you too. I don’t need to decide about California tonight. Let’s talk it over for the next few days and decide. I need to make one thing clear. If something upsets you, come to Neal or me. From this point forward, you, Neal, and I are in a committed relationship.”

“Okay,” Daisy squeaked.

“Now tell us about what happened.”

Over the next hour, Daisy talked about the things Al Scott, the low-life Hollywood executive, did to her. At one point, I decided that if Sam hadn’t killed the fucker five years before, I would have killed him myself. But Daisy was strong and told us about her time even though it tore her apart to talk about.

“I’m glad you told us your story, Daisy. This is something we should’ve talked about months ago. From this moment forward, we talk about anything that is bothering us.”

Neal leaned forward. “I don’t care if either of you thinks your issue is small. I want to hear it.”

“Same for me. Neal and I have something to ask you. How do you feel about Neal and me also being together? We both love you more than our next breath, but Neal and I like each other. Are you okay with that?”

3

Daisy

Two days had passed since Aaron told me he and Neal had feelings for each other. After his declaration, the tension in the room evaporated, and the three of us got along better than we ever had. Excitement coursed through me. I couldn’t wait to watch the two men I loved be together. I took a swig of my cold water, but it did nothing to cool my body.

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