Chapter 9: Brats and Rats

Mikaela watched through the crystal-clear window as her father peeled out of the expansive driveway in his new Porshe. The ‘boner mobile’, as she referred to it. Everybody in the house knew he was off to fuck his little sidepiece, but they were all too polite to say anything. Hypocrites, the lot of them. God forbid news got out to the public about his dalliances, because that would tank her mother’s ratings. And who’d vote for a prissy, holier-than-thou woman who couldn’t even keep her own house in order? God, she hated it here.

“Breakfast is ready, Miss Mikaela,” the nasal voice of Lilith, the head maid, called from the other side of the room. It was like she was actively pinching her own nose to get it to sound like that. “Your mother asks that you join her.”

It was bad enough that they had to lean into this whole ‘rich and famous’ image that her mother was cultivating, but fucking maids and butlers? This shit was unreal. Mikaela had preferred it when they were just a normal family. But no. Mom had to go and find Jesus and run for mayor. Not that she even gave a shit about religion. She only wanted it for the clout.

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll be down in a bit.”

“She asks that you dress nicely, and not, as your mother put it, like trailer trash. The photographer is setting up for some candid shots.”

“Oh, my bad, guess I’ll lose the thong and miniskirt. Wouldn’t want him to pop a boner while I flash my cooch at him.”

Lilith’s heavy sigh brought a smile to Mikaela’s face. It was one of the only things that brought her any joy these days; frustrating everyone’s perfect little plans. But, if she didn’t want to get an earful, then she’d have to at least pretend to acquiesce.

Mikaela stripped the loose tank top with her favorite band logo off and dropped it on the carpeted floor, kicking it under the bed just so that Lilith would have to fish it out later. She unclipped her bra, letting her perky C’s hang freely and tossing the bra onto the dresser. She shimmied out of her booty shorts, grinning as she managed to kick them up onto the bed post. The panties followed, sadly missing the post but still landing on the messy bed.

The doors to the wardrobe swung open, two massive mirrors on either door reflecting Mikaela’s naked form as she cocked her hip and evaluated the dresses with disdain. Rows of ‘proper’ clothing lined the racks, with ‘appropriate’ skirts and ‘skank-free’ options available. It was like a forty-year-old virgin had picked out what a teen should wear to church.

Mikaela’s eyes lit up as she spied some new additions. Apparently, someone hadn’t gotten the memo that Mikaela was all too happy to mangle clothes into something that bordered inappropriate. She brushed her wavy brown hair over her shoulder, auburn eyes glimmering with mischief.

“Try to keep the garden in view of the shots,” Alice said as she fluffed her hair for the picture, smoothing out a few errant strands of her wavy hazel locks. “We spent good money on the landscaping, I want it all in there.”

“Of course, madam mayor. It’s a lovely backdrop for us. I think that’ll really give you a softer vibe that the suburban voters like.”

This photographer was much more agreeable than the last. When the last one hadn’t been complaining about lighting, he’d very obviously been checking out her tits like she was a stripper for his amusement. It was a fine line to walk, conservative enough for church, but daring enough to look relatable. Just the slightest swell of her creamy bosom in her buttoned shirt, the fine thread of powerful yet feminine.

That photographer had been a little perv, and Mikaela’s interest in his constant erection also hadn’t gone unnoticed. This one was far better. He might also be gay, considering he didn’t even spare her tits a single glance.

For whatever reason, that rankled Alice. She puffed up her chest and arched her back just a bit more, while gazing through the window onto the perfectly manicured lawn, daintily sipping her coffee. Refined and striking, yet sensuous and elegant. A woman in power.

“Beautiful. Hold the cup down just a bit. Perfect.”

After several more minutes of posing, Lilith descended the French stairs, a slight disapproving strain around her eyes.

“Madam, Miss Mikaela is arriving.”

Alice kept the groan to herself, only imaging what the little skank was going to come down in this time. Just before she’d had to fire the last photographer, Mikaela had paraded around in stripper heels and a WAP shirt that hung down to her butt-cheeks. Nothing underneath, of course. That girl just wasn’t made for high society.

“Oooh, very chic,” the photographer commented as Mikaela descended into view. “Reminds me of the Girodani line from last fall. So daring.”

Definitely gay.

Mikaela seemed to delight in taking heavy steps down the stairs, each impact causing her obviously braless tits to jiggle beneath the sundress top. What made it all the more obvious, though, was the leather corset she had fastened, which only highlighted how her tits shook freely. She had obviously been at her wardrobe with scissors again, as a slit that ran the length of her hem ended high on her hip, showing off that she wore nothing underneath.

“Well mother, just as you asked, I am here, and dressed nicely,” Mikaela said with a flourish, bowing deeply and giving everyone in the room a glance down her heavy cleavage.

Alice had practiced her smile for hours, so hiding that her skank of a daughter was irritating her wasn’t a problem.

“And you look lovely, dear. Come, sit here and take some photos.”

It had been worth it to see her mother’s fake smile shudder for just a moment, the edges of her lips twitching in obvious anger. But she couldn’t be improper, not in front of ‘the help’. So, all her mother could do was stew while Mikaela flaunted her goods for the photographer. Shame the old one was gone, he’d have been pitching a tent the whole shoot.

Well, it had been worth it at the time, but now that it was all over and no one was around, her mother didn’t have to hide behind the mask anymore.

“One hour! Was that so much to ask for? One hour for you not to dress like a whore!” Her mother was really getting going, her cheeks flushed with anger. It was hard to keep the smirk off Mikaela’s face. “You laze around here all day, do absolutely nothing of value, and all I ask is that you sometimes show up and not fuck everything up!”

“I thought you didn’t want me in the public eye anymore, mother,” Mikaela said with a sweet voice that belied the venom beneath.

“Don’t you even start with me!” Her mother’s finger stabbed at her like a knife. “Do you know how many of your exploits I’ve had to bury? I have reporters up my ass about everything you do. You are a God damn liability!”

Mikaela gasped in mock shock, fanning herself with her hand. “Mother! How could you use the lord’s name in vain? What would the congregation think?”

That did it. It was like she could see the steam blasting from her mother’s scrunched face. Surprisingly, and perhaps disappointingly, nothing was hurled at her this time.

“Fuck the congregation and fuck you!”

If only she had a video camera. This was gold.

“Is there anything else, mother? You know I do so love to stand here while you scream at me. It’s not like I have anything else I’m allowed to do.”

“I should have shipped you abroad,” her mother spat. “At least then you wouldn’t be able to fuck up the election cycle. Again.”

“Oh, we both know that’s not true,” Mikaela chuckled. “Those colleges aren’t very good at keeping people like me quiet. And I can get into so much trouble unsupervised.”

“Don’t. Remind. Me.” If looks could kill, her mother would be gutting her right now. Real Dexter level shit, with tarps all around the room. “Get the hell out of here. And don’t even think about leaving the house. I have enough problems without another fuck-up running around out there.”

“Oh? Where did father go off to?” Mikaela said sweetly.

The mug went sailing wide, smashing to pieces on the hardwood floor by the bookshelves behind Mikaela. Good distance, but her mother’s aim hadn’t improved. It didn’t matter though, because Mikaela had won, that grin permanently etched onto her face.

“Well, I can see you’re all worked up again,” Mikaela said with a little bow. “I’ll be in my room if you need me.”

As if. Mikaela had more amusing things to do than staying locked up here. Namely, shaking down a ditsy little strumpet who’d been flashing J-drops.

It was time for some real fun.

Tina fell back onto her new bed, the fluffy comforters bouncing happily from the springy mattress. Not only was the bed new, but so was the apartment. Where once she’d lived in a dingy place shared between four girls with only two bedrooms, now she resided in a two-bedroom spot downtown that she didn’t have to share with anyone. She giggled as she wrapped herself in the blankets, rocking herself in the clean scent of washed linens.

It was all thanks to Daddy. After that magical night, he’d finally accepted her, treating her like the good little slut she was. His slut. He showered her with love and affection, everything he had withheld for so long. And she’d never seen Mommy so happy either, so full of life.

Emma bringing her to that house to meet her parents was the best thing that had ever happened to her. Why her parents had wanted to meet her there was a mystery she didn’t care to solve. They had welcomed her, with open arms, and that was all she had ever wanted.

Now, Daddy helped her with her bills, took care of her problems, and spent time with her. He’d even gone to the tattoo parlor with her, something she’d always wanted to do, and gotten matching tats. Bright yellow and white petunias, her favorite since childhood, decorated the back of her right shoulder, the words ‘Good Sluts are only Daddy’s Sluts’ melded seamlessly into the blank spaces between the petals. And Daddy had his matching flower tattooed on his inner forearm, right beside the other flowers, one for every good slut in his life.

And better still, was that she didn’t have to work three part-time jobs with handsy jerks anymore and could focus on gymnastics tryouts. Even joining the Olympic Team wasn’t a stretch now that she could spend more of her time with her trainers.

Thinking about Daddy always made her feel warm inside. It had been confusing at first, so many tangled memories. Even that morning when she had awoken in his arms, Mommy cuddling her from behind, it hadn’t seemed real. But it was better now. Emma had given her special pills afterwards, to help her remember. Whenever she took them, Daddy’s face became so clear in her mind, and all the warm feelings he brought. Love. Acceptance. He was her everything.

The door chimed and Tina reluctantly escaped her cozy haven. Skipping through the sparsely furnished front room, she stopped at the door and peeked at who was outside on the door cam. A little frown covered her face as she looked at the pretty young face of the mayor’s daughter, Mikaela. The last time Tina had seen her was when Alice’s campaign had wrapped up and they had let Tina go, not needing extra hands for canvassing anymore.

Tina pressed the intercom hesitantly. “Um, Mikaela? What, what are you doing here?”

Mikaela smiled sweetly at the camera and held a tiny pill with an inscribed ‘J’ on it. “I think we should have a little talk, don’t you?”

Tina’s eyes shot open at the familiar sight. She turned to her purse hanging by the door, rifling quickly through it and pulling out her container of pills.

Why did Mikaela have her medicine?

The apartment was nice, in a ‘just getting my feet under me’ kind of way. A single couch, well-worn but still comfortable, two chairs at a somewhat beaten-up table, and a moderately-sized flatscreen by the windows. All-in-all, it was homey. Still, somewhat understated for someone pushing drugs. Though, that might have been by design.

Tina still stood awkwardly by the door, not having moved since Mikaela had barged her way in. Whatever was running through that vapid little mind of hers had no doubt short-circuited the hamster she called a brain. It was no wonder her mother’s campaign had let Tina go after the election. All she was good for was canvasing and passing out flyers.

The clap from Mikaela’s hands brought Tina’s attention back from wherever the hell it had been.

“Alright my little mule, I already know you aren’t the brains of the operation, so why don’t we start by you telling me who I need to talk to so that I can get in on the action?”

It would have been comical, if it weren’t growing increasingly irritating, watching Tina’s little mind try to catch up to what was happening.

“But, what? I don’t ... what are you talking about?”

Mikaela snatched the unmarked bottle from Tina’s grip, upending it and dumping the contents on the floor. Mikaela swatted away Tina’s grasping hands as she tried to retrieve the bouncing pills. The same ones she’d caught Tina with on several occasions.

“Let’s not play this game. You’ve been high as a kite on more than one occasion. Not that I have a problem with that, but I want to know where you’re getting the good stuff from.”

“That’s my medicine, Mikaela,” Tina whined as Mikaela fended off her attempts to collect the pills again. “Daddy gave me those.”

Mikaela’s eyes narrowed, slapping away her hands with a crack. “Bullshit, you expect me to believe your father, the fucking pastor, is pushing this shit?”

Tina seemed to freeze and blink, her eyelids just slightly out of sync. Her lip twitched and then she focused on the pills again.

“Mikaela, please, I need my medicine. It gets confusing if I don’t take it.”

Mikaela stooped, picking up a pill. Tina’s eyes followed it wherever Mikaela moved it, like an obsessed cat. “What gets confusing?”

“Mikaela, please.”

“Tell me, and I’ll give you one.”

“Daddy,” she whined. “I get confused sometimes, but when I take my medicine, I can remember him so vividly, like he’s with me. Please, Mikaela.”

Mikaela had heard that J-drops were an amazing high, but was there a weird side-effect with memory? Why wouldn’t she be able to remember her father, mister ‘holier than thou’? Morbid curiosity filled her.

“Okay, but you have to promise me something.”

“Anything, please Mikaela.”

“Describe your Daddy to me. When you’re ready.”

Tina snatched the pill Mikaela extended to her, swallowing it down with a sigh.

Mikaela watched her curiously as Tina sat on her couch. It took a while, but soon enough, her head was lolling backwards, a silly grin on her face. She began playing the tips of her fingernails along her neck, a low moan escaping her as she trailed a line down her little chest and circling her hardening nipple.

“Mmm, Daddy.”

Mikaela hovered over Tina, her head cocked to one side. Either preacher man wasn’t practicing what he was preaching, which to be honest he probably wasn’t, or ‘Daddy’ was the pusher who was enjoying himself some vapid airheads on the side.

“Tell me about your Daddy, Tina.”

“Mmm, Daddy loves me.”

“Uh-huh, what else?”

“Mommy loves me, too.”

Mikaela clicked her tongue in annoyance. It might be a great high, but not so great for information gathering.

“Yes, yes, but what does Daddy look like?”

That dopey grin spread, her eyes unfocused as if replaying a memory.

“So big and handsome. Brown eyes, like the Fall, soft brown hair. And so big. So big.”

This wasn’t getting her anywhere.

“How about a name? A real name?”

“Daddy is Daddy. And Daddy loves me.”

“Okay, not gonna lie, this high sounds fucking amazing, but I need a way to meet him, Tina. Give me something. How can I meet Daddy?”

“Meet Daddy? Yes, I want to meet Daddy!” Tina’s eyes focused, excitement bubbling to the surface. “Let’s go to Daddy’s place!”

Jennifer looked at herself in the standing mirror, little creases of worry adorning her young face. Her grandparents had always been so strict with her, keeping her on a diet, never letting her snack, all to keep a good figure. ‘Proper ladies don’t indulge in sin’ they had said, barring her from eating outside mealtimes, regardless of how hungry she was.

Daddy never forced her to do anything like that. He went out of his way to give her everything she’d never had. They shared ice cream together while walking along the beach, he took her to fancy restaurants like she’d never seen before, he was just too perfect, and now she looked like this.

Jennifer ran her hand over the little pooch in her stomach, noticing how her panties seemed to press in on her hips just a bit more than usual. Her breasts were bigger too. And so sensitive. She turned, checking out her profile. Her butt was bigger too. She gathered up the hem of her robe, revealing the smooth skin of her legs and lower back. It still seemed like it was firm. Should she go on a diet again? Would Daddy prefer it if she was thinner?

All the girls here were gorgeous. And there was Emma, who was so thin she could practically slip between fence posts. Was that what Daddy preferred? Maybe if she started doing more sit-ups she could tone up. Wouldn’t that be a nice surprise for Daddy? He’d tell her what a good girl she was, how proud he was, and he’d hold her tight while they made love.

Jennifer released her robe, letting the soft silk glide down her leg once more, resting comfortably at mid-thigh. It hung open, her swollen breasts shaking slightly with every step. She sat on the bed, cuddling into Daddy’s spot, his warmth already gone, but his smell remained. She gathered the sheets to her nose, smiling as his scent tickled her nose.

Josh hummed to himself as he gave a final twist to the orange half, grinding it on the ribbed chute to squeeze out the last of the juice. He’d picked up sweet ones for Jennifer, knowing that she loved sipping it by the pool, especially on hot days. It always took a surprising number of oranges to produce one glass, but he was happy to do it for his little princess.

The hallway bubbled with chatter as the girls prepared themselves for their classes. It was becoming crowded with so many of them all living here, but it made the place feel more alive. It had always been cavernous and empty, but now he couldn’t do anything without a gaggle of his little cuties around him.

Callie rushed by him, spinning around and planting a big, wet kiss on his lips, before heading out the door. Rina and Kimi were undoubtedly already in the car. Callie had really stepped up with them, doting on them so much it seemed like she was more their mother than cousin. Maybe it was just the hormones kicking in. She would make a wonderful mom.

Josh navigated the crowded corridor, stopping to give kisses every few feet as one giggling girl or another hurried over.

Josh quietly opened the door to Jennifer’s room, not wanting to wake her if she was still asleep.

There she was, his little angel. God, she looked good. Her robe hung open, revealing her shapely behind as she faced away from him, snuggling into his pillow. She’d been a bit on the skinny side when she’d first come, but now she was fuller, showing off a healthy glow. He could kiss those juicy cheeks for hours, they were so firm and yet giving. More than once had he used them as pillows, much to her amusement.

“I see my little princess is up,” he said, closing the door quietly behind him. “I brought you something.”

When Jennifer turned to him, he got a marvelous view of her perky breasts. They were much more than a palmful now, wonderfully pliant when he rubbed them in his hands. The smile she had on her face turned into a shy one as she closed the robe. That was odd. They were definitely sensitive. She had even winced ever so slightly.

“Baby, what’s the matter?” Josh sat next to her, placing the glass on the nightstand and rubbing her thigh tenderly.

“Nothing, Daddy,” she replied, but that wasn’t the truth. Whenever she was anxious about something or not sure, she’d pinch her lips together and avoid looking at him.

“Now, now, be my good little girl and tell me.” Josh turned her head gently to him so that he could see those sweet eyes of hers. “You know you can tell me anything.”

She hesitated, her eyes darting around nervously for a bit. “Daddy, am I ... fat?”

In what world was she fat? Or even thicc?

“Baby, of course not, why would you think that? Look at me. You are perfect.”

“But ... look at my tummy.”

Jennifer opened her robe, showcasing a growing baby bump on an otherwise flat and toned body.

“And, and my butt and boobs. What if they don’t go back after the baby? What if I’m just fat?”

She was near tears, her chest heaving as her breathing grew erratic. The hormonal changes could be tough, so he’d read.

Josh caressed her cheek, placing a kiss on her lips. He kissed her until her own lips stopped trembling, her breathing slowing down. He looked back into her eyes, wiping away the single tear that had escaped her eye.

“Baby, you’ll always be perfect in my eyes. And, you’re having a baby. You need to stay healthy. There is nothing wrong with how you look. And I’ll always love you.”

Daddy was doing it again, just being the most perfect man, knowing exactly what to say. How had she managed to survive without him? He was her whole world.

“I’m sorry, Daddy.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry about.”

Jennifer closed her eyes, meeting his kiss once more. He was always so gentle, his lips so soft. She ran her fingers along his cheek. Barely any stubble.

It was happening again. Whenever Daddy kissed her like this, she’d grow hot, her skin trembling for his touch. A little whimper escaped her, his hand stroking along her thigh. Her breathing quickened and her tongue slid between his lips. Her tongue met his, his taste coating her. She could spend an eternity in his embrace and never tire of it.

Jennifer’s body shook as his hands traced lines along her legs and up her sides. She moaned as those hands found her sensitive breasts, his touch magical as he kneaded them gently.

Daddy slowly lowered her to the bed, one hand on her back while the other continued to massage her. He leaned down, his lips never leaving hers. Their tongues danced as he rubbed her body, soothing her aches, and making her glow red-hot.

Jennifer could only whimper as Daddy began kissing down her neck, inching his way along her collarbone and along her chest. Both hands rubbed her breasts again, but now those lips rained soft kisses all along them, avoiding the painfully sensitive nipples that stood like diamonds on her mounds.

On and on he kissed and massaged, making time lose all meaning. All she knew was that she needed Daddy in her desperately.

As if sensing her need, his kisses began to descend, tracing a line down to her bellybutton. His hands slid down her sides, down to her legs, where he gently opened them, sliding his body between them. The kisses moved downward, kissing all around her soaked pussy, even as it leaked through her soft panties.

Daddy shifted them aside, nuzzling and licking along her swollen lips. The world exploded around her, his touch triggering every nerve in her body. He knew exactly what she needed. Daddy always knew. Her toes curled as he continued his loving exploration, her legs trembling non-stop.

“Is my good girl ready for me?”

Jennifer gulped air, raising her head to see his lips glisten with her wetness. She could only nod and watch in wonder as he pulled his cock from his pants. She gasped as the head rubs against her lips, her body trembling again at the thought of being penetrated once more.

“I’m your good girl, Daddy,” she mumbled between gasps, the thick head probing her winking hole. “Please, Daddy. I’m your good girl.”

“Good girl.”

Her heart nearly burst at his smile, his words sending shivers down her spine. Good girls deserved their Daddy’s cock. All good girls should have their Daddy inside them. All good girls should be praised by their Daddy as they take his cock. Good girls did anything to make their Daddy happy. Good girls gave their Daddy as many babies as he wanted.

She’d lost count of how many times she’d cum, another massive wave crashing over her as Daddy slid home. This was where he belonged.

“Such a good girl,” he whispered in her ear. “I couldn’t be prouder of you. My good little girl.”

Words failed her, her tunnel clenching wetly around him as he settled deep within her. She could feel his heart beat in sync with hers, his cock throbbing steadily within her.

“I love you so much, my little princess,” Daddy whispered lovingly into her ear, his breath tickling the soft hairs on her neck. “You’ll always be my perfect little angel.”

It was so perfect. Every time with Daddy was perfect. All she had ever wanted was to be his good girl, and now she was. Daddy loved her for who she was. Daddy loved her because she was his. And knowing that was all she’d ever need.

Happy tears streamed from her face as Daddy kissed her, his hips moving to a steady rhythm, his cock driving ecstasy into her with every thrust. Nothing existed outside of this moment.

Sweat covered Daddy, beading on his forehead as he continued to drive into her. She clung to him, her body shaking in waves. Wet slaps filled her ears, the music Daddy composed on her body. Her cries were the melody, rising higher as he grew closer, the pulsing of his cock growing faster. His pace increased, his hips twitched. It was coming. The moment Daddy filled her.

Warmth exploded within her, that molten heat spreading as Daddy twitched inside her, his balls pulling tight against her ass. Over and over it surged into her as she cooed and gasped.

Jennifer held him to her, his head resting on her chest, even as his cock continued to pulse. This was heaven.

“I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you, Angel.”

Josh shut the door behind him, Jeniffer snoozing contentedly in the bed now. The hallway was no longer the crazy bustle of activity it had been earlier, most of the girls already off to their classes.

Allison poked her head out at the sound of the door closing, her sporty ponytail bobbing as she leaned out.

“Oh, Daddy, I scheduled a meeting this Friday at eleven with the fertility clinic. Does that time work for you?”

“Yes, baby, that works fine,” he replied, giving her a little kiss when he approached.

This would be their second visit to discuss the screening results. They’d given her some vitamins and exercises, but no medication just yet. Hopefully it wouldn’t take much longer. It definitely stressed Allison out, and that was the last thing he wanted for her.

“Remember baby, we have plenty of time. There’s no need to rush it. It’ll happen, don’t worry.”

“But ... what if I’m the problem?” she asked quietly.

“You aren’t, sweety,” he said, gathering her into his arms. She rested her cheek on his chest. “Sometimes it just takes longer, and that’s perfectly natural.”

“Besides,” Josh added with a smile as he tipped her chin up to him. “Isn’t making a baby the fun part?”

Allison’s smile cracked through her worried expression, her eyes regaining that light. “Well, maybe we’ll need to spend a few nights having fun then, won’t we?”

Their kiss started gentle, Allison’s tongue gliding softly over his as she mewled happily into his mouth. That soon grew in need as she pulled herself closer, her body warming up quickly.

“Mphf, wait wait, I don’t have time, Daddy,” Allison gasped as she pushed away from his chest. “I can’t miss this exam, mom’s going to kill me if I miss another one.”

“Okay, but don’t run yourself ragged, sweety,” Josh said as Allison ducked back into her room. “You’re so busy, it’s not the end of the world if you need to retake some classes.”

“You don’t know mom, Daddy,” Allison said as she re-emerged with her backpack. “But, I’ll introduce you soon.”

Allison gave him one more kiss and started to head to the door before stopping suddenly and turning around. “Oh, Slut Two stopped by. You were busy with Jeniffer, so I let her relax in the guest room.”

Right, he’d gotten a little tied up with his little angel and lost track of time.

“Alright, thanks baby. Have a good day.”

“Bye, Daddy.”

Slut Two took a deep breath, trying to little avail to still the butterflies in her stomach. She’d been aflutter, unable to focus on anything, since Master had summoned her. She’d seen him from afar, marveled at how he dominated a room with his presence, and gone weak-kneed whenever his eyes swept over her. They would pause, just long enough, that she knew he saw her. The light would reflect off his brown eyes, closer to chestnut than amber, and captivate her. She’d dyed her hair to match those fierce yet achingly tender eyes. The other Sluts hadn’t noticed, the change barely perceptible, but she knew. Would Master notice? Would he pause, just a moment longer, those orbs flicking to her hair? Would the corners of his lips curve up, knowing the secret that they shared?