Chapter Text
Willa made herself some lunch while her best friend, DK, chittered away on speaker. “She’s looking for a sugar baby, so we’ll see if I can handle her. Too many older women want a relationship out of it. It's hard to find one who just wants sex.”
“That makes sense, they're lonely, they want to be doted on and not feel irrelevant.”
“That's what my four arms are for. Women love a man with four arms, it's good foreplay.”
Willa grunted. “I wouldn't know.”
The warm laughter from DK spread through her like butter over a hot bun. His laugh always had that effect on people. “You're too cute. I'm here now, I'll call you later and tell you how it went.”
“Sure.”
Now that she was off the phone, Willa did her regular daily chores, wanting them knocked out so she could spend the rest of the evening doing as she pleased. Which would begin with masturbation. It had been a while since she'd had the time and needed it today.
She ate a quick meal after her chores and settled in her bed. She had on her favorite shirt to play with herself in. It had belonged to DK at one point, but he'd left it here and the high quality softness of fabric felt so good against her nipples, she couldn't give it back to him. It was a secret that hurt no one. And what did it matter if there were times she relished that it was his shirt that made her feel this way.
The bottom half was pulled up to her waist with her favorite toy between her legs. Her favorite porn on, she turned the clitoral simulator on. She realized, with frustration, neither that nor foreplay, nor the porn were getting her in the mood. She searched for other videos, but after an absurdly long thirty minutes, she sighed and turned the toy off. She thought about trying a different way, but her phone rang.
It was DK. She turned the porno off and answered. “That was fast.” She cleaned her toy and stowed it away.
“Abysmal. Broad doesn't even know what I meant by no relationship. She kept trying to convince me that I actually wanted one with her.”
As he spoke, she pulled pajama pants on. “Oh, like she was trying to trap you into a relationship?”
“Exactly! Anyway, I'm outside your apartment and hungry. She refused to give me the food she offered to pay for.” He hung up, obviously knowing she'd let him in.
Willa froze. She'd only masturbated because she'd known DK would be gone and his acute senses wouldn't pick up her scent a day later, when he'd drop by like usual. Even if she'd had half an orgasm, she knew she'd smell like sex. She grabbed a long cardigan and wrapped it tightly around her to hide the shirt and hopefully the smell and opened the door.
DK entered, looking at his phone. He was a tall humanoid creature with four arms, three eyes and a mouth that opened wider than a human’s with a tail that swished in an irritated manner. He was fit with pockets of silver scales across his body. At least, that was as much of his demonic side he let everyone see. She'd only seen his full demonic form three times. She thought it was as gorgeous as this form.
He scoffed. “She just texted me saying she'd give me another–” He froze as Willa shut the door. He looked at her.
She tried to hide her furiously burning cheeks as she winced. “I just had a quick lunch, so you'll have to make something…”
All three eyes looked her over appreciatively. “Willa!” he sang softly.
She deflated, her composure breaking. “Alright, I'm sorry, I didn't think you'd be back here tonight. I can open windows.” She walked across her apartment to the windows.
He smiled, his lips opening almost all the way up his cheeks. It was uncanny if you weren't used to it. “I wondered when you did it. You barely talk about it.” He followed her closely, seeming to want to reach out to her, but refrained.
“Well, I don't do it often, but yeah, usually when you're going to be gone for a day so the scent doesn't, ya know, bother you. Anyway, it's not like I really did anything, I couldn't get into the mood for some asinine reason.” She opened a window and stood by it.
But DK was looking at her with an expression he only had for women he wanted.
She frowned. He'd never looked at her like that before. “What?”
“I can help you."
“What!?”
He shut the window. “I can help you get the release you're looking for.” His fingers twitched, wanting to touch her. She’d only seen this look at a club when it was directed at another, but never this close. And never at her.
She couldn't believe what she was hearing. “You're asking to have sex?”
He nodded.
Her mind went blank. Of course she'd thought about him. He was gorgeous and she'd seen how he flirted with women, oozing charisma that had them weak in the knees. Even from a distance, it had an effect on her. But he was her best friend and that had always silenced any lingering sexual or romantic feelings. She blinked and stammered before frowning. “I didn't… I didn't realize you felt anything like that about me… I'm not exactly the type you've always gone for...” She wasn't thin and model-esque like all the other women he’d chosen.
DK shrugged. “There's only one you.” His top pair of hands rested on her shoulders. “Don't overthink it, Willa. We'll be fine, promise, just answer without thinking, do you want me to help you out? Do you want to have sex?”
She did. She was still so very horny and frustrated and she trusted DK. She shoved her worries away and nodded.
He smiled fully, showing all his sharp teeth. He took her hand and pulled her to her bedroom, hissing as he opened the door and her full scent hit him.
“You sure you aren't bothered by the smell?” She asked wearily.
He snorted. “I could never be bothered by your scent. I love it! So much more than I ever thought I would. You smell like Jinro Soju, the finest there is.”
It was strange for Willa to be on this side of him, to see those eyes full of lust and excitement for her. It felt like they were breaching a line that had always been so firm. She didn't know what would come after this and the last thing she wanted was to lose him.
DK pulled her into a kiss. It took her by surprise and any anxiety she'd been gearing up to have skidded to a halt. It was gentle with restrained excitement and had all of her attention. She had always rolled her eyes when women turned to putty with just a kiss from him, but now she understood. She was leaning into him, returning the kiss and wanting more. He was fully embracing her now, his lower arms wrapped around her waist, while his upper arms pulled her cardigan off her.
“I knew these lips would be soft,” he breathed.
“You thought about my lips?”
“I've thought about you a lot, Willa.” His voice got low, his eyes half lidded.
Her breath was shaky. “You– you have?”
As he nodded, he looked down at what she wore. Panic fueled her as his eyes widened and he pulled the cardigan fully open. “This is my shirt! I thought I'd left it at someone's place! This is your masturbation shirt!? The shirt you told me was your favorite to play with yourself in!? My favorite shirt!?”
She stammered knowing full well how badly she was blushing. “I– Well– you left it here and–”
He pulled her into another kiss, this time his tongue filled her mouth. She’d been in a couple relationships, but they’d never had any of this passion and it left her feeling like a novice once more. He pulled her closer, hands squeezing her ass, others feeling up her bare back under the shirt. “That is so fucking hot, Willa.” He shivered and breathed her scent in. "You're so much stronger now, fuck, it's so good."
She was breathless. He kissed her neck, biting it gently. He pulled her shirt off with urgency, throwing it in a random direction. She'd never been naked in front of him before and she was about to be as he pulled down her pajama pants. Instantly, all four hands were roaming her body, greedily feeling every curve.
“You're so fucking beautiful,” he sighed. Silver scales began to sprout between his normal patches, a sign he either wasn't paying attention or genuinely losing control of his human form. It was strange. He was always so in control, always keeping his carefully held facade from ever slipping.
“Have…” she started, her breath light. Her body was very reactive to DK’s touches and he hadn't even begun stimulating her. She was already more wet than she'd ever been with foreplate before. “Have you really thought about me like this?” As exciting as this was, she was confused. She hadn't expected her childhood best friend to have such strong fantasies for her.
He was on his second hickey on her neck and hummed in acknowledgment. She held onto him for stability. When he was finished, he finally began to remove his own clothes down to his underwear. She'd also never seen him naked, the most being a sleeveless shirt. She'd always known he had a great figure, but seeing it in person was mouth watering. His scales ran the contours of his muscles, which he'd meticulously worked for. She wanted to feel everything, feel all of him against her, but he was taking her hand and leading her to the bed. He sat down against her headboard and pulled her between his legs, her back resting against his chest.
He kissed her neck and shoulder, hands finally touching her breasts. Her eyes fluttered shut, her chest pressing into his fingers which tweaked her nipples gently. “Do you like it soft or rough or both or somewhere in-between?” He asked.
“Soft… Foreplay…” She couldn't believe she was telling him this. “Hard… fucking…”
“Got it.” He massaged her breasts, sucking on the sensitive skin of her neck. His other hands reached down and tapped her thighs, prompting her to open them. She did so, heart racing, placing each foot on the other side of his legs. He bent his knees upward, spreading her legs fully open and making her lean fully against him and his erection which pressed hard against her back.
DK mused loudly. “Fuck, that's so sexy.” He pet her cunt, relishing in the fact he was able to touch it.
She'd always scoffed when he'd coo at his dates and she'd erupt in giggles, but now that she was a target, she understood the context behind it now. However, unlike his other conquests, the compliment made her want to squirm. She wasn't used to such undivided attention.
He pressed down just enough to sink a few fingers past her pussy lips to her clit. He hissed, his other three hands squeezing her tight when he felt how wet she was. He bit her shoulder, moaning as he started moving in slow circles. She shuddered, clawing at his thighs, head falling back against him, eyes squeezed tight. She tried to stay calm, but being touched like this from DK was electrifying. She was moaning faster than anyone had ever got her to moan. It made her wince.
“Don't overthink it, you're perfect, babe.” He kissed her cheek.
She leaned into his lips, needing as much contact as she could get. His hands moved, one holding her around her stomach, another twining their fingers in hers, and the third rubbing her thigh. His slow ministrations were too much. She rolled her hips against his hand and moaned again. He moaned himself, moving faster on her clit so she rocked against his fingers more and moaned louder.
Her head turned to mush and she convulsed, grinding until she came, her juices spilling out into his hand, soaking it. She'd forgotten to tell him she was messy.
“Fuck,” he moaned.
“Sorry,” she breathed. “I forgot to get a towel.”
His fingers were rubbing her again. “It's okay, I'm loving all your gorgeous surprises.”
She nodded as she began to squirm again, her body more sensitive now. It took less time for her to start bucking and gripping his thighs again. She came several more times by his hand, soaking the bed around them. He finally removed it and gave her a moment to rest. She was completely lax against him, his skin warm and comforting as she caught her breath. He hugged her close, kissing anywhere he could. Again, she was hit with how strange it was that he was here with her, pleasuring her. Kissing her. Holding her. Cooing at her.
“There's one more thing I want to do.”
She swallowed. “Yeah?”
“If you're up for it.”
She nodded.
“Straddle me.”
She did so and found this more intimidating. Being face to face, sitting on his cock, his underwear now tossed to the side. She prickled with anticipation at what he wanted to do.
“Start grinding on it. You can use it to get off.”
With hesitancy, she began to rock her hips, finding a rhythm she liked, staring at his chest, still unable to look him in the eye. His cock had bumps and ridges that brushed against her clit in spectacular ways. Her hands rested on his shoulders, already squeezing them from how good he felt. His hands rested on her hips, the other set massaging her breasts. His head dipped and her breath caught as his mouth found her nipple, suckling on it. She gasped and moaned, hips grinding faster. Long moans rolled from DK and his hips bucked against her. She quickly unraveled, gasping and mewling at the extra friction. He lifted his head and she kissed him, needing closeness. He pulled her close, kissing her back furiously, muffling her mewls. She wrapped her arms around his neck, grinding faster, chasing that ecstasy until she finally exploded on him.
“Fuck, Willa,” he moaned loudly. He rocked his hips again, sending her straight back into overwhelming pleasure. She was loud, panting and clinging to him, falling back into rhythm as he ground against her, faster, hands squeezing her ass and thighs. She came twice more before he finally jerked and came, long ribbons spilling between them.
She lay on him, catching her breath, head spinning. She couldn’t believe they’d just done that. It had been more than wonderful and she would do it all over again, but part of her began to worry about how things would be now. Sex always changed dynamics and she couldn’t imagine her world without DK. She swallowed, her chest tightening, eyes stinging as her thoughts started to spiral to a life without her best friend.
All four hands rubbed her body, lips kissing her neck and shoulder. It was comforting, bringing her back slowly. He didn’t move, just quietly kissed her, coaxing her to kiss him after a minute. She did, slowly at first and then more lazily. She smiled, finally, maybe they'd be okay.
“There you are,” he cooed. “You usually hit a low after sex, huh?”
She nodded shyly. This was such a different intimacy to have with him. He was always so considerate with her, but the attentiveness was almost too much.
He kissed her forehead. “Do you need a little longer or can we jump in the shower?”
Her stomach fluttered at the idea of taking a shower with him. “I’m good, yeah,” she said quietly.
“You sure? I don’t mind staying a bit longer here.”
She hummed. “If I don’t get up, I won’t want to for hours.”
He laughed. “So, I was able to help you out?”
She burst into laughter, soft and bubbly. “I think you know you did.”
His grin widened all the way, stretching up almost to his eyes. He kissed her again. “Alright, let’s get you cleaned up.”
They moved to the shower. He had his own set of supplies in there since he’d crashed at her place so often, it was like he’d already moved in. He started the water and pulled her in with him.
She could finally get a full look at his naked body and it was just as good as she knew it’d be. The openness where they could clearly see each other made her shy once more, but if she focused on cleaning him, she could ignore her own insecurities. He preened under her ministrations, flexing as he moved around for her. She found herself relaxing and feeling his body even more, enjoying it.
When it was he turn, his hands were all over her. “You’re so beautiful. I never tell you that enough.”
She grunted. “You say it all the time… I just didn’t realize you meant also in this way…”
“Willa, I’ve always thought you were beautiful. In every way possible.” He dipped to lick and kiss her nipple. It raced through her core. She washed her hair as he continued to touch and kiss her. His fingers traced over her neck. “I gave you hickies.” It was as much a warning as it was prideful.
“Should I draw little frames around them and showcase them to people?”
“Oh, absolutely, babe! Everyone needs to know.”
“Not everyone!” She laughed. “I could go my whole life without my parents knowing.”
He smirked, hands lazily on her hips. “I’d be happy for the rest of my life if they knew. The looks on their faces would be worth it.” He bent down and bit the inside of her breast, sucking a hickey onto it.
Her parents had regretted the day she’d met DK. They had disliked him and hated how attached the two had been within the first week of both their parents becoming business partners. Their dislike had only made DK more obnoxious to them and had developed into a never ending cycle.
His hands wandered to her ass, squeezing it. She reached for the loofa, but DK took it from her. “Like I’m gonna let this opportunity slip by.” He lathered it up and washed her, taking his time. He looked almost giddy to do it.
She frowned, though her smile was uncontrollably wide. “You’re really enjoying this.”
“Of course I am. This isn’t something I ever thought I’d get to do. I’m gonna take advantage of it as much as I can.”
It was still hard for her to understand, but she didn’t press it further. She supposed she should enjoy it while it lasted. She’d never seen DK in a serious relationship, at least, from his side. Plenty of them wanted to marry him, but he’d always scoffed at the idea.
The water washed the soap off her and then DK was back on his knees, kissing her hips and thighs. “Can I do one more thing?”
Her chest skipped and she nodded. He moved her against the wall, kissing her stomach and biting the meat of it. She watched fire ignite on his head and two curving horns appeared. Water sizzled on it for a moment before they cooled. He was always halfway between human and his monstrous side, but now, his eyes were silver and his horns were out and his tail had sprouted and wrapped around her leg.
“DK…” she whispered, astonished that he was allowing her to see more of him.
He massaged her thighs, coaxing them open. “Mmm, say my name again.”
She flushed and did so, his tongue left his mouth and swiped her clit. She gasped. “DK!”
All now extremely sharp teeth showed in a mischievous grin. He leaned forward and tasted her again. He sighed loudly, lapping at her harder. His large mouth enveloped all of her pussy, giving him as much access as possible to greedily lap her up. She hissed, realizing how hard it was going to be to stay on her feet like this. Her legs were already shaking, still sensitive and buzzing from earlier. Without realizing it, she took hold of his horns for stability.
“S– sorry!” she murmured, taking her hands off them. He had always been particular about his horns being touched, which was why he hid them.
His hands clapped on hers, moving them back. She nodded and took hold of them again. He picked a leg up and hooked it on his shoulder, making her lean on him more. She shuddered and gripped his horns tighter. Her head fell back as her moans got louder. She was already fighting control not to grind on his mouth.
“I’m gonna–” She breathed before the large wave crashed against her and she tugged on his horns, yelling out her orgasm. All of it spilled in his mouth and down his neck. She had a moment before he continued, his eyes glowing like the moon, full of lust. She was fully swept up in him now, forgetting not to grind on his tongue and chase that second orgasm, which hit harder and faster. After the third one, she tapped out, gently pushing his horns away. He set her leg down and kissed her stomach once before sitting back.
She shuddered, unable to speak and needed a moment to ride the spasms.
“You have no idea how sexy that was.”
She rested against the wall. “I’m glad you think so.”
He bit her thigh, sucking on it. She winced and laughed and let him mark her up some more. “I suppose I’ll have to frame that one, too.”
He hummed in agreement. He suddenly stood and before she knew it, he had both legs in his arms and around his waist, holding her up against the wall. His cock pressed against her, but he did nothing about it. Instead, he kissed her chest and shoulders, second set of hands rubbing the length of her body. He kissed her and her arms wrapped around his neck as she kissed him back. She was discovering that she really liked kissing DK. She’d never had any forward thoughts about him, but now that the floodgates had opened, all the small, quiet whispers were showing themselves. When her kisses turned lazy, he smiled, kissed her forehead and finally set her down. He shut the water off and they dried off.
He picked up the shirt she’d stolen from him and handed it to her.
She glanced at it. “I’m not going to masturbate again, DK.”
“What if I gave you another of mine?”
She sighed. “You’re never gonna let it go, are you?”
“Hell no! It was so sexy, I need to see it again, take pictures and plaster them all over my apartment. Make it my phone background.”
She laughed, finding her normal pajamas and putting them on. DK got dressed, tossing his soaked underwear in her dirty laundry basket. He helped her strip her bedding and load it into the washing machine. He kissed her cheek and started to make them food.
She was glad, she needed the moment to herself. Everything was happening so fast, she didn’t know what to make of it. She didn’t know what they were supposed to be to each other. She went into her bedroom and stared at the bed where everything had changed. Would they do anything like that again? Would it just be sex? Would it just be anytime a prospective woman didn’t work out? Her heart clenched at that thought. Had she just been a rebound?
She checked her phone to cut those spiraling thoughts away and swore loudly. She went out to DK, anguish filling her. “My parents moved the dinner up to tonight!”
He grunted. “That’s typical. They like catching you off guard.”
She stared at him. “I have several hickies and no makeup.”
He grinned unabashedly. “Yeah, you do.”
She glared.
“Alright, I’ll come with you. That’ll catch them off guard just as much.”
She sighed. “I’m going to have to wear my hair down. I’m gonna get dressed, I guess.” She turned and went back into her room. She picked out the classy dress she only had for when her parents wanted to have dinner. As anxious as her parents made her, her body was calm. And knowing DK would be there for her gave her some resolve. She put on heels and pinned some of her hair back, but kept most of it hanging past her shoulders, hiding DK’s marks.
DK appraised her like he always did, this time, though, she had more context and it made her suddenly nervous. “That dress has never done anything for you, but you always make it work.”
She eyed him in the leather pants and shirt with a deep V. “You’re not going to change are you?”
He grunted. “Hell no.” He handed her a peanut butter and jelly sandwich as he ate his.
She took a bite and grabbed her purse. It felt surreal to be back to normal with DK. They took his car, which had been a gift from an ex sugar mama. It was sporty and red. He turned the radio on to a station she liked and to her surprise, he scooped her hand in his and set it on his thigh.
“Another beautiful thing about having more than two hands, I get to hold yours no matter what.” He kissed the back of it.
It brought a smile to her lips. "I like it."
"Good. I don't intend to stop." He kissed the back of her hand again.
The restaurant was extremely high end. She patted her hair around her shoulders and neck, knowing it was going to be the first thing they saw. She led the way, going to the table they reserved every time. Soft, classical music played overhead, mixing with the soft, floral scents. It always set her on edge.
Her parents, dressed elegantly and to the nines, stood as she drew near. Her mother’s hair was in a tight, perfectly coiffed French bun with pearl earrings fixed to her lobes, the perfect size of not too showy, but revealing an upper class grandeur.
“Wilhelmina,” her mother greeted. Her voice was dry and placid. She kissed Willa’s cheek, whispering. “You didn’t put your hair up, dear. You know one must always have their hair up and styled.”
“Hello, mother,” she said with a tight smile.
Her mother's eyes drifted behind her and any politeness faded. “Oh, you brought him. And he's dressed like that."
Her father looked DK up and down, unimpressed. “I didn’t know you’d be joining us.” He sat down, forgoing even the greeting to Willa. She hesitated and then sat down. DK scooted his chair closer to hers, a movement that had her parents watching with distaste. He always did it, that way he could better whisper to her little comments about her parents. Now, though, his lower hand rested on her leg.
Willa tried to smile politely. “Hello, father.”
He grunted in response. Her mother cleared her throat. He sipped his wine, not glancing at her once. “You still look the same. Didn’t your mother buy a gym subscription so you could lose all that weight?”
She recognized it as coaching from her Mother. She was always making her father start these conversations like that. And it had its effect. She hadn't told DK and she felt his hand stiffen on her thigh.
“Of course I bought her one,” her mother drawled, sipping her red wine, in perfect syncopation with the scene she'd created. “I don’t know why she insists on staying well above a size four. It’s a nice, practical size. Not nearly as ghastly as thrice that.”
DK adjusted in his seat and the next thing they knew, his glass of water had been tipped over, spilling on her parents. They gasped and jumped away, but the water had gotten them wet regardless. Willa jumped up to clean it up.
“Wilhemina!” Her mother hissed. “Sit. Down! It’s not your job to be a maid! The staff will clean this up!”
Her father was glaring at DK now. “It is amazing how you were brought up in the same world as Wilhemina and yet, still remain a clumsy oaf.”
“Father, please!” Willa said, almost pleading.
Three staff members rushed over, silencing the tension. Their things were moved and the water cleaned up and a new tablecloth was dressed. Everything was back to perfection in under two minutes.
“Excellent,” her mother commended. She turned to Willa. “Your Father has a point, Wilhelmina. You always stoop to that degenerate’s level. He’s always been trouble and a lay-about. He’s fully grown and still mooches off you. I bet he’s wanting a free meal out of this. We won’t pay for your meal, Damyan.”
DK smiled wide and charming. “Oh, I expected to pay for my meal and Willa’s. It’s only proper when one’s on a date.”
She almost froze, but quickly took a sip of wine. Their waiter appeared and DK ordered for Willa and himself. He was spot on with what she wanted, though she knew it was solely for the benefit of poking at her parents. It was not a salad like they normally ordered for her.
He smiled at her father, waiting for him to order. He ordered for his wife and him. As the waiter left, her father took a sip of his wine. “I’m surprised you have enough to afford this since you have no job.”
The hand on her thigh was relaxed now that the attention was focused on him. DK rolled the wine in his glass. “Oh, being a sugar baby is very hard work, Cuthbert. It pays very well when you can keep the woman satisfied. Something that must be foreign to you.”
Willa sipped her wine to hide the ever growing smile.
Her mother frowned her, catching it. “And why aren’t you telling your friend to stop?”
She shrugged, feigning innocence. “Father would just tell me to stay out of it.”
Her mother glared at her and then DK. “You have no decorum at all. And no shame. Taking advantage of defenseless women like that.”
“Oh, they’re hardly defenseless. They know what they’re doing.”
Their food arrived and there was a long few minutes of silence as they ate. It was a tense silence, only softened by DK’s thumb idly rubbing circles on her thigh. It was a nice reminder that she wasn’t alone.
“If you earn so much money, why do you still mooch off Wilhemina and use her apartment?” Her father asked.
It was the same old song and dance. Willa ate her meal, not wanting it to spoil with the conversation.
“Actually, I was thinking we’d move in together.”
Willa choked. She took several drinks of water while her mother condemned him.
“What do you mean move in together? You want to become her sugar baby?”
That broke Willa. A very soft, strangled laugh escaped her. She quickly took another drink of wine. She was drinking faster than her mother approved of, but the rate this conversation was dissolving into was too much for her today. Too many things had happened and changed and she was dangerously close to falling into a fit of giggles.
DK shook his head, leaning back in his seat. “No, nothing like that. Thought about marriage.”
She choked again. On her wine, this time. His upper hand rubbed her back while she recovered.
“She obviously doesn’t want that!” Her mother insisted. “She’s choked every time you’ve joked about it.”
“She didn’t think I’d bring it up.”
“No, I didn’t.”
He squeezed her leg, grinning wide. Willa was almost scared of his next words. “I figured it was about time I made an honest woman out of her.”
She snorted, finally breaking into giggles. She covered her mouth and turned her head away.
“This isn’t funny, Wilhelmina.” Her mother glowered at her.
“No,” she said through barely controlled laughter. “You’re right, mother,” she giggled. “It’s very serious.”
DK was laughing quietly with her, proud that she was devolving into such uncouth behavior.
Her mother glared. “I think it would be best for everyone if we focused on eating right now.”
Willa nodded and it gave her the precious moments to regain her composure. DK squeezed her thigh affectionately.
She was three-quarters done with her meal when her mother broke the silence. “That’s enough dear, portion control, remember?”
Out of habit, Willa put her silverware down.
“You know what I think, Rosabel?” DK said, voice full of wonder and dripping with snark. His eyes flashed with mischief, but she could see the anger edging his composure. “I think she can eat however much she damn well pleases.”
He took a forkful of his meal and held it up to Willa. Her eyes widened. It was a show of dominance from DK, showing her parents that she’d always side with him. She shouldn't play either side, but the truth would always be the same even if she tried to take the high ground. She ate it, hesitating for only a moment before slowly taking it off the fork. She covered her mouth as her aplomb broke again. “Oh, wow, that’s really good!” His features softened as he watched her, smirk still painted across his lips, but now it held affection.
Rosabel glared at Cuthbert, who watched them silently. When he caught sight of his wife glaring, he sighed. “Wilhelmina, we raised you better than this.” It sounded strangely robotic tonight, like he wasn't even trying to hide her mother was controlling him.
Willa turned and caught the waiter’s attention. “We’d like our check please.”
“Wilhemina!” Her mother hissed. “We’re not finished.”
“And two boxes to go,” DK added, standing up. He held his arm out to help her up. She took it, getting pulled to his side, both his arms wrapped around her. This was a gesture she was used to him doing at least, though his hands, which had always remained respectfully placed on her shoulders, settled on her hip and waist.
She smiled politely to her mother. “I have a very early day tomorrow. If we’d had dinner when we normally scheduled it, I would have had more time. Have a good night you two.”