Page 13 of Rogue Royal
The words startled a laugh from him, and his heart raced at the vision Maverick made in black and blue. The fabrics were soft, he could tell, and Douglas understood more about what made Maverick tick. He stared at him, thoughts swirling around but unable to be caught. But one thing was certain, his attraction to Maverick was increasing, and he needed it to stop.
“Well?”
Douglas had to think about what Maverick had asked. “Oh, nothing. I’ve not done anything. Promise.” He smiled and stepped forward. “How are you feeling?”
A gentle flush coloured Maverick’s cheek, and he ducked his head, fiddling with his tablet. “Much better. Thank you for what you did.”
Douglas shoved his hands in his pockets to stop from reaching out and tracing the blush disappearing into the collar of Maverick’s shirt. “You’re welcome. Any time.”
Maverick glanced up at him, his eyebrows drawing together, then smoothing out again. “What did you need to see me about?”
“I wanted to check on you, that’s all. You should rest up for a few days. I promise I’ll behave.” Maverick raised one eyebrow, and Douglas raised his hands. “I promise. I’ll do my best.”
“Hmm.” Maverick diverted his gaze, his fingers continuing to flick the case of the tablet, belying his nerves.
“I want some crisps.” Douglas’s words flew out of him, making Maverick jump. He didn’t know where the thought came from, but as soon as he said it, it was all he could think about. He needed his fix. Pulling his phone out, he called the kitchen and asked for his usual, checking if Maverick wanted anything. Maverick declined, but Douglas narrowed his gaze, smiling when Maverick amended his words and ordered some fruit and a yoghurt.
While they waited, they sat on the sofa opposite each other.
“I’ve been thinking—”
“That’s dangerous.” Douglas smirked at Maverick’s glare.
“I know you don’t like the different events you have to go to. What if we found some you wouldn’t mind attending and approach your parents with it?”
“Like what?” Douglas rested his ankle on his opposite knee and linked his fingers over his stomach, getting comfortable.
Maverick appeared to gather his thoughts, and Douglas was pleased to see his usual self emerging from the unsure person he had been when Douglas first entered his rooms. “Well, I know you’re interested in the children’s charities, so that’s a given, but what about the historical society or some other aspect within the historical area? I know you enjoy history. What else do you like?”
Douglas gaped at him. He’d never expected this. “Um…I enjoy researching things. Like the BDSM stuff from the past and how they did it.” He bit his lip. “I also like teaching.”
Maverick tilted his head. “Teaching in what way?”
Douglas’s neck warmed, and he slid a finger between his shirt and his neck, trying to ease the tightness. “Yeah. You know I do it at the club…” He waited for Maverick to nod. “I enjoy helping people to understand. Finding a new way to explain something if someone doesn’t understand.”
When Maverick said nothing, Douglas shifted uncomfortably.
“I can see you doing it.” Maverick cleared his throat. “All right. I’ll research a few things, and we can discuss them another time.”
“You will not research today. You’ll go home and get some rest for the next two days—at the least.”
“I can’t take two days off.”
“Yes, you can. I’ll speak to Frederick if you’re worried and get him to keep an eye on me.” And despite how much it rankled, he would do it if it meant Maverick would rest easier.
Maverick’s jaw clenched, and Douglas knew he would decline. Maverick’s shoulders fell, and he ran a hand through his hair. “Okay. Thank you.”
“Seriously?” The incredulity in his voice was clear. He had not expected Maverick to agree.
Maverick nodded. “I’m tired, and I know I won’t do as good a job for you if I don’t get some more sleep. It makes sense, however much I hate doing it.”
Douglas leaned forward to comment when a knock sounded. “Come in!” A member of the household staff entered, carrying a tray with several items on it. “Thank you, Aubrey.”
“You’re welcome, Your Highness.” She curtsied and left, closing the door behind her.
“Eat up, and you can go home to relax.”
“You realise I will only be able to relax if you behave, don’t you?”
