Page 65 of Rogue Royal
Douglas was silent for a few beats longer, then glanced at Mav. “I might’ve visited your boss.”
He kept his words quiet, but he knew they would have the impact of an explosion, and he wasn’t wrong. Mav sat upright, the tablet dropping to his lap, only missing Douglas’s head by an inch.
“What? Why?”
Douglas moved to sit next to Mav, covering his lower half with the duvet. He stared at his hands, not knowing how Mav was going to react to the news he had but knowing he wouldn’t change his actions. He had hoped to have Mav full of endorphins before telling him the news.
“It pissed me off how he had been treating you. I know you can fight your own battles, Mav, but I wanted to help. Dealing with people like that is something I can do. I’m sorry for stepping over the line.”
Mav sniffed. “What happened?”
Douglas sighed and explained his visit.
Douglas stepped out of the car Eric had driven them in. It wasn’t often he asked Eric to drive him, liking his independence, but this time, he needed backup, as was proven by the three other bodyguards who climbed from the backseat. He glanced at Eric, who nodded, and they strode towards the entrance. Having done his homework, Douglas knew where Calverdere Social Management was located. Crossing his arms over his chest as the lift took them to the relevant floor, Douglas braced himself for the confrontation. Having had no interaction with Bert Calverdere prior to this, he wasn’t sure what to expect.
Because of the time they’d chosen to visit the man, there was no one present on the floor, though the lights were still on in the main area and in the boss’s office. Eric knocked on Bert’s door and opened it when the occupant shouted permission.
“Who—Oh, Your H-Highness! What a pleasure! How can I be of assistance?”
The man was built like he had played rugby at one point but hadn’t kept up with his training, his buzz-cut adding to the severity of his appearance.
“I would like to talk to you about how you treat your employees, Mr Calverdere.”
Bert blinked and held his hands out. “I don’t understand, Your Highness.”
“I recently witnessed a conversation you had with Maverick Houghton. I have to admit, I was not impressed with the tone you took with him and threatening his family…?” Douglas shook his head, “Not a good impression at all.”
“Maverick doesn’t listen to what I tell—”
“Does he do the job you’ve employed him to do?” Douglas crossed his arms over his chest again, trying to intimidate the man.
“Um…yes, but he—”
“Does he ask for more than you give him?”
“Er…no, but he won’t—”
“Then I don’t understand why you would threaten his father’s job when Maverick is doing everything you ask of him.”
“It’s to keep him doing what he should do instead of messing around and showing me up!” Bert’s eyes widened at his words and flicked closed.
“Maverick will no longer be working for you. You will give him three months’ pay on top of what you already owe him because I know for a fact he hasn’t been taking holidays. On top of that, any thoughts you may have about blacklisting him in the business need to be thrown from your mind right now. You know what I’m capable of, Mr Calverdere, and it won’t stop with your business. Ronald Houghton will keep his job until he retires at his chosen age, or my wrath will reach your brother’s company as well. Do I make myself clear?”
“Y-Yes, Your Highness.” Bert had dropped back into his chair and was wringing his hands. Douglas could see he was shaking.
“I will check to ensure you keep to our agreement, Mr Calverdere. Make no mistake.”
Once he’d finished talking, he didn’t want to see what expression Mav wore. He’d known visiting the man was way over the line, but he couldn’t help himself. He wouldn’t let Mav put up with that asshole any longer than he had to.
Mav’s hand cupped his jaw and turned Douglas’s face to his. A small smile played around the edges of his lips, and Douglas’s heart raced.
“Thank you.” Mav sighed. “I cannot tell you,” He shook his head, “how much relief is flowing through me now that I don’t have to deal with him any longer. It’s a shame I won’t be working with you anymore.”
Douglas frowned. “Why not?”
“The royal contract is with Bert’s company, not me.”
“Well, I deem it void.”
