Page 48 of Rogue Royal

“Anyone else you worry about? Sub or otherwise?” Douglas asked.

“Not really. I’ll keep my eyes open.”

“Thank you.” Douglas stood. “We’ll leave you to your evening. I’m sorry for the intrusion.”

Quinn chuckled. “It’s not an intrusion at all when it’s someone who cares about your wellbeing. More people should take a leaf out of your book, Your Highness.”

Douglas’s cheeks heated. “I’ve had a few issues with leaving houses lately.” He glanced at Mav. “Would we be able to exit at the back?”

“Of course. No house overlooks the back garden. It should be clear.”

Mav stepped forward. “Let me go first. I can check it out. If I’m seen leaving the house, it won’t be an issue because I could be another sub.”

Douglas studied his expression for a moment before nodding, and Quinn led the way to the back door. Mav stepped out and pulled the door shut behind him.

“He’s good for you, Your Highness.”

Douglas raised his eyebrows. “Sorry?”

Quinn lowered his head, though his smirk was visible. “It’s not my place to say, but I can see the pull between you. You’re an excellent match.”

“We’re not…I’m…”

The door opened, and Mav popped his head back in. “All clear.”

Douglas cleared his throat. “Thanks.”

“No, thank you.”

Douglas exited the house and heard Quinn lock the door behind them. They slid out of the back gate, following the path to the end of the street before coming out of an alley onto the original road he had parked on.

Silence reigned, but it wasn’t as uncomfortable as it had been during some of their past encounters. Once they settled in the car, Mav grabbed his coat and dragged him into a kiss. The gear stick stopped them from getting too close, but Douglas feasted on Mav’s mouth. He threaded his fingers into Mav’s hair and gripped tight, moving Mav’s head in the direction Douglas wanted it to go. Their tongues duelled, and their lips smashed, their breathing loud in the small space.

Douglas softened his hold, stroking his hand through Mav’s hair, and licked and sipped at his lips until they stopped, their foreheads resting together. It seemed to be a ritual for them—staying close but not too close.

“I’m sorry I didn’t believe you.”

Mav’s words whispered into the air, and Douglas smiled into the darkness. “It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not. I shouldn’t assume you’re like the other losers from my past. It’s hard to get rid of sometimes.”

“You don’t have to explain.” Douglas cradled Mav’s face and kissed him softly.

“I want to, but not here. Can we go back to your place?”

Douglas kissed him again. “Of course.”

Pulling back was hard, but they soon parked in the underground parking of Douglas’s building and in the lift after a wave at Eric. Once the doors opened to the penthouse, they slipped off their shoes and coats and wandered into the main room.

“Would you like a drink?” Douglas aimed for the kitchen.

“Water or juice would be good.”

Douglas pottered around, all the while tuned into where Mav was and what he was doing. Once he had two glasses filled with apple juice, he shuffled over to where Mav was leaning against the counter and held out the glass.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”