Page 26 of Rogue Royal
“Take your time. There’s no rush. Would you like a cup of tea?” Douglas rose, making quick work of two drinks before holding a mug out to Mav. “The meeting today went well. I was surprised by the number of courses available and the enthusiasm from not only the staff but the students, too.”
Douglas carried on talking while Mav calmed, and after a few seconds, Mav interrupted, wanting to say something before he lost his nerve.
“In return for what I ask, I will help you find a life you are happy to live, and by that, I mean finding charities and events to support that mean something to you, giving you something to get excited about in your royal role instead of hating every minute.” He took a deep breath. “I want you to explain to me about BDSM. The pain-free stuff.” He stared at the tablet on his lap, unable to meet Douglas’s eyes. “Please.”
When Douglas said nothing, Mav chanced a glance at him, seeing a blank expression on his face, but his eyes…his eyes had dilated, and heat rose in Mav’s body in response. He locked onto the gaze, unable to tear himself away until Douglas blinked. Mav’s heart pounded, and he panted as if he’d run a race.
Douglas cleared his throat. “What are you interested in?”
Mav’s cheeks heated. “I don’t know.” He tried to find the words to explain. “I researched some things, and I found a lot about the pain and punishment side of things, but not much showed any painless elements, though some hinted at it. I wasn’t sure who else to ask.” He whispered the last sentence and felt foolish. He was a grown man, older than Douglas even, but inside he was back to being a teenager who had no clue what they were doing.
“I’m glad you came to me. It’s better to get the information from someone in the lifestyle than to research and receive misleading information. The key thing you need to realise is everyone within a BDSM lifestyle differs from the next person. Wants and needs vary from person to person. There is no right or wrong way to go about it.” Douglas sipped his drink, and Mav watched the movement of his Adam’s apple as it bobbed with the motion. “Despite the BDSM definition, the moniker has become known as the umbrella term for everything relating to the lifestyle, although it covers a whole other area that has nothing to do with sadism or masochism. With someone new to BDSM, it’s about discovery, exploring and finding what best fits the person.”
“And it can include pain-free elements?” Mav wanted to make sure he wasn’t going down a road he couldn’t turn back on.
“Yes, but it can also be pain-free at all times. It’s why discussions with a Dominant are important before anything else happens. All parties need to be on the same wavelength.”
Mav sniffed and fidgeted, unsure about asking his next question. “Does it need to happen at the club?”
Douglas exhaled. “No. I would recommend whoever you choose as the Dominant checks out and other people are aware of the situation in case anything happens. But generally, BDSM can happen anywhere.”
Mav’s shoulders dropped. He didn’t want to go to the club until he knew whether it was something he’d like. Being exposed to all those people while he was new and unsure sounded like hell.
“I could recommend someone to guide you through it if you want?” Mav glanced up at him, noticing a small crease between his eyebrows. His heart hammered at Douglas’s next words. “Or I can teach you myself.”
****
Chapter 10
Douglas
Douglas wanted nothing more than to teach Maverick everything he could about everything he knew, but it was more important Maverick felt comfortable with the person who would be his Dominant. Because of their working relationship, Maverick might say it was not right, but Douglas hoped he’d agree.
It also brought to light the reminder Douglas needed to come clean about the massage the other day.
“Actually, before you answer, I need to talk to you about something. It would be better if you knew about it before you decide.”
“What?” Maverick’s fingers fiddled with the case of the tablet.
Douglas uncrossed his legs and placed his cup on the table between them, then leaned his arms on his knees. As a man, he wanted to shy away from the potential animosity from Maverick, but as a Dominant, he knew he needed to face this head-on. He lifted his gaze to Maverick’s.
“When I gave you the head massage the other day, I should’ve asked you before I touched your hand for more than what the massage required.” Maverick frowned at him. “Do you remember me pressing against the base of your thumb?” He showed the action on his own hand and waited for Maverick to nod. He swallowed hard. “That was all I should’ve done, but I couldn’t resist touching your palm, and I should have.” He shook his head and glanced down, cursing himself silently again.
“I don’t understand.”
Douglas sighed. “You gave me permission to touch you for a massage for your migraine. The touches to your palm were because I couldn’t resist how sensitive you were to being touched. It was wrong of me to do it without your consent. It’s a big part of my training and my lifestyle. I should’ve asked you first, and I didn’t. I’m sorry.”
Douglas watched Maverick run his knuckles over his mouth, gaze on the floor. He didn’t want to plead his case any longer because he couldn’t sway Maverick’s mind. Maverick needed to make the choice himself, to decide whether he trusted Douglas anymore.
Abruptly, Maverick stood, striding to the window, and stared out into the sunlit garden. He crossed his arms over his chest, but Douglas could see he was trembling. Was he scared or angry? Several minutes passed. Douglas allowed him time to go through all the information he’d given him, including the incriminating evidence about Douglas. He hoped he’d get the opportunity to show Maverick what he was missing out on, but if he needed Douglas to find him someone else, he would find someone worthy of him.
Maverick faced him, and Douglas held his breath. The other man stepped closer, the distance between them narrowing, then Maverick did something Douglas never expected. He dropped to his knees by Douglas’s feet and rested his hands, palm upwards, on Douglas’s knees.
“Teach me,” Maverick whispered, eyes lowered.
Douglas inhaled shakily, overwhelmed by the trust Maverick was showing in him. Lifting his hands, he skimmed his middle fingers of each along Maverick’s skin from wrist to the end of his finger, receiving a tremble in return.
“It will be my pleasure.”
