Page 84 of Rogue Royal
“You’re more important than a job, Mav.”
“I know, I know.” He rolled his eyes and fiddled with the edge of the counter.
Douglas squeezed him and let him go. “You’ll figure it out. I have a surprise for you.”
Mav raised his eyebrows. “A surprise? What for?”
“Well, I know you were worried about me leaving you alone when I had to do my royal duties, so I’ve invited someone to keep you company.”
“Who?”
“You’ll see when we get there.” Douglas winked. “Are you ready?”
Mav exhaled. “As I’ll ever be.” He wasn’t. Not even remotely, but he’d be the best damn partner he could be, despite how scared he was.
Douglas held out his hand, threading their fingers together when Mav joined him and led him out of the room. This was the first time they would be in public as a couple, and although a few of the household staff had seen them holding hands, they still drew attention. Mav pretended they were staring at Douglas because it made it easier for him to breathe.
They wandered the corridors until they reached the exit. Douglas helped him into the Bentley—Mav had no idea what type it was—waiting for them and slid in beside him, retaking his hand once they were settled. Mav tried to settle his stomach by taking deep breaths, but his whole body trembled.
“Are you okay?” Mav nodded. “Words, Mav.”
“Yes, trying to remember how to breathe.” His smile was undoubtedly a little crazy, but he could see the crowds outside their venue through the front windscreen.
“Everything will be fine. I’ll be with you the whole way.”
Mav stared into Douglas’s crystal blue eyes, and everything inside him settled. At that moment, a song popped into his head—You and Iby One Direction—and he smiled, saving it for later when he could sing it to Douglas. The car came to a stop.
“Ready?” Douglas asked.
“Yes.”
The driver climbed out at Douglas’s nod and opened the door for them. Douglas slid out first, the flash of camera lights bright even before he exited. Mav could hear them calling Douglas’s name as he waved to them.
“Prince Douglas!”
“Your Highness!”
“What are your plans for the evening?”
“Have you brought a date with you?”
The last one brought Mav’s head up, and he swallowed hard as Douglas presented his hand for Mav to help him exit the car. He held tight and stepped into the bright lights and barrage of questions. Douglas pulled him to his side and wrapped an arm around his waist. Mav was helpless but to do the same. He was thankful Douglas’s bodyguard was with them.
Douglas leaned down. “Smile, sweetheart.”
Mav glanced at him, catching his smirk. “Shut up,” he said without moving his lips, except into a smile. He knew some people tried to work out what was being said by reading lips, so he knew to be careful.
They waved at the crowds, and Douglas made for the entrance when Mav’s gaze caught the few members of the public he could see.
“Don’t you need to meet your fans?” he asked.
“No, we can go straight in. I know you want to get out of here.”
Mav shook his head, stopping their forward movement. “Let’s go meet them.”
Douglas raised his eyebrows. “Are you sure?”
Mav dragged him over to the side with a smile. Douglas grinned back, then focused on the people who were waiting to see him. Douglas received several bouquets that he passed behind him to the assistant, who would take care of them during the event. Mav watched as Douglas crouched when he noticed a little girl with her face pressed to the barrier.
