The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 54

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Morgan

Relief washed over me, momentarily pushing aside the flurry of emotions Tsuneo's words and gaze had evoked. Thank goodness for Maya's timely interruption. The intimacy of the moment had escalated quickly, and I wasn't sure I was entirely ready for where it might have led.

"Thank you, Maya," I called back, projecting my voice through the outer chamber door. My voice was slightly breathless. "I'll get ready quickly."

I glanced at Tsuneo, a hint of apology in my eyes. His expression was unreadable, but a flicker of something akin to disappointment crossed his features.

"Of course," Maya replied.

Taking a deep breath, I rose from the bed, smoothing out the wrinkles in my robe. The playful fight from earlier seemed a lifetime ago, overshadowed by the unexpected turn of events.

"It seems like... the day has to start."

Tsuneo's lips twitched. "It seems like."

"Shall we?" I asked Tsuneo, offering him my hand.

He took it, his touch sending a familiar warmth through me.

"We shall," he replied, his voice low and enigmatic Tsuneo

a potent current that had me leaning in, my gaze locked on Morgan's flushed cheeks and parted lips. Her scent a heady mix of florals and something uniquely hers filled my senses. I was burning up with need, seeing her wield the

explain or ignore. Did we really have to start the day right now? Part of me knew that if Maya hadn't interrupted, I could have had Morgan beneath me for at least another hour. Maybe not completely, but certainly more than I had to date. Part of me knew that Maya was going

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a relief nonetheless. Morgan wasn't ready, not yet. The thought sent a pang of disappointment through me, a physical ache that surprised me

surprised even me. Morgan leaned in, surprising me with a soft kiss on the cheek. The touch, fleeting though it was, sent

her voice barely a whisper. We should

with her, away from prying eyes and

tumbling out before I could stop them.

slow smile spread across her face, a radiant sunrise that chased away

sounds perfect," she breathed, and then she was gone, disappearing into

a delicious heat in my core. But one look from Maya, the knowing smile turning to a smirk on her lips, quashed the impulsive notion. With a

get a moment's peace?" I grumbled, more to myself than

away

the sound light and

you know it, and

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to explore this newfound connection with Morgan, away from the pressures and expectations that seemed to constantly swirl around us. I went to get dressed and by the time I was done, the bathroom door creaked open, and Morgan emerged, a vision in emerald. The robe, one of my own that I had never worn, pooled around her like liquid emerald, catching the morning light and shimmering with an inner glow. For a moment, I forgot to breathe, my frustration melting

I began, my voice thick with something I couldn't

a playful smile dancing on her lips. "I

a low rumble. Heat flared in my cheeks, mirroring the blush that crept up hers under my intense gaze. "And anything of

wait. I wanted to taste the dampness on her neck and everywhere else, smell the fresh clean scent of her, and tangle my fingers in her curls. I licked my lips. She jumped. I supposed I made a sound. Quickly, I tore my eyes away, clearing my throat roughly. "We

moment."