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

my gaze locked on Morgan's flushed cheeks and parted lips. Her scent a heady mix of florals

more than I

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

replied, my voice gruff but laced with a possessiveness that surprised even me. Morgan leaned in, surprising me with a

We should find a time to

stealing a moment alone with her, away

west garden," I rumbled, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. "After your

spread across her face, a radiant sunrise that chased away the shadows of

and then she

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

moment's peace?" I grumbled, more to myself than to Maya. "We're supposed to be enjoying

took Morgan far, far away from

sound light and

here before you know it, and then you'll have

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with amusement. She giggled into her hand. I scowled at her, but a grudging smile tugged at the corner of my lips. She was right, of course. But a part of me still yearned for a moment now, a chance 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

thick with something I

okay?" she offered, a playful smile dancing

Heat flared in my cheeks, mirroring the blush that crept up

to 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

moment."