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

that had me leaning in, my gaze locked on Morgan's flushed cheeks and parted lips. Her scent a heady mix

in me that I couldn't 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

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relief nonetheless. Morgan wasn't ready, not yet. The thought sent a pang of disappointment through me, a physical ache that surprised me with its intensity. I looked back at Morgan, finding her eyes apologetic. She seemed to be breathless. Was I breathless too? The question hung unanswered as I took her hand, the warmth of her touch

surprised even me. Morgan leaned in, surprising me with

barely a whisper. We should find a time to see each other today,

away from prying eyes and pressing duties, was incredibly

I could stop them. "After your meeting? I

a radiant sunrise that chased away the

then she

in the cool sanctuary of the bathroom, sparked a delicious heat in my core. But one look from Maya, the knowing smile turning

I grumbled, more to myself than to

until I took Morgan far, far away from them. The retreat to the fairy pools was looking more and more appealing by

chuckled, the sound light and

will be here before you know it, and then you'll

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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

thick with something

a playful

finally managed, my voice a low rumble. Heat flared in my cheeks, mirroring the blush

everywhere else, smell the fresh clean scent of her, and tangle my fingers in her curls.

moment."