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

flushed cheeks and parted lips. Her scent

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 to enjoy this I opened the door and welcomed Maya in, ignoring the way Ari was still screaming and fighting the barrier Morgan had erected far enough from the

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wasn't ready, not yet. The thought sent a pang of disappointment

with a possessiveness that surprised even me. Morgan leaned in, surprising me

whisper. We should find

alone with her, away from prying

rumbled, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. "After your meeting? I can pick you up

across her face, a radiant sunrise

then she was

delicious heat in my core. But

we ever get a moment's peace?" I grumbled, more to myself than to Maya. "We're supposed

far, far away from them. The retreat to the fairy pools was looking more and more appealing

the sound

coronation will be here before you know it, and then you'll have plenty of time for...

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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 done, the bathroom door creaked open,

thick with something I

playful smile dancing

cheeks, mirroring the blush that crept up hers under my intense gaze. "And anything of mine

he would have 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

moment."