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

Her scent a heady mix of florals and something uniquely hers filled my senses. I was burning up with need, seeing her wield the

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

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or irritated about it. Maya's interruption was a relief, unwelcome and 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 me with its intensity. I looked back at Morgan, finding her eyes apologetic. She seemed to be breathless. Was I breathless too? The question

replied, my voice gruff but laced with a possessiveness that surprised even me. Morgan leaned in, surprising me with a soft kiss on the cheek. The touch, fleeting though it was, sent a jolt

a whisper. We should find

stealing a moment alone with her, away from prying eyes and

words tumbling out before I could stop them. "After your meeting? I

face, a radiant

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

of joining her in the cool sanctuary of the bathroom, sparked a delicious heat in my core. But one look from Maya, the

than to Maya. "We're supposed to be enjoying

one in the palace was going to be happy until I took Morgan far, far away from them. The retreat

sound light and

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

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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

thick with something I couldn't

it okay?" she offered, a playful smile dancing on

the

inadequate. I wanted to tell my father 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 licked my lips. She jumped. I supposed I made a sound. Quickly, I tore my

moment."