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

locked on Morgan's flushed cheeks and parted lips. Her scent a heady mix of florals and something uniquely hers filled my senses. I

least another hour. Maybe not completely, but certainly more than I had to date. Part of me

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pang of disappointment

laced with a possessiveness that surprised even me. Morgan leaned in, surprising me with a soft kiss on the cheek.

We should find a time to see each other today,

with her, away from prying eyes and pressing duties, was incredibly

overlooking the west garden," I rumbled, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. "After your meeting? I can pick

a radiant sunrise that chased

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

a beat too long. The thought of following her, of joining her in the cool sanctuary of the bathroom, sparked a delicious heat in my core. But

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

far, far away from them.

chuckled, the sound light

will be here before you know it, and

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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

I began, my voice thick

offered, a playful smile dancing

Heat flared in my cheeks, mirroring the blush that crept

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

moment."