The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 54

CH54

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

crackled with unspoken desire, a potent current that had me leaning in, my gaze locked on Morgan's flushed cheeks and parted lips. Her scent a heady mix of

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 that Maya was going to enjoy this I opened the door and welcomed Maya in, ignoring the

CH54

a knowing smile. I scowled at her. She beamed at me, gamely. I knew I shouldn't be so disappointed 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 hung unanswered as I took her hand,

voice gruff but laced with a possessiveness that surprised even me. Morgan leaned in, surprising me with a soft kiss on

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

her, away from prying eyes and pressing duties,

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

face, a radiant sunrise that

breathed, and then she was gone, disappearing

long. The thought of following her, of joining her in the cool sanctuary of the bathroom, sparked a delicious heat in my core. But one look from Maya, the knowing smile turning to a smirk on her lips, quashed the impulsive notion. With a defeated sigh, I slumped into a chair, the frustration bubbling

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

happy until I took Morgan far, far away from them. The retreat to the fairy pools was looking

sound light and

be here before you know it, and then you'll have plenty of time

CH54

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

I began, my voice thick with something

offered, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

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

fresh clean scent of her, and tangle my fingers in her curls. I licked my lips. She jumped. I supposed I made a

moment."