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 was burning up with need, seeing her wield the

almost casually lit a fire 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 that Maya was

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

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

should find a time to

alone with her, away

out before I could stop them.

across her face, a radiant sunrise that chased away the

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

lingered on the closed door for 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 one look from

than to

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

sound

Your Highness," she said. "The coronation will be here before you know it, and

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Morgan, away from the pressures and expectations that seemed to constantly swirl around us. I went to get dressed

my voice thick with something I couldn't

offered, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "I

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

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

moment."