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

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

Maybe not completely, but certainly more than I had to date. Part of me knew that Maya was going to enjoy this I

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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

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

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

idea of stealing a moment alone with her, away from

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

her face, a radiant sunrise

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

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

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

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

the sound

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

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to constantly swirl around us. I went to get dressed and by the time I was

began, my voice thick with something I couldn't quite

playful smile dancing

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

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 eyes away, clearing my throat roughly.

moment."