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

lips. Her scent a heady mix of florals and something uniquely hers filled

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 way Ari was still screaming and fighting the

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with 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

surprised even me. Morgan leaned in, surprising me with

should find a time to see

alone with her, away from prying eyes and

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

slow smile spread across her face, a radiant sunrise that chased away the shadows

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

sparked a delicious heat in my core. But one look from Maya, the knowing smile turning to a smirk on her lips, quashed

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

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

sound light and

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

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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 creaked open, and Morgan emerged, a vision in emerald. The robe, one of

thick with

a playful smile dancing on

managed, my voice a low rumble. Heat flared in my cheeks, mirroring the blush that crept up hers under my intense gaze. "And anything of mine

on her neck and everywhere else, smell the fresh clean scent of her, and tangle my fingers in her curls. I

moment."