Alpha Leo and the Heart of Fire

Beautiful Bond Ch. 2

Ch. 2 – RUN

WINONA.

I splutter when I break the surface of the water, my cheeks burning with humiliation. Marcel is here! Right here and I’m in this swimsuit! I only wore it because I knew Leo won’t be home until late and no one else was around!

Now he’s standing there, looking down at me as if I’m for real and I am! I try to get out of the water, but I’m panicking, and my hand slips and I almost tumble back into the pool again but he catches hold of me, crouching down by the pool in those faded khaki pants and that black snug- fitting top that shows of how enviable his body is. A few strands of his unruly hair fall in front of his face as he looks down at me.

Oh, he’s so handsome…

My mind goes blank at his closeness and the way those dark eyes are burning into me, and I’m unable to even argue when he lifts me out of the pool.

I instantly find my footing and step away, tugging at the skirt of my swimsuit as I look anywhere but into those chocolate- coloured eyes.

He exhales, and I feel a sliver of guilt.

“I didn’t peg you as clumsy.” He says and from the corner of my eyes I see him cross his bulging arms over his chest.

“You alarmed me.” I say, feeling his intense gaze on me.

We haven’t talked in weeks, since for the most part, I avoid him. Leo’s words from the Blood Moon are always playing on my mind, but I’m scared to make the first move.

He wants me… but he shouldn’t want me! I’m not worthy of him.

I bravely look up at him, only to see his eyes are on my legs. My cheeks burn and I press them together, wishing the ground would split open and swallow me whole.

“Right.” He says and we’re left here awkwardly…

“Umm… I think I’m going to go and change.” I say, nodding fervently.

“Sure.” He says but doesn’t make any move to head inside.

There is no way I’m going to walk in front of him like this.

“Lead the way?” I suggest. He c*cks a brow and shakes his head. ”Your home. You should lead the way.”

He’s doing it on purpose…

“I’m thinking I’ll actually swim for a bit.”

I lie, glancing back at the water.

Both his eyebrows shoot up this time and I know I’m making a fool of myself.

“Oh really? Well, you know what, the weather is pretty nice…”

My eyes widen when he turns back to the pool, and I stare at him in horror. “You aren’t going to swim, right?” I ask quickly.

Oh no, that’s me being rude, I shouldn’t have asked. If he wants to swim, I’m sure he’s more than welcome.

“Do you want me to?” He challenges.

I open my mouth to speak when my throat goes dry as he reaches for the hem of his shirt. I need to leave! But before I can make a dash, the door opens and Corrado steps out. He’s wearing a pair of shades now as he clutches his milkshake and from the smile on his face, I know he’s up to something.

“Oh, Grandad! Come on, you must join us for a swim! Winnie! Can you teach me again?” He asks. I love this child, however… it oddly feels like déjà vu… I glance at Marcel who is watching me.

before.’ Marcel’s voice sounds in

I’m blushing. We had once called on Corrado’s adorable cuteness to try to get Azura and Leo together and now she

grateful for how fast I manage to escape, fast enough that Corrado is unable to protest. I’m sorry little

fast and quickly lock the door

You ran again, Winona.

Like always.

down at the locked door, I rest my forehead against the cool wood of the door. I’m useless and s*upid, and I’m not even sure what I’m doing. Leo gave us his blessing, but after pushing him away, I have no idea how to even

decide to go shower

blouse. He must be gone by now, I’m certain of it. I’m tempted to ask Azura, but she has shown no sympathy or support in ‘Operation Hiding

are you doing?’ I ask through

me and Corrado are going to cook dinner.’ She says, making

brushing my hair

gave her the evening off. If you’re done hiding, want to come join us? We could really use

right

the room, I quickly rest my ear against Phoenix’s nursery

hurry downstairs, my heart

lingers. It’s… so enticing, heady, and masculine… I step into the kitchen, freezing when I see none other than

wearing a kaftan over her swimsuit, and I realise she totally planned

realise I chose khaki pants… Marcel is wearing

“Uh…”

says, smiling sweetly. “Winona, mind peeling and slicing the potatoes for

Luna, even when she’s conspiring against

Corrado, leaving me alone once again with Marcel. Luckily this time

way.” Marcel says as he puts the kettle

does make nice

thank you.” I say before I quickly take a bowl and fill it up with potatoes. I can feel his eyes on me and my stomach flutters as I quickly go back to the counter

me suddenly. I glance

My favourite food…

thinks I don’t want to share, and I look down

looks up and I see that small s*xy smirk cross his face

pretty well.” He says

upset him; I don’t mean to. I hear the tap come on as I

I try to make

of tea fills my nose and my heart s*ips a beat when I see him making me a cup of tea. Lately, since the Blood Moon, my sense of smell is extremely strong too. I wonder if I try to

I glance at

in my hand clumsily.

says, making me drop the knife. He’s next to me in seconds and

his lips, taking my bleeding finger into his mouth. My eyes fly open,

saliva heals.’ His deep voice comes, making my stomach knot. I know it does… but the way his tongue swirls around my finger makes my core clench and

his hold.

now.” I whisper, my voice

mouth and examines it. My own gaze falls to

I look down at my finger, watching it heal. He moves away and I close my eyes, exhaling slowly. I hear the

you,” I say softly, reaching

I find myself staring

look away and get

conversation

is doing, and I don’t miss

the lounge. She’s staring up at me with those big eyes and her juicy cheeks make me just want to kiss her and

is the