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 my

look away, knowing I’m blushing. We had once called on Corrado’s adorable cuteness to try to get Azura and Leo together and now she is using the same technique right back at

going to go!” I say and I make a run for it, grateful for how fast I manage to escape, fast enough that Corrado is unable to protest. I’m sorry little one I promise to make it

lock the door behind me, breathing a

You ran again, Winona.

Like always.

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

I decide to go shower

now, I’m certain of it. I’m tempted to ask Azura, but she has shown no sympathy or support in ‘Operation Hiding from

you doing?’ I ask

Corrado are going to cook dinner.’ She

quickly brushing my hair and tying it into

evening off. If you’re done hiding, want to come join us? We could really use some help; I have no

of course, right

rest my ear against Phoenix’s nursery door

my heart fluttering

into the kitchen, freezing when I see none other than Marcel sprinkling some spices into

smug wink, she’s wearing a kaftan over her swimsuit, and I realise she totally

look down and realise I chose khaki pants… Marcel is wearing

“Uh…”

let’s get you showered and changed.” Azura says, smiling sweetly. “Winona,

I can’t disobey my Luna, even when she’s

says, shutting the door after her and Corrado, leaving me alone once

way.” Marcel says as

does make

it up with potatoes. I can feel his eyes on me and my stomach flutters as I quickly go back

asks me suddenly. I

My favourite food…

know it’s because he thinks I don’t want to share, and I

smirk cross his face and

you pretty well.” He says before

smile, happy I didn’t upset him; I don’t mean to. I hear the tap come on as I begin to peel the potatoes and

I try

as the smell 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

I glance at

the potato in my hand clumsily. I gasp, feeling the sharp knife

Marcel says, making me drop the knife. He’s next to me in seconds and when he takes my hand,

finger into his mouth. My eyes fly open, my cheeks flushing

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

tug my hand out of his hold. His eyes are locked with mine and

it’s better now.” I whisper, my voice coming

and examines it. My own gaze falls to his neck, and I swallow hard, looking

at my finger, watching it heal. He moves away and I close my eyes, exhaling slowly. I hear the light clink of a cup being placed down and open my eyes in

say

and walks off, and I find myself staring at his back. The tea isn’t as hot

look away and get back to cutting

distracted by him. Azura and Corrado kept the conversation going and now I was holding Phoenix whilst Azura had once again snuck away to put Corrado to bed, leaving me alone

doing, and I don’t miss the amusement in

sigh softly as I carry little Phoenix to the lounge. She’s staring up at me with those big eyes and her juicy cheeks make

the cutest