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.

this has happened before.’

I 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

manage to escape,

lock the door

You ran again, Winona.

Like always.

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

go shower

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

you doing?’

are going to cook dinner.’ She says, making

brushing my hair and tying it into a

join us? We could really use some help; I have no clue what

course, right away!’ I say

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

my

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

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

down and realise I chose khaki

“Uh…”

on Corrado, let’s get you showered and changed.” Azura says, smiling sweetly. “Winona, mind peeling and slicing the potatoes

can’t disobey my Luna, even when she’s conspiring against me.

says, shutting the door after her and Corrado, leaving me alone once again with Marcel. Luckily this time I’m

on getting their way.” Marcel says as

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

suddenly. I glance up and tilt my

My favourite food…

in his eyes, and I know it’s because he thinks I don’t want to share, and I look down at the potato I

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

well.” He says before he

him; I don’t mean to. I hear the tap come on as I begin to peel the potatoes and a

I try to make

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 Blood Moon,

up and I glance at the cup

clumsily. I gasp, feeling the sharp knife cut into my

me in seconds and when he takes my hand, I feel the sparks

gasp, my heart pounding and he raises my hand to his lips, taking my bleeding finger

comes, making my stomach knot. I know it does… but the way

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

better now.” I whisper, my voice coming out far

mouth and examines it. My own gaze falls to his neck, and I

my hand on the counter, and I look down at my finger, watching it heal. He moves away and I close my eyes,

say

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

get back to cutting

have all finished eating, it’s hard being in his presence without getting 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

know what she is doing, and I don’t miss

big eyes and her juicy cheeks make me just want to kiss her and squish her! In a good

the