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.

happened before.’ Marcel’s voice sounds in

realising what I said I look away, knowing I’m blushing. We had once called on Corrado’s adorable cuteness to try to get Azura and Leo together

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

reach my bedroom pretty fast and quickly lock the

You ran again, Winona.

Like always.

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 fix things.

to go shower and get

put on some pants and a white 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 from Marcel’.

what are you doing?’ I ask through the

are going to cook dinner.’ She

I ask, quickly brushing

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

course, right away!’

my ear against Phoenix’s nursery door and smile.

downstairs, my

step into the kitchen, freezing when I see none other

hey Winona.” Azura says with a smug wink, she’s wearing a kaftan over her swimsuit, and I realise she totally planned this… “I like the

I chose khaki

“Uh…”

and changed.” Azura says, smiling sweetly.

my Luna, even when

the door after her and Corrado, leaving me alone once

their way.” Marcel says

does make nice

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 and watch Marcel return to

suddenly. I glance up

My favourite food…

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

and I see that small s*xy smirk cross his

pretty well.” He says before he turns

mean to. I hear the tap come on as I begin to peel the

I try to make

as the smell of tea fills my nose and my heart s*ips a beat when I see him making me a cup of

up and I glance at the cup he’s

say quickly, slicing the potato in my hand clumsily.

in seconds and when he takes my hand, I

his lips, taking my bleeding finger into his mouth. My eyes fly open, my cheeks flushing as he sucks on my fingertip.

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

his hold. His eyes are

it’s better now.” I whisper,

it. My

it heal. He moves away and I close my eyes, exhaling slowly. I hear the light clink of a cup

I say softly, reaching

myself staring at his back. The tea isn’t as hot as you…

away and get back to cutting

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

doing, and I don’t miss

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