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.’ Marcel’s voice sounds in

he’s playing cupid.’ I reply, then 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 and now she is using the same technique right back

I’m going to go!” I say and I make a run for it, grateful for how fast I manage to escape, fast enough that

my bedroom pretty fast and quickly lock the door behind

You ran again, Winona.

Like always.

s*upid, and I’m not even sure what I’m doing. Leo gave us his blessing, but after pushing

to go shower and

short while later and I’ve 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,

are you doing?’ I

going to cook dinner.’ She says,

Rosaline?” I ask, quickly brushing my hair and tying it into

you’re done hiding, want to come join us? We could really use some

of course, right away!’ I say

against Phoenix’s nursery

hurry downstairs, my

and masculine… I step into the kitchen, freezing when

Winona.” Azura says with a smug wink, she’s wearing a kaftan over her swimsuit, and I realise she

chose khaki pants… Marcel is wearing khaki-coloured

“Uh…”

get you showered and changed.” Azura says, smiling sweetly. “Winona, mind

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

and Corrado, leaving me alone once again with

on getting their way.” Marcel says as he

does make nice

bowl and fill it up with potatoes. I can feel his eyes on me

food?” He asks me suddenly. I glance up

My favourite food…

see the disappointment 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 have picked up. “But I

s*xy smirk cross his face and it makes my own heart

actually suits you pretty well.” He says before he turns

my smile, happy I didn’t upset him; I don’t mean to. I hear the tap

I try

when I see him making me a cup of tea. Lately, since the

I glance at the cup he’s

quickly, slicing the potato in my hand clumsily.

seconds and when he

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

comes, making my stomach knot. I know it does… but the way his tongue swirls around my

bite my lip, unable to tug my hand out of his hold. His eyes are locked with

now.” I whisper, my

and examines it. My own gaze falls to his

away and I close my eyes, exhaling slowly. I hear the light clink

say

hot.” He winks and walks off, and I find myself staring

and 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

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

She’s staring up at me with those big eyes and her juicy

the