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.

like this has happened before.’ Marcel’s

I reply, then realising what I said I look away, knowing I’m blushing. We had once called on Corrado’s adorable cuteness to

and I make a run for it, grateful for how fast I manage to escape,

fast and quickly lock the

You ran again, Winona.

Like always.

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,

go

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

are you doing?’

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

Where is Rosaline?” I ask, quickly brushing my hair and

want to come join us? We could really use some

course, right away!’ I say

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

downstairs, my

the kitchen, freezing when

kaftan over her swimsuit, and I realise she totally planned

I chose khaki pants… Marcel is wearing khaki-coloured

“Uh…”

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

I say. I can’t disobey my Luna, even when

after her and Corrado, leaving me alone once again with Marcel. Luckily this time I’m dressed, although I still

Marcel says as he puts

make nice

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

favourite food?” He asks me suddenly. I

My favourite food…

reply. I see the disappointment in his eyes, and I know it’s because he thinks I don’t want to share,

that small s*xy smirk cross

actually suits you pretty well.” He

to. I hear the tap

I try to

nose and my heart s*ips a beat when I see him making me a cup of tea.

glance

potato in my hand clumsily. I

knife. He’s next to me in seconds and when he takes my

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

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

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

I whisper, my voice coming out far too

mouth and examines it. My own

slowly placing my hand on the counter, and I look down 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

you,” I say softly, reaching for

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

away and get back to cutting the

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

she is doing, and I don’t miss the

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

is the cutest baby