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

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

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

bedroom pretty fast and quickly lock the door behind me,

You ran again, Winona.

Like always.

s*upid, and I’m not even sure what I’m doing. Leo gave us

to go shower and get

must be gone by now, I’m certain of it. I’m tempted to ask Azura, but she has shown no sympathy or support

doing?’ I ask through the

are going to cook dinner.’ She

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

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

course, right away!’ I

rest my ear against Phoenix’s nursery door and smile. She’s still fast

hurry downstairs, my heart fluttering

kitchen, freezing when

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

look down and realise I chose

“Uh…”

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

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

and Corrado, leaving me alone once again with

they’re hell-bent on getting their way.” Marcel says

does make nice

me and

your favourite food?” He asks me suddenly. I

My favourite food…

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

that small s*xy smirk cross

suits you pretty well.”

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

try

making me a cup of tea. Lately,

I glance

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

to me in seconds and when he takes my

hand to his lips, taking my bleeding finger into his mouth. My eyes fly open, my

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

to tug my hand out of his hold. His eyes

whisper, my voice

My own

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

say softly,

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

away and get back to

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

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

Phoenix to the lounge. She’s staring up at me with those big eyes and her

is the