Alpha Leo and the Heart of Fire novel Chapter 129

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. 4

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.” 7

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. 1

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. 4

“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.

‘Seems like this has happened before.’ Marcel’s voice sounds in my head.

‘Yes… 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 at us!

“I think 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

Corrado is unable to protest.

I’m sorry little one I promise to make it

up to you!

I reach my bedroom pretty fast and

quickly lock the door behind me, breathing a huge sigh of relief.

You ran again, Winona.

Like always.

Looking down at the locked door, I 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 him away, I

have no idea how to even fix things. Do I even deserve him? 3

Sighing, I decide to go shower and get

dressed.

It’s a 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, but she has shown

no sympathy or support in ‘Operation

Hiding from Marcel’. In fact, she finds it

all amusing.

‘Hey Azura, what are you doing?’ I ask through the link.

‘Oh, me and Corrado are going to cook dinner.’ She says, making me worry. 2

‘Dinner? Where is Rosaline?” I ask,

quickly brushing my hair and tying it into

a ponytail.

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

I’m doing.’ She replies. 3

‘Oh of course, right away!’ I say quickly.

Leaving the room, I quickly rest my ear

against Phoenix’s nursery door and

smile. She’s still fast asleep.

I hurry downstairs, my heart fluttering as

Marcel’s scent lingers. It’s… so enticing, heady, and masculine…

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

some spices into a bowl.

“Oh, 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 pants.”

I look down and realise I chose khaki

pants… Marcel is wearing khaki-coloured

pants.

“Uh…”

“Come on Corrado, let’s get you

showered and changed.” Azura says, smiling sweetly. “Winona, mind peeling and slicing the potatoes for chips?”

“Sure.” I say.

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

conspiring against me. 1

“Perfect.” Azura says, shutting the door after her and Corrado, leaving me alone

once again with Marcel. Luckily this time

I’m dressed, although I still feel

extremely self-conscious.