Leo Rossi: The Rise of a True Alpha (The Rossi Legacies Book 2)
Precious Bonds Chapter 11

KAREENA.

My heart is pounding violently, almost as if it will jump out of my chest, and I turn away from the window.

He can see me...

Just the thought sends my entire body into a frenzy. I'm nervous, it's weird how I can feel so but I don't try to cover myself as I continue to towel my hair.

He's still watching me, his gaze burning into my back and only when I'm done drying myself do I walk away from the window.

He wants me... just as I want him... that's something I can no longer deny. Even if it does feel crazily surreal to me. It is the truth.

Tilting my head, I look at the white and nude bustier I had chosen to wear... It's a little. daring.

I pull on some sexy panties before I squeeze into my skinny jeans and put on the top.

Ok, so I look like I'm an open invitation saying 'come get me', which I kind of am right now. I pull it up over my breast.

I pull my brown hair up in a messy yet sexy bun and quickly apply some makeup. Once my nails are painted, I look at the green shade I had chosen. They match a certain eye colour I've come to love...

I pick up a chain necklace, put it on and leave my room. Leo and Azura will be here soon.

The sound of Shane's laughter reaches my ears as I make my way downstairs and I turn to the lounge, spotting Jax and Shane now sitting on the floor. Well, Jax is lying down with Shane clambering over him. Handsome isn't the word I'd use to describe Jax. He's hot, sexy, and just raw. If that even makes sense.

He's wearing a white shirt with khaki-coloured pants, and I can't deny that I'm checking him out from every angle...

But more than that, the scene warms me. He has been here for Shane since he was born, back when I was barely coping and someone was always staying with me, Jax was the one who spent the majority of his time here. Those nights I refused to even let anyone take care of Shane even though I had expressed, Jax was the one who got me to listen...

The things he's done from the start... the coffee he'd make me without being asked... the cleaning when he didn't need to... The groceries he'd grab although I never ask.

The doorbell rings and I jump, startled, and turn to the door. I see Jax smirk and wonder if he had sensed me watching him.

I walk to the front door and pull it open, only to see Leo with his tongue down Azura's throat.

"I'll leave the door open for when you're done," I say with an amused smile, turning away when Jax comes out of the lounge.

His face is serious as he looks over me, his eyes glimmering as he locks eyes with me for a moment and my heart hammers.

"You're playing a dangerous game, sweetheart,' he says through the link. His voice is dangerously deep and it sends a shiver of pleasure through me.

'I have no idea what you mean! I reply, turning my back on him, but I know my ass is something that will catch his attention.

I know exactly what he means.

He walks over to me and clears his throat. "Are you two done?" He says, making the couple break apart.

"Not really," Leo says, gripping Azura's face and planting one last kiss on her lips.

"You didn't bring the kids?" I askwhen they part and Azura pulls away and gives me a hug.

"No, Phoenix was sleeping, and Corrado said it's going to be boring," she says with an amused smile and shakes her head. "That kid is getting spunky."

"He sure is. He's growing up." I reply, leading the way to the lounge after Leo gives me a one-armed hug.

"Shaney Waney, my cutie patootie!" Azura coos as she rushes to Shane and scoops him up.

We're blessed to have so many people looking out for us. I leave them to it as I go to get the table set up...

Ten minutes later, I have everything on it. Azura offered to help, but I told her to go sit down.

I'm grabbing the final tray when I sense Jax enter, his scent is enough to make me feel nervous.

Why do I feel so jittery?

That moment in the alleyway...

"Need any help?" He asks.

I shake my head as I turn to him, his gaze instantly falling to my breasts before they fall to my nails.

"Nice colour..." he says before looking back into my eyes. For a second, it's almost like he wants to say more, but he doesn't.

Is it just me, or is he quieter? Did what happened last time throw him?

A part of me wonders if he thinks it was a mistake, but a larger part of me is unable to believe that. There is no way.. after all, the way he's looking at me right now...

The sound of Shane laughing loudly jolts us out of our thoughts, and I brush my fringe back.

"Could you tell them to come to the dining room? I'm all done." I say, not meeting his eyes. "Sure."

He leaves and I frown slightly, yeah something is definitely up.

Dinner commences, and Azura does the most talking. I'm trying to take part, but although Jax is beside me, there's this huge elephant in the room.

"So, you two sorted your shit out?" Leo asks, his voice as cold as always.

Leo is just that person you can be in the room with, and even though you know he won't hurt you, you know he is capable of doing so. He is equally dangerous as he is sharp. But he's always been there for me, too. *"We can handle ourselves. You don't need to worry." Jax replies.

"Yeah, I can fucking see how well," Leo counters.

Azura tests her chin in her palm, observing us with her huge eyes.

"Maybe we should tie them together to a bed, with just enough room so they can undress one another. would that work?" she asks Leo.

And I know she's not on about us sorting stuff out, but if it was a possibility to have us tied, yet still able to get down and dirty. This woman.

"We don't need to be tied together to get us to fuck. Don't meddle, we got this shit. So how come you came down today?" Jax asks.

"Do they need to have a reason?" I ask, not wanting them to feel they have imposed when they haven't.

"Yeah, they damn do." He counters, frowning at his friend.

"We wanted to check up on you both, especially after the club but I don't think we have any reason to be concerned," Leo says, his cold eyes looking at the both of us.

What does that even mean?

"Good to know," Jax says pointedly and I know they're mind-linking.

Leo smirks before he sits back and raises his glass to Jax.

"Hey, you two, don't talk without us, it's not good manners." Azura scolds, looking at them suspiciously.

"I never knew we fucking cared about manners," Leo says arrogantly, gripping her throat as he kisses her.

I look down, daring not to look at Jax.

"When they part, Azura clears her throat. "Well, the food is delicious Kareena." Azura compliments me and I look up. She's blushing a little at something Leo probably mind- linked to her. "Yeah, it tastes good," Jax says. I glance at him, but he's frowning slightly, not looking at me.

Something is wrong.

We continue eating. Azura and I begin talking about the kiddies after dinner. Azura states she is helping me clear up whether I want her to or not.

The moment she firmly shuts the door to the kitchen, once the both of us are inside, I know I'm done for.

She is a woman on a mission.

She smirks at me, and I can't help but smile back, despite feeling a little nervous.

"You're planning something," I say, raising my eyebrows at her.

"Oh, nothing at all," she says as she begins loading the dishwasher.

"Mhmm," I don't believe her.

"The tension between you two is insane, you know... if you want him, just take him. He won't be able to say no, just turn the lights down low and ride him like a pony." She hums, making my cheeks burn. "It's not like that!" I deny, in a hushed protest.

"Isn't it? I think you guys have finally realised it is exactly like that.

Good luck, we're going to leave soon and I'm taking your spare key.

I'll be stealing Shane in the morning so you two can sleep in or keep fucking until you drop." She snickers.

"Nothing is happening!" I exclaim, poking my eyes out at her.

"Girl, you're dressed to impress and if I was single, I'd do you. Stop denying it, you want something!" she says, making me give her another look.

Ok, maybe the outfit was a bit much and obviously damn obvious.

"And 1 can tell that Jax is going to love playing with those boobies. He couldn't keep his eyes off you."

"You are something else," I say, unable to stop myself from laughing slightly.

She tilts her head. "Of course, I am. I am the Westwood/Rossi Devil, but never mind me. I do hope you have trimmed the garden, cus Jax is going to want to feast!" she cackles. Goddess, this woman!

"Azura! Seriously!" I say, my cheeks burning.

She snickers. "What am I worrying about? I'm sure, bushy or not, he is going to go down with full force!"

"Azura!" I glare at her, but she simply snickers away.

"You're ready for him. Just follow your heart Kar... you're a queen.

Don't forget that."

Am I?

We talk as we clean and I'm glad the conversation has changed, but I can't help but worry about how he seems a little silent tonight.

After cleaning up, I get Shane to bed as he's beginning to get a little agitated. He's almost asleep when Azura's voice fills my head.

*Well, we're leaving. Thanks for having us. Now let Jax have a piece of you. Luna's orders!' she snickers.

"Night, Azura!"

She laughs and I shake my head, placing Shane down, and I hear the front door shut.

It's just the two of us...

I suddenly feel nervous and begin picking up Shane's toys.

I know I'm wasting time and only when I know I can't delay any longer do I leave the bedroom. The house is silent and for a moment I wonder if he's left. My heart thumps as I look into the lounge, the study, the kitchen.

He's not here...

"Looking for someone?" his low deep voice comes from behind me, making me jump.

My heart thumps as I slowly turn and see him leaning against the wall.

"Fuck! You scared me. Where were you?" I ask, placing a hand on my chest.

He smirks "Around." He winks at me.

He walks towards me and I step back, my back hitting the stair rails, and I look up at him as he cages me between his arms as looks down at me.

"What's on your mind?" I ask quietly.

This closeness is driving me nuts.

"Right now? You."