chapter 2

"what? Anika ask sniffing

"what was that about? Betty ask

"it's nothing"

"well it looks like something because I saw how you couldn't take your eyes of my brother"

"he is brother?

"yeah he is my eldest brother, and the most. difficult"

"Oh" Anika said slowly

"so are you interested in him"

"uh? no no "

"huh-uh I thought you will be interested in him cause he had not been on a date since 5 years now can you believe it ?. I often wonder if he wants to die a recluse" Betty said disappointed

Anika look at her new friend "you know he might have a reason "

"yeah he could not talk you know due an incident but he finally start talking last year and it had been a challenge for him" Betty said bitting the bottom of her lips

" you know if you give him sometime he may start dating again" Anika said trying to console her friend

"I know but his birthday is next tomorrow so am planning to hook him up with some one and Victor is helping me"

Anika smile she has nothing to say but she wondered why he decided to remain a recluse when he could have any girl he want.

"Am sorry if I embarrassed you at dinner" Anika said trying not to blush when she remembered the handsome guy she saw at the dining.

"it's okay ,it was fun to see you staring at my brother and then choking when you got caught"

Anika hide her face and release it as they began to talk about something else soon they were lost in their conversation as they laugh and giggle .

*#*#*. *#*#*. *#*#*

Harold look at his watch , He told his parents he has a lot of work to do so he left then pause at his sister room to kiss her good night but couldn't find her so he turn to the direction of his room but stop as he heard laughter from the room

*so you left him after he ate your fries*

*yes I mean who will grab his girlfriend fries and eat as if he was hungry at their date*

Betty said and they burst into laughter until one of them began to cough. Then he chooses the opportunity to enter he but pause when he saw Anika coughing and Betty patting on her back trying to calm her down just then he remembered the event that happened earlier how she embarrassed herself in the front of everyone.

when they turn to see him standing staring at them. Harold walk towards his

sister and lean to kiss his sister on her head which left Anika feeling awkward as she had never been kissed before either by her mother or any body else.

"Good night Betty "

"good night bro . wait this is my friend Anika"

"Hi " Anika wave at him shyly. But Harold did not respond instead he looked at her then to her expose leg before giving her a cheap look then he turn without saying a word.

"Am sorry for that"

"it's okay I understand".

That was all Harold could hear before heading to his room . he had seen gold diggers and people who pretend they are friends to his sister in other to get close to him . He had fall for that before and risk the life of his family especially his grandma who was murdered in the front of him but this time he will not let that happen. not again.

He went inside his room and dialed a number

"check her details" he said and hang up.

He brought out his laptop and begin to do some research .

Harold is a medical student he is in his final year and also the sole heir of his father companies which will be given to him once he graduate. His family right from his forefathers had been a mafia and they pass it to the men of their family so Harold being the Lord of the whole mafia leaders in the country he and his brother,dad and other male in the family do go on an operations while the girls spend their time shopping or doing other things which is not in any way related to mafia. His father is also under him this is because he is not as strong or as ruthless as he is.

His phone click then he picked it up it was one of his men whom he told to check her details. he read the message carefully then pause when he heard her father died but continue reading until he was through with reading

He dailed the same number

"Tell skull to meet me tomorrow" he said and hang up .Tomorrow is his graduation ceremony and he knows his enemies are waiting to attack him.

Anika wake up she stretch herself before turning to see Betty who is still fast asleep she look at the time it was 5:00am . she need to go

"Betty I'm going" she said tapping Betty

"okay see you in school" Betty replied sleepily

Anika dressed and head down stairs.

She pause when she saw Harold and his dad having an early breakfast. she hesitated before greeting them. When the older man raise his eyes on her she felt she have seen him before

"Good morning sir"

"Hey Anika right?

she nod glancing at Harold who was busy with his food

"join us"

Anika sat down and began to eat as she didn't eat last night she was really hungry . After eating she stand to leave.

"um.... Harold will take you home" he said not sparing his son a glance. Anika sense the discomfort in Harold eyes then try to convince him she could trek since her house is just few kilometers away and she don't want to be near him because the mere mention of his name do things to her body.

"nonsense he can drop you" he said dismissively.

Harold stand to leave and Anika follow him waving and bidding Thomas Harold's dad goodbye

As they went into the garage Harold pull out one of the most expensive sport cars ever . Again Anika was awestruck. she didn't notice she was looking at the car until Harold cleared his throat to gain her attention.

"oh right" she said as she enter inside the car still staring at the interior until her eyes collide with his .

"will you stop acting weird and put on your seat belt" Harold said irritated

"yeah sure" she said trying to put on the seat belt that looks different from the ones she is use to.

Her breath stop when he lean to help her with her sit belt . she inhale his fragrance he smell wonderful she lean more towards him. when he was through with it he turn to look at her . which left their face a inch apart .

Anika could hear the sound of her heart as he look at her lips , she had never been this close with a man throughout twenty - one years of her life. she try to lean back but couldn't because it looks like she has been magneted where she is .but he pull away to her relief and then start car which after a 30 minutes drive he drop at the front of her house . Anika wonder how he knows of her home address.

she come out from the car and watch as his car zoom off then turn to see people staring at her still wondering why the stare she walk into the house which smell of loneliness