chapter 8

Anika watch with keen interest as Sam and Betty flirt with each other. They look cute together she thought but her joy was short-lived when the sound of gunshot was heard Sam tried to reach her but the Crowd who was running for the safety of their lives knock her down she tried to stand up but she couldn't ,she silently pray she make it alive as if her pray was answered some one help her and it was no one but Harold he carried her in a bridal style and help her out of the Crowd who have lessen but the sound of gun shot could be heard all around.

she buried her face in Harold's neck then he took her to his car . she was so afraid that she was trembling so much she watch the window to see blood on the floor, she wonder were if her cousin and Betty are okay. Harold entered the car and begin to drive but Anika was too lost to know . she came back when she heard the horn of the car ,she look to find out she was at Harold mansion . Bad memories stir up again adding to the ones in her head. she let out a small shout when she felt Harold's hand lifting her up as if she weighs nothing. she stared at his face which was as calm and innocent as ever, she wish she was that calm but no! she was really troubled all she could think of is the scene that happened a few minutes ago.

Her back land on a soft bed and she look at Harold who was busy making sure her head is well balanced on the pillow. when he caught her staring then look away , murmuring something before leaving .

When he returns with the pill she was already asleep ,so he drop the drug on the side table. and put the cover around her

He shook his head as he looks at her stressed face. He called his brother to make sure his sister and her friend are home safely .After confirmation from him, he turn and walk away.

*. *. *. *. *. *

Anika wake up in an unfamiliar room , she look around then the memory of what happened hit her. she slowly climb out of the bed and walk down the stairs to the kitchen but she pause when she saw Harold making dinner . she did not know how long she has been staring at him but she flushed when he caught her, she look down and slowly turn to leave but his voice stop her

"Take your sit dinner is ready" His voice calm and masculine. Anika did as she was told she pinch herself for always embarassing herself in the front of him . after Harold dish out the food they begin to eat silently . she could not help but admit that Harold is a really good cook , she wonder were he learnt such good cooking skills. she was so lost in her thoughts that it took her a long time to realize that Harold said something

"what ?

" You should quit thinking and eat" He said without looking up

" huh...is Betty and Sam okay?

Harold look at her as if he he was trying to understand what she said

" Did you care about her?

" yeah she's my friend" Anika said glaring at him

" You don't have to pretend we both know what you want from her"

" Mr Houston.....

" Harold" Harold said calmly but firmly

" whatever , look I don't care what you think of me but you should stop making bad impression on every one" she said furiously hitting the tip of her fork on the table

" Bad impression? Harold scoff

"Look am not going to stay here and let you call me names so bye am leaving" she said taking her plate with her then put it on the sink before taking her bag to leave . Harold who have been eating calmly as if nothing ever happened glance at her before returning to his food.

"It's a pity you have no idea it is already 12:00am"

Anika went stiff , but she is not going to stay in the same house with this jerk.

" I can get a cab"

" well if you want to run into the enemies hand goodbye and if Betty ask me I will tell her you were so sturborn and foolish enough not to listen to me" He said calmly like someone having a pleasant discussion.

Anika look at him hurt but she will have to stay here a night and she regret it. she quietly lie on the sofa

" You can go to the bedroom" he said cl

"I don't want to be anywhere near you"

Harold scoff and left .

When he return Anika was asleep , he knows she was not comfortable sleeping on the sofa so he carried her in a bridal style towards the guestroom and place her gently on the bed and cover her before leaving for his night operation.

Anika woke up with the sound of rain , she went downstairs but could not find any one she pause to think whether to make breakfast or check on Harold . she made up her mind and went upstairs to check on Harold first before leaving but when she entered inside she regret it because he was just coming out of the shower with just boxer shorts which reveal much of his huge muscular body .

she try to make her escape when he caught her he seems startled at first but when he notice how nervous she is ,he smirk.

"what are you doing here "

Anika open her mouth to say something but she was not able to form any word instead she look away. Her heart beat rapidly as Harold come close to her until their body were an inch apart.

Anika swallowed and press her body to the wall , praying for the unimaginable . she look at Harold to find him looking lustfully at her lips ,her breath hitched all she could pray was strength for her already weak legs . But to her relief and frustration he pulled away and she put her hands on her face to hide her embarrassment

"You should get dressed l am taking you home" he said calmly