"Yessssss I am victorious!!!" He laughed and sat back down on the bed, "Sure, what's on your mind?" He messed with cotton that had gotten in his hair but soon gave up as there was too much of it

Annika looked down. "I know this is all forced and everything, but is there any possible way that you enjoy being around me? I know you are kind hearted and it seems you can't be mean at all, but I just want to know where you stand" she shifted a bit from her spot on the bed. She didn't know if she liked him or not, but she knew that she enjoyed being in his company. Maybe this arranged marriage thing wouldn't be to bad- that is, if he is on the same page she is.

Chris looked towards Annika and slowly started saying, "I have enjoyed being around you the past couple of weeks". He left it at that. -I can't say too much otherwise i'll make her uncomfortable and that's not what I want right now- "The first time we met it was a little bit irritating, being forced into this whole marriage thing but overtime i've really seen a different side to you and one that I like to be around".

Annika gave a sly grin "a different side of me..? Like what?" She tilted her head, a playful glint in her eye. She leaned back on her elbows. Her hair fell down and touched the bed. +what if he's lying? He's such a nice person he would definitely lie to me to be nice. I need him to tell me the complete truth+ she sat up and looked him right in the eye, waiting for his answer

Chris looked across the bed but said nothing. He layed the pillow down to one side and stood up. Pacing around his room he slowly answered, "Well, You seem like a really nice young women and although I wish we could have met on different circumstances I find something looking forward to seeing you. I guess you could say I feel drawn" he left it at that and continued to pace across the room. He felt his feelings could finally be shared but he didnt want to move into this too fast.

Annika's playful grin fell away when he began pacing. "I'm... I should go" she said softly. She couldn't tell him why, but she hoped that the soft kiss on his cheek she gave him as she walked toward his door would spark his interest. She gulped as she stopped at the door. She took one look at Chris before she reached out and grasped the door handle. She didn't want to leave, but she knew that if she saw his reaction she would be tempted to stay. She focused on his face, mentally preparing herself for any type of reaction that shoukd make her either run or stay

Chris paused, "No dont go, I think we both need to know our honest feelings" he walked over to the door and gently picked up Annika's hand. "I dont mean to be so bold but I can't keep hiding this forever" He paused and looked towards Annika, "I dont know if you feel the same way but Annika, I think i'm in love with you" -its out I cant go back now- He shook his head slightly and took a step back from the door not wanting Annika to feel uncomfortable.

Annika shook her head "Chris, I can't tell you my feeling because I don't even know what they are yet" she froze at his words +in love?+ she had heard those words once before. They frightened her then and they frightened her now. "C- Chris... you've- you've only know me for- for a few d-days" she stepped back, her hand still in his. "I'm not- not ready for th-that yet" she began trembling. She didn't truly know why those three words could make her so scared.

Chris let go of her hand, "I understand, I'll see you tomorrow, i have a surprise for you" He smiled and closed the door. His heart felt a pang of jealously and pain. The truth was Chris had no idea what he was doing or how to treat her properly. -Maybe this is for the best, I have only known her for a little while but im willing to wait as long as she needs- he laid in bed thinking about the conversation. -we may not have long enough- his parents were very excited about the wedding and would go to all measures to make sure it happend

Annika tried to stop her trembling, but she couldn't until she had already nodded and began down the hall. She hugged her arms close to her chest as if she was closing the door to her heart. She had been broken and beaten and hurt by those three simple words, but she didn't even know how to react now that someone actually meant them. She froze outside her door. +maybe the reason I'm freaking out so much... is because I love him back!+ she spun on her heel and ran quietly down the hall in her crop top and pajama pants. "Chris" she whispered urgently.