"Princess Laura?"

Crap!

"Alexandra Vera Karlsson," I said, surprisingly in a very calm voice. I would've said something smarter if she hadn't caught me off guard. But I guess mouthing her full name is enough to return the favor of 'catching off guard' because her eyes widened even more.

She took a moment longer, staring at me like she couldn't comprehend that the princess of Switzerland is standing in front of her, before she bowed down. "Your highness."

I stared at her in horror. If someone saw her bowing down at me, I could be in a more mess than I already am. "Get up. Oh my gosh, you look ridiculous." I said as I whipped my head to the direction of the door. I cursed under my breath as I leaped for all I was worth towards the door. I made sure that it was locked before facing the girl who caught me.

With her head still me bowed, I sighed and approached her in a formal way.

"Ms. Karlsson, you may rise." I politely said.

She stared at me, spark glinting in her eyes. I just realized that I didn't even deny the fact that I am what she claimed to be.

"Your highness, I am delighted to meet your acquaintance..."

"As do I," I smiled.

"But if you don't mind me asking, your highness, how did you know my name?"

I saw that one coming.

"Ms. Karlsson," I began. "I am going to ask a favor, three favors, actually."

"As long as it's within my strength, your highness."

Trying not to cringe at the title, I forced myself to smile. "First, you have to stop addressing me like I'm a princess."

Her smile was replaced by confusion, her forehead creasing and eyes narrowing, but she nodded still. She's probably going to ask questions later.

"No Princess Laura, no your highness, or any sort of title that makes me a princess." She nodded, confusion still etched on her face.

"Second, call me Vanessa Carter instead." I gulped slowly as I stared at her. She looked at me like I was crazy. Her eyes wide like saucers, mouth hanging wide open.

"You might want to close that mouth of yours because the third one is very important." That knocked her back to her senses as she closed her mouth and stared at me expectantly.

I sighed. "I need you to keep this a secret."

*****

"Finally!" I said as I slid on the limo seat. Nate sat next to me and repeated the word I just said. The driver started the engine and not long after, we were zooming on the busy streets of New York again.

"This is the worst day ever," I whispered as I recalled what happened earlier.

"Why?" Nate asked.

I slowly turn my head to face him. The stupid smirk is plastered on his face again. I narrowed my eyes as I try to read his mind.

"Is it because we were interrupted?"

My eyes widened, and I looked out the window in embarrassment. I can feel my cheeks getting hot again.

Damn it! I just cooled down a while ago!

He chuckled. I felt him move beside me, but I kept looking out the window. I jumped slightly as I felt Nate's breath fanning my ear. "Don't worry, darling. The night hasn't ended yet. I can make it better."

I instantly whipped my head to face him. His eyes widen at our closeness. I gasped as I realized that we are merely inches apart. My lips parted as I somehow found it hard to breathe through my nose.

"Take us to the beach," he said as he held my gaze, not even putting anymore distance between us.

Mesmerized, I was again drowning in the depths of those green eyes.

It was now his turn to study my features as I felt his fingers trace the outline of my jaw. Making their way towards my chin, I let out a breath as I realized I was holding it in. His fingers traced the seams of my lips. His eyes mirrored my own green ones before settling on my lips. But before he even lowered his head, the driver cleared his throat. "Sir, we're here."

That was fast! I thought for a second.

Nate leaned back while I exhaled loudly. My heart is hammering on my ribs. When the gala concluded, I was so ready to sleep with my bed, pillow and blanket. But with the little stunt Nate pulled a while back, I instantly felt wide awake.

Nate opened the door on my side. I was lost in my thoughts again as I didn't even realize that he has already slipped off the car and is now holding the door open for me. I gladly took his hand as I made my way out.

I inhaled the cool breeze that nature offered. I look around and saw that the beach is deserted.

"Shall we?" He offered his arm.

I playfully smacked his arm and folded my hands on my chest.

"What?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Did you rent the whole beach?"

"Why would I do that?" He asked as he started walking.

I trailed behind. "Because the beach is empty?" Came my answer which was more like a question.

He laughed. "It's the middle of the night, sweetheart. Why would people want to go to the beach at this hour? They're all probably sleeping."

I rolled my eyes at his answer.

When we reached the sand, he started removing his black leather shoes. "You're going to walk barefoot?" I asked, mentally slapping myself for sounding so stupid.

Of course, you idiot.

"Yeah, why?" He rolled his slacks. "Do you plan to walk on the beach with your heels on?"

"No," I said defensively and started to work on the straps of my shoes. Once it came undone, he offered his arm again, and this time, I gladly took it.

"What's your favorite color?" He asked suddenly while walking.

I thought for a moment. "My favorite color is white."

He chuckled, making me raise an eyebrow. "That's kind of hard to believe."

I tilted my head sideways. "And why is that?"

"You were wearing a red dress when we went to the masquerade ball."

"So?"

"You're wearing red again today."

"Coincidence?" I asked.

He shook his head. "Maybe there's a different reason. Maybe it has something to do with your current situation."

I gave him a puzzled look and gestured for him to continue.

"You say that white is your favorite color, but maybe you're always wearing red because of something."

"Alright," I grinned. "Do tell."

"Maybe because you're feeling rebellious lately."

Oh crap! I did not see that one coming.

"You know, there are different meanings of the red color," I said defensively. His eyes meeting mine giving me a chance to search his soul. There is this gut feeling inside of me, whispering that Nate knows my true identity.

"Like?" He asked, eyes glinting in amusement. I put the thought of him knowing me as Laura at the back of my head.

"Maybe I just want to look hot," I blurted out which caused him to laugh.

He glanced at me before shaking his head.

"You are something, you know that Carter?"

"Yeah, I know." I said proudly.

We walked along the seashore in silence, occasionally glancing at each other. The silence between us is not awkward. It actually feels good.

We don't need to always speak to tell others of what we feel. Sometimes, silence is the best comfort as well as the best conversation at the same time.

I feel comfortable around him. His presence gives me this relaxing feeling. His presence alone can ease my nerves and soothe my skin.

"Why do you like white?" He asked, finally breaking the silence.

I picked a small seashell before answering. "White usually means innocence and purity."

"And?"

"It reflects who I am."

I did not miss the way he rolled his eyes at me. "Are you saying you're innocent?"

I scrunched up my nose. "Are you saying I'm not?"

He held his hands up in surrender, removing my hold on his arm.

When he puts his hands down, instead of placing my hand on his arm, he held it. I smiled at the action before continuing, "Other than the fact that I am innocent," I gave him a glare before continuing. "I am also pure."

"Pure?" He mouthed, giving me a confuse look.

"Yeah, pure. As in I'm a virgin," I said casually.

His eyes widen in shock as he took in my words.

I stared at him. "Oh, don't look so surprised," I said. "It's not that big of a deal."

"Sorry. I'm just surprised, that's all," He said, his hold on my hand tighten a bit, giving me warmth all over.

"You don't say?"

"I can't believe that a girl like you is still a virgin."

"A girl like me?" I asked.

"You're beautiful, smart and talented," he said with a straight face. "Why aren't you out there in the market?"

Well, that's what happens when you're too busy and heavily guarded by bodyguards who are following you everywhere.

"I'm busy."

That's not entirely a lie. "Besides, Jessica and I made an oath to her mother. We promised to hold on to our v-cards until we got ourselves our partners." I said while I showed Nate my left hand with the purity ring on my pinky finger.

"Why would you tell that to me?"

"Uhh. Because you asked?"

"I mean, why did you tell me you're a virgin?"

"It's part of the reason why I love color white. And because I feel comfortable around you."

He grinned. "Even if I act like an asshole to you."

I snorted. "If you give me unnecessary paper works again, I would stand up for myself."

He laughed, and a couple of seconds later, I joined in.

We stopped walking and sat on near the sea. I look up at the sky.

"It's a waxing crescent." I heard Nate say.

"Was that supposed to impress me?" I asked as I turned my head towards him.

"No. You're supposed to ask me 'what do you mean?'" He retorted.

"Waxing and waning." I said. "Crescent and gibbous."

He looked at me and I stared back.

"New and full." He said. "First and last."

"Correct." I said, not breaking eye contact. There's something different in his green eyes.

Without any warming, he kissed me.

My eyes widen as he caught me off guard. I was unable to respond. My eyes are still wide open as his were closed. I counted twelve before he slightly pulled away.

"Close your eyes." He said. "I'm trying to be romantic. And I want to kiss you properly."

I did as I was told. And without further ado, I felt his lips on mine again, gently moving. He brought his hand up to cup my face, tilting my head to deepen the kiss, while the other one held my back.

I nibbled on his lower lip, pulling it slightly between my teeth. I heard him groan and suddenly felt his tongue trying to make its way through my lips.

I let him enter and danced with my tongue. I tried to suppress a moan but failed miserably. At this, his kisses became hungry, and I pulled away.

I was breathless. I stared at his eyes.

"Thank you." I whispered, looking at his lips that are now swollen and with a sight smudge of lipstick.

"For what?" He asked, eyes twinkling in a playful manner. "For finally kissing you?"

I hit his chest and grinned at him. "For making this night a little bit tolerable."

"You're welcome."