Today has been an extremely tiring day since tomorrow night is the masquerade ball. Drained, I slide onto the wooden stool beside Derek.

"Long day?"

"Don't even ask," I mumble, burying my face in my hands.

He pulls them away his eyes gazing into mine. "How does ice cream sound?"

"Amazing," I smile.

He tugs on my hands and I follow close behind him.

...

The cool pistachio mint ice cream drips down my chin. Derek wipes it away, his strong callused fingers burning hot.

"I have to admit, New York sure does have the BEST ice cream."

He chuckles. "Then you must have not tried the gelato that they have in Venice. I never have tasted such fine whipped cream before."

"Venice, you've been to Venice." My eyes are wide.

He smiles. "My father is the president of the United States, I've been all over the world with him."

"Lucky you." I take another lick of my ice cream, feeling his eyes searing into me. It hits me hard in the face. "Oh, I didn't mean that you're lucky having him as a father, I meant that..."

He silences me with a sweet kiss, surprising me. When he pulls away I blush, noticing the few other people in the ice cream parlor watching us. I hope that none of them are spies of President White.

"Ignore them," Derek whispers, helping me to my feet.

"Where are we going?"

He gives me a flirtatious smile as he leads me out of the store to the parked cycle. "Somewhere quiet."

"Sounds good." I climb onto the cycle behind him, my arms wrapping around his waist.

We drive off, heading for one of the tallest skyscrapers in New York City.

...

"I never really showed this place to anyone before, but you're special so...," Derek blushes as he presses his thumb to the keypad. Seeing him uncomfortable and flustered is so adorable.

The door opens and we enter the penthouse.

I gape like a codfish, my eyes popping out of their sockets. I've never seen anything so---so expensive looking before. This place must cost a fortune! I seem to always forget that Derek's a rich boy, but I guess that's because he doesn't seem to flaunt his wealth.

My ballet flats squeak on the shiny marble floor as I follow Derek to the balcony.

"This is the highest viewpoint in all of New York."

"It's beautiful," I breathe, walking up to the stone railing and leaning over. The city lies out before me in all its glory. Twinkling neon lights make everything glow. I spot Central Park, our apartment, and the ice cream parlor. They look like little toys from all the way up here.

"I know." Derek comes up behind me, his chin burying itself in my messy waves and his warm hands brushing my hips. "I used to come out here every night."

"What is this place?" I glance back into the dimly lit penthouse, making out the stark white sofa and red armchairs in the living room.

He follows my gaze, his eyes sad. "This place belonged to my mother. I grew up here."

I close my eyes at those four last words, trying to imagine him as a young boy sitting on the sofa, his legs dangling as he munches on a cookie, crumbs like tiny ants dotting the floor.

A cool breeze slaps me in the face, my hair wisps of smoke clinging to my cheeks and lips. Something warm and soft touches my face, pushing my hair away.

I open my eyes, Derek, right before me, a handsome young man, not a young boy anymore.

Chills creep up my spine and I shiver, hugging my arms around my body.

"Should we go inside?"

"Yes, please."

He drapes his arm around me and guides me back inside. He then takes me up the winding, spiral staircase to the master bedroom and over to the royal blue king-size canopy bed.

"Make yourself at home," he tells me.

I obey as I sink into the soft, but plush, thick mattress. Making myself cozy, I watch my guy walk up to the melancholy armoire and pull out a cream, lace nightdress. An outfit that sure will leave little to his imagination.

He tosses the night dress my way, his cheeks slightly red. "This is all I could find... you can go and change... we're staying the night."

I don't meet his eyes as I stand up and make my way for the large, spacious bathroom, nervous but also extremely anxious and excited butterflies fluttering in my belly.

...

I can't believe this is me as I glimpse at my reflection. The nightgown fits perfectly, my loose hair cascading down my back.

Stepping out of the bathroom, I find myself shy of my own self.

Derek's DSS slips through his fingers as he quickly rises to his feet. "Wow," he exclaims as his eyes take me in. "You look beautiful. I'm seriously one lucky guy..."

My face feels warm, oh gosh I must be as red as a firetruck and did this room just get hotter?

Derek slowly moves away from the bed, picks up the DSS, and places it on the dresser before taking two large steps toward me. "Alison, I...I," he stutters. "I..., wow!" He leans in slowly for a kiss, never taking his eyes off mine. He then steps back, pulling me along with him to the bed, and sits us down.

Everything happens so fast--- him pushing me back, so I'm lying down flat against the soft mattress, and then his body close to mine.

"Alison," Derek breathes, his hot lips making their way down from my jaw to the arc of my neck.

"What is it?" I ask dreamily.

He looks at me, his eyes as dark as ever and I have the feeling that whatever he's going to say might ruin this moment between us. "Promise me that whatever happens tomorrow you'll stay clear of the danger."

I think back to Hunter, who told me the same thing. I didn't listen to him and that's why he is dead.

Placing my hand over Derek's thumping heart, I whisper, "I promise I'll stay clear of the danger."

He smiles, satisfied; which leaves me broken because I just lied to him. Alison Margaret Rose Peterson doesn't know how to stay away from the danger. She's always right in the crossfire.

Derek places his hand over mine, not allowing this moment to be ruined. "We're going to win." He sounds so sincere.

So I end up finishing off, "For the light always conquers the darkness."

"Exactly."

His forever-warm hands begin to trail up my arms as mine begin to skim over his hard, strong abs and bare chest. My eyes draw in all of him, imagining a sculpture, sculpting the most perfect human out of clay. I can't help myself from pressing my body closer against the length of his. Our legs a tangled mess, and our hearts beating as one with chest pressed against chest.

I feel his body take a sharp intake.

His voice is rugged. "Please." His eyes are saying so much.

He grasps my shoulders harshly, yet so delicately as his lips crash into mine hungrily, causing a soft moan to escape from my parted lips. Now, this is what they mean when they talk about desire, isn't it? The want, oh, so strong.

We're like two wolves, mated to one another as our hands begin to move in a synchronized fashion--- up and down---up and down--- grasping for each other.

I want so much, but I'm afraid.

That's when our eyes connect speaking a language we've never spoken before, and my mind begins to get lost thinking about my previous promise... to stay clear of the danger. I don't want to crush those delicate, beautiful eyes, but I must take matters into my own hands and act out.

I refocus on the moment as Derek places one last kiss upon my lips, his lips lingering for a moment, causing my breath to hitch in my throat. Wow, does he know how to leave me breathless.

He then turns me and puts his arms around my waist, holding me more closely than ever. His heated breaths are on my neck and I slowly melt into his body, all worried thoughts escaping from within me, except for the one about fearing the unknown.

...

My eyes flutter open to be staring at the royal blue canopy. Derek is still fast asleep beside me, his arm thrown over me protectively. I manage to wiggle out of his hold and pad across the plush carpeted floor to the bathroom, taking my tank and jeans from last night along with me.

Turning on the jacuzzi, I step inside the whirlpools swirling around me. Now, this is the life. I smile, drowning myself with the sweet-scented coconut oil shampoo.

I remain in the tub until the skin on my fingers is all wrinkled like a newborn baby.

Now standing before the mirror that takes up most of the wall before me, my reflection gazes back at me with shadowed eyes. With a sigh, I pull my damp hair back in a tight ponytail and step out of the bathroom surprised to find Derek still fast asleep.

I walk up to him and push that stubborn curl out of his beautiful face. His broad chest rises and falls with each breath and I find my hands running along the strong muscles.

I then lean over him, giving him a sweet peck on the lips. He wakes up startled.

"Alice?" His voice is groggy and his hand grips my arm lightly.

"It's the morning," I state.

He lets go of my arm, a small frown now on his face. "Already?" I nod and he releases a groan. "Oh no, it's today."

"Yeah, we should get going."

He sits up, rubbing at his tired eyes. "Give me a few minutes to go get dressed."

I bob my head up and down in a nod before retreating from the room.

Today is the day.

The day that we will rise.

The day that America will change for the better good.

...

Roman insisted on coming over to our place so he can show me how the dress should be worn. But well, he's not expected to be here for another two hours, so until then, I continue strategizing with Derek.

"Show me the layout again, please." I don't look at him as I speak, because whenever I do I go back to the night before.

He pulls up the 3-dimensional layout again.

"So this is where the meal is going to be taking place?" I point to the circular room centered in the building.

"Yeah. That's where we'll have to be situated."

I bite my lower lip nervously. "Did Brandon send you the VIP guest list yet?"

"It's downloading, give it another minute."

I nod, now biting at my fingernails.

"Stop that," Derek says his voice gentle. He pulls my hands away from my mouth. "You'll hurt yourself."

My fingers intertwine with his. "Sorry, I'm nervous."

"Who isn't?" He admits, releasing my hand and raking his fingers through his hair, disheveling it.

I pat it down for him, my fingers enjoying the feeling of running through his baby-soft locks. "Did it finish downloading yet?"

He glances at the screen. "Forty-three more seconds."

I wait 'patiently' for the beep that announces the download is completed.

Leaning over the DSS, Derek reads the list out loud, showing me the pictures that come along.

1. President Alexander, a heavyset pale-skinned man, and his petite wife Georgia Ramikov of Russia.

2. Mayor Hanns Volutstan of Austria. Wow is this man intimidating, his icy blue gaze can break through a brick wall.

3. Prime Minister of France, Juliet Clavala, and her twenty-one-year-old son Patrik. His picture shows a friendly-looking young man with bright green eyes and a big smile plastered on his tan face. Unlike his mother who looks stern with her lips pinched and her dark eyes staring straight back at the camera.

4. President Okafur of Johannesburg, Africa. He looks kind with a smile that wants to make you smile along with him.

5. Queen Diana, a wise-looking woman with crinkles lining her light forehead, and crows feet resting beside her periwinkle blue eyes--- and the cabinet of Great Britain.

6. The young-looking president of Israel, Yonatan Cohen.

7. President Abdul of Syria. His striking silver eyes are quite the contrast with his dark skin.

8. And last, Governor Shu' Qin of China.

All the wealthiest Aristocrats in the world.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I meet Derek's eyes. "I'm beginning to doubt."

"Don't..." His hands circle around my biceps holding me still. "Everything will go as planned."

"How are you so sure?" My voice is bitter. "What if they don't listen to us?"

"They will." His hands are now rubbing up and down my arms.

I relax as he massages my sore muscles. "That feels amazing."

"Yeah... you have so many knots."

A laugh escapes from within me. "It's called stress baby."

"Well, tonight once this is all over I'll take all that stress away." He pushes my hair to the side and kisses the nape of my neck sending sparks flowing through my bloodstream.

"Can't wait till then," I smile, tilting my head back to gaze at him.

"Same." His voice is low, but I can trace the desire there. He brings his mouth to mine and I close my eyes, steadying my breaths.

After a moment he breaks away to kiss my cheek, then my jaw, and right under my ear, sending a shiver through my body. I can feel him holding back a little, and all I could think of is--- he wants what we had last night. And well so do I. I want to drown myself in him once again.

But I know if I do that now, there will be no returning and I, actually, we can't afford that right now.

Just then I hear someone clearing their throat, "Uh-hum."

Derek pulls away from me suddenly, his burning hot touch still lingering on my skin.

"Sorry to interrupt the moment, but this girl," Roman points to me, "Needs to be beautified."

"How did you get inside?" I can tell that my face is flushed from the smirk on his face.

"The door was open. Now hurry up Alice, we don't have all day."

"Ok, I'm coming in a minute. Meanwhile, you can go set up your equipment in the bedroom."

Once he's gone, I turn to Derek. "I'll see you there?"

He grins. "You bet."

I give him a quick peck on the cheek, before heading for the impatient Roman.

"Alison..."

I glance over my shoulder at Derek, who's watching me, his gaze more intense than ever.

"Roman said that you need to be beautified, but I think you're beautiful just the way you are."

"Oh Derek, stop being so sappy." I can feel the heat rising to my cheeks.

He smirks. "It's only sappy if you make it sappy."

Shaking my head, I enter the bedroom not at all ready to be beautified.

...

Roman admires his work, fixing the one shoulder strap that connects to the shimmery gold bodice. At my waist in yellow, orange, and white are puffy ruffles going downwards, representing the sun's strong rays.

This dress is definitely something special.

"Spin," Roman instructs me.

I do, the dress fanning around my legs. He claps his hands, sheer joy painted onto his face. "It's perfect," he smiles. "Now for the hair, makeup, and last but not least the mask!" He pushes me onto the kitchen stool that was placed before the mirror and gets down to work by braiding my hair around the crown of my head and pinning the rest of it to one side in small ringlets.

"Close your eyes," he then says.

The soft brush tickles my eyelids.

"Open."

I open my eyes and he adds black eyeliner to bring out the gold and white eyeshadow. He then paints my lips bright red and darkens my cheeks with the powdered blush. Last but not least, he ties the sun's face mask onto my face.

"She has been beautified," he smiles, taking a step back.

I stare back at my reflection shocked. He totally transformed me from a tired-looking teenage girl into a lively majestic sun queen.

Derek was right. Roman is an amazing tailor.

...

I meet the rest of my gang (Skyler and Demi) downstairs in the lobby.

"Wow, why can't I look like that," Skyler exclaims, her eyes glued to me.

"Maybe because we're not attending the actual ball," Demi huffs. "We're being the waitresses, how grand..."

I ignore their bantering and head outside to where the Lummo awaits for our departure.

President White, here we come, so you better watch out.