A/N – Thanks for the reviews! Love reading your comments!

Chapter 11 – Let the Games Begin

Nikolas led her out to the balcony under the watchful eye of Jason.

"So, how long are you staying in town?" Irina asked curiously.

"Maybe a week." Jason said casually.

"Are you leaving any time for sightseeing?" She asked trying not to seem to forward.

Jason knew she wanted him. "I'm sure I can fit some in."

"I'm free tomorrow if you want me to show you around town." She said coyly.

Jason nodded. "I couldn't think of a better tour guide." He said as he lightly brushed his hand down her arm.

Irina breath caught in her throat and she just stared up at him. "Where are you staying?" She finally got out.

"The Four Seasons in St. Petersburg." He rattled off.

Irina smiled. "I'll meet you in the lobby at 10:00."

Jason smiled back. "It's a date."

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Elizabeth stared off the balcony into the gardens below.

"You like what you see?" Nikolas asked handing her a glass of champagne.

"Very much." She said taking it from him. "It's really beautiful here."

She actually did love the castle. It was so medieval yet proper at the same time. There was a certain air you felt walking around in it; like you were some kind of royalty.

"You never said why you're in town." Nik said curiously.

Elizabeth smiled. "I'm meeting with some curators at the State Russian Museum."

Nikolas smiled. "Are you a curator back in Italy?" He asked. Elizabeth had told him that is where she lived.

"Yes, but for a smaller museum. I love art. I also paint." She said smiling.

Nikolas was impressed. "Well, maybe I can take you on an art tour tomorrow."

"I would absolutely love that." Liz said grinning.

"Where are you staying?"

"The Four Seasons."

"St. Petersburg I take it?"

Liz nodded.

"I'll pick you up at 10:30 tomorrow morning. We'll make a day of it." Nikolas said trying not to show how much he wanted her.

"It's a date." Liz said smiling. "Will you excuse me for a moment?" She asked.

Nikolas nodded and watched her walk off. Irina walked towards him.

"So, you found a new toy to play with?" She asked before sipping her drink.

Nikolas frowned at her. "She's more than a toy. I happened to see you with some new arm candy as well."

Irina grinned. "He is delicious, a little aloof but that just makes me want him more."

Nikolas rolled his eyes. "You're insatiable dear sister. Just be careful, I think Helena is back in town."

Irina frowned. "Great, just what we need. I'll make sure to carry my mace and taser gun."

Nikolas grinned. "I don't think it would work on her, she's like the undead."

Irina giggled. "Very true."

Neither of them was a fan of Helena. Every time she showed up, trouble ensued.

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Liz came out of the bathroom and Jason grabbed her arm and pushed her into a room.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

He wanted to grab her and claim her right then and there. But, he just couldn't bring himself to do it. It just wasn't fair to her. And they both needed to keep their composure. He pulled it together and answered her. "Are you in?"

Liz nodded. "Very. How about you?"

Jason rolled his eyes. "Not even a challenge."

Liz smirked. "I'm spending the day with Nikolas tomorrow."

Jason tried not to let that bother him. "I'm spending the day with Irina."

Liz tried to keep her face and voice neutral even though she hated hearing the other woman's name trickling off his tongue. "Well good, it will give you something to do."

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Spinelli listened to them banter. To anyone else, they wouldn't have a clue that Jason and Liz wanted each other. But Spinelli knew better. He didn't have a chance with Alaina and he knew it. Sighing, he checked out the surveillance tapes to see if Helena would make an appearance.

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Liz walked out to the balcony. Nikolas smiled at her as she walked up to him. "Alaina, this is my cousin Irina."

Liz smiled at Irina and shook her hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet the woman who has captivated Nikolas all night. I don't think I've seen him this preoccupied in a long time." She said mischievously.

Liz blushed which made Nikolas smile.

Jason walked up and moved beside Irina. He placed his hand on her back which made her shiver. "Michael, this is my cousin Nikolas and this is his friend Alaina."

Jason shook Liz's hand and smiled at her.

Irina was a little jealous and directed Jason back towards the dance floor.

"She seems nice." Elizabeth said to Nikolas who chuckled.

"She eats men alive. I almost feel sorry for Michael."

Liz shrugged. "He looked like he could handle himself."

Nikolas smirked. "They all seem that way at first. "

Liz grinned. "Would you care to make a wager?" She asked playfully.

Nikolas chuckled. "In three days, if she has not bedded him, then I will donate 100,000 to your museum."

Liz was shocked but tried to play it cool. "And if she does?" Liz said not even wanting to think about that.

Nikolas leaned in and lightly slid his face alongside her cheek until his lips were up against her ear, "Then, you will be in my bed."

Liz's breath caught in her throat.

Nikolas pulled back to look at her. "Well?"

Liz was trying to think about how she should play it.

Nikolas smiled at her indecision. He was actually hoping that she would say no.

"Nikolas….I….." She said started to say before turning from him and walking to the edge of the balcony.

Nikolas came up behind her and put his hand on her back. "I hope I haven't offended you. I'm clearly attracted to you Alaina. Do you feel the same way?"

Liz turned and looked at him. "Yes." She said softly. "It's just that, sleeping with you under those circumstances would kind of be…." She pretended to struggle for a word.

"Unsavory?" He said noting her nervousness.

Liz nodded.

Nikolas put his hands on her face and gazed into her eyes. "I was hoping that you'd say that."

Liz felt her pulse beating faster and Nikolas licked his lips and moved closer to her.

"I meant no disrespect. But, I'm not going to lie. I do hope that you end up in my bed." He said with his eyes full of want.

Liz started to say something, but Nikolas's lips crushed down upon hers. He ravished them for a moment and pulled her closer to him.

Jason was on the dance floor. His heart dropped as he watched the exchange. He wanted to walk over to them and rip Nikolas away from her.

Nikolas pulled back and leaned his forehead on Liz's as they tried to catch their breath. "I'm so sorry. I just couldn't resist myself." He said breathlessly.

Liz pulled back and looked at him. "It's okay." She said softly. Kissing to get information was fine with her, but she never went beyond that. It was like being an actor. Although, she had to admit that the intensity of the kiss had completely taken her by surprise.

"Would you like to dance?" Nikolas asked hoping that he hadn't scared her off.

Liz nodded. "Yes." She said hoping that would put a little distance between them.

Jason could tell that Liz was a bit frazzled. He wasn't sure if he could handle it if she fell for Nikolas. But, he knew he had no right to interfere.

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Spinelli sat back in his chair. He had heard the whole conversation with Nikolas and was shocked by the Prince's forwardness. He made a mental note to have a talk with Jason about it. He didn't trust Nikolas as far as he could throw him. And he certainly didn't trust him with Liz's heart.