Kanej

Chapter 30

Kaz

Kaz looked for a glimmer of a lie or doubt on Inej's face but he found no trace. In fact, she was looking almost expectantly at him, as if she was waiting for him to deny her claim or assure her that she was mistaken. But he did none of the sort.

He knew Inej could feel his body tense as she untangled herself from him and sat back on her heels, watching him cautiously. Kaz abruptly got to his feet, ignoring the cramp in his leg from sitting for so long and began walking to the kitchen. 'Kaz-,' Inej began tentatively, but he muttered, 'I need a drink.'

Kaz had hoped the brandy in their liquor cabinet would take his edge off and calm the roaring in his mind, but he was sorely mistaken. He had never indulged in alcohol to the point of intoxication, but after the day he had and the bombshell Inej dropped on him, he was ready to lose himself at the bottom of a bottle.

But to his dismay, he could hold his liquor. Which shouldn't have come as a surprise, considering how much of a control freak he was. If anything, his senses were hyper aware, his mind sharp and alert as he thought about the day he met Mikhail, and everything that had transpired since then. Slowly and steadily, he began fitting the puzzle pieces together.

Another hour had passed before Inej found him in the kitchen, slouched against the island. He grinned when he saw her, his eyes lighting up with wonder and awe as he exclaimed, 'Darling Inej, treasure of my heart! Won't you do me the honour of joining me for a drink?'

He gestured to the bar stool next to him as Inej stilled, confused and perplexed at the sight of a drunk Kaz. She, Jesper and Matthias had an ongoing bet that if Kaz were ever to get drunk, he would be an uptight drunk. Looks like Nina had won the stupid bet. Kaz smiled conspiratally at Inej and winked, actually winked at her as he leaned close to her and whispered, 'your eyes are sparkly.'

Katz could feel Inej's eyes scanning him as she took in his appearance. He had discarded his waistcoat and rolled his sleeves, exposing his muscled forearms and tattoos. He didn't recall when he'd opened his shirt but as he glanced at Inej's stare, he realised he'd undone a few top buttons, revealing his chest.

He watched as Inej's chest hitched with every breath, and at the smooth, graceful way she began walking towards him. Even in his drunk condition, he yearned for her, and he was pleased to discover that he wasn't alone. He kept his eyes on her, tracking her every move as she slid into the seat next to him. How Inej could make sitting on a bar stool arousing was beyond Kaz but he wasn't complaining. He beamed at her, then slid a shot glass full of whisky to her. 'Bottoms up,' he grinned, his joy so infectious she couldn't help but roll her eyes in amusement and join him for a drink.

Katz immediately refilled her shot, before taking a long swig of the bottle. His throat bobbed as he swallowed and Inej's eyes followed the movement. He caught her staring and raised an eyebrow, smirking as he teased, 'I should charge you for all the stolen glances.'

Inej flushed but her voice was strong when she sighed dramatically, 'I thought you enjoy having my eyes on you.' 'Your eyes aren't the only part of you I enjoy having on me.' He countered, his voice losing all traces of teasing as he leaned towards her face. The alcohol made him brave as he hovered a hair's breadth away from her mouth, giving her the opportunity to push him away or pull him close. And thankfully, she heard his silent plea.

Kaz felt the breath leave his body when his lips met Inej's lips in a rushed kiss. There was nothing tender and gentle about the way he kissed her, and she matched him in equal fervour as she opened her mouth, allowing him to taste her. Kissing Inej both thrilled and frightened him, and he couldn't fathom how giving her pleasure made him feel alive. Without breaking their kiss, he grabbed her by the waist and lifted her on the counter.