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It’s only when they’re back in the privacy of his office that Kaz finally says it —
“It’s a scam, Nina.”
She’s been back in Ketterdam for mere hours, if that, but it takes all her self-control not to roll her eyes.
“A delicious scam,” she insists. “Worth every kruge.”
“Oh, I would certainly hope so,” he agrees, shrugging off his dark overcoat. “Since when do they have so many options on their menu, pray tell?”
Nina lets out an exaggerated sigh, feigning all the patience of a Saint (which she does need sometimes, dealing with the bastard). “It was the seasonal flavors, Kaz.”
“The only seasonal flavor in Ketterdam, darling, is wet,” he retorts, and then, immediately, because he knows her far too well to let it happen, “Don’t say it.”
Nina stifles a laugh. Subtlety, however, is not her forte. And she thinks it’s time to rub it in, just a little.
“Such a grouch this morning,” she coos. “Missed me that much while I was gone?”
“Ah, yes,” he says in perfect monotone. “I was in pure agony for all three months of your absence.”
She bats her eyes at him. “I hear I have that effect.”
“Don’t flatter yourself.” He doesn’t fully meet her eyes, though, and she swears his brow has softened, just in the slightest. The handsome, annoying idiot.
In the space of a heartbeat, she makes her choice. Crosses the room to his desk.
“Hey.” His eyes snap up to meet hers, then to where her hands are resting on the flat surface.
It’s always tough to tell what level of touch he can handle, especially after long periods away. But she notices with some delight that his gloves are off. A promising sign.
It’s up to him, though. She’d never take that choice from him.
There’s a slow, extended pause, then. A comfortable beat of silence.
Slowly — carefully — he lets her fingers intertwine with his. For a man so full of sharp edges, this is the one thing he has learned to be gentle with.
Nina can’t help her grin.
“I missed you too, idiot.” She doesn’t have to look up, but she knows he’s smiling too.
“Oh, and,” she adds, “We’re trying the apple spice waffles next time.”