OMG, i don't think i can express how gratefull i am for all the reviews. I would like to thank all the constant reviewers for the feedback. stanleywalkersbitch, xXCoral-RoseXx, theHuntgoeson, Gem 6 and many others, i am soooo grateful. It really does lift an author's spirit to see that people like their story! Once again i would like to thank Sarah, my beta, Grammar teacher for all the help with this, much love.

A.N: I don't own A2A....cos im not king (or queen) of the jungle!!!! oooooh its nearly tea time....and im havin'...erm...'oops???? lol :)

Chapter IV

Thowing her keys across the table, Alex kicked her front door shut. Not caring whether they heard her downstairs, she let out an almighty sob, "Waaanker!" she cried. "Tosser, Bastard, Liar, Wanker." The insults aimed at the man downstairs, who, half an hour ago was seemingly pouring his heart out to her. Taking a seat on the stripy sofa, Alex caved in. No one could see her cry, so her emotional meltdown was allowed. How could I have been so bloody stupid?? How could I have thought that Gene bloody Hunt would ever have wanted to marry me?

Even though it hadn't been the perfect proposal, it didn't matter because he himself, was perfect. There were no roses or a candle lit dinner; he hadn't even gone down on one knee but Alex didn't care. Gene had asked her to marry him in front of the whole of CID and that had been enough. Gene was an incredibly private person, and for him to do that must have taken guts. Bollocks, he probably had a drink before heading out! Bastard! He said that he loved me...he said it. The three words that every man has trouble saying and he said it. In front of EVERYONE! He said "I love you!" Deciding that howling her eyes out was not worth the hundred and one questions; Alex gave herself a mental slap. Get over it. You are here to do a job. You are here to catch a rather psychotic bastard who has a taste for murdering couples. Are you going to let him murder another couple because you are too busy bawling your eyes out over the fact that your boss has just made a fool out of you in front of everyone? No. So get up off your arse and get changed!

Alex's mind was strong; it was her body and heart that were lagging behind. As her mind had 'gotten over' the proposal, her heart hadn't. It wanted to break every time she thought of it. Oh for god's sake woman....GET OVER IT!! Even as she screamed at herself, Alex knew that it would take a little longer for her not burst into tears at the idea that it wasn't really going to happen. "I'm kidding! We ain't getting married." circled round Alex's head like an annoying song from the radio. Pulling her hair up and pinning it neatly, she started on her make-up. Removing the blue eye liner and shadow, Alex reapplied a light base and minimal colour. You're playing a nurse not a tart. Checking her reflection in the mirror, the outfit was surprisingly comfortable. Gone were the heels, instead Alex was wearing flats. The minimalist make up defined her eyes and cheek bones.

Peeping out of the window, Alex watched Gene, Chris and Shaz head for the tube station. Her train wasn't due to leave Watford until 1027 and even then it was only a twenty minute train ride. What the hell is Gene going to think when he sees me? Part of her didn't care, but the other side that still wanted him, smiled mischievously.

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Walking a couple of paces behind Chris and Shaz, Gene was slightly confused as to why Alex had been so upset when she left the restaurant. Trying to convince himself that Alex was annoyed at something else, Gene had even asked Shaz if she knew what the matter was.

"Guv, what's up?" Gene had been discreetly trying to catch Shaz's eye since Alex had left to go up stairs. It hadn't worked. It was only when he had called her over, that he got nervous about asking after Alex.

"Yer know what's the matter with DI Drake? She seemed a little pissed" Shaz had seen the look on Alex's face when Gene had revealed that the proposal had been a joke and she saw how devastated her DI was. Not only had it been a shock to everyone else as the Guv had been so convincing, it had clearly torn Alex in two. Not wanting to expose, Alex's misunderstanding and possible embarrassment, Shazza played dumb.

"Dunno Guv. Haven't got a clue! She never said anything to me before she left. You might have to ask her yourself."

As Gene descended the stairs into the tube station, the whole conversation was replaying in his head. He had seen the look of pain and hurt on Alex's face when he had told Luigi they weren't really getting married, but had put it down to the fact that she didn't want to be drinking that early in the morning. She can't be upset, 'cause I was joking! That would mean the dozy cow thought I was asking her for real? Bleedin' woman, always getting the wrong end of the stick! Always gotta have a reason to get arsey on us? She can't be upset, I mean its not like I meant any of it. Naa she's just a dozy tart! Getting 'er 'opes up for a little of the Gene Genie.

Gene hadn't planned on falling in love with Alex. He wasn't hoping that Sam's replacement was going to be the best looking woman he had ever seen. If the truth had been told, at the beginning he would rather have had Sam back even if it did mean having to decipher all the weirdo bollocks that he spouted. But as the months went on; with all the arguments and the smiles, the odd glance now and again, even having to save her when she wandered off and got herself into trouble, he felt it was worth it.

His first marriage had been one of love, to start with. But as Gene's career progressed in the GMP, Mrs Hunt lost more and more interest, until they were almost living separate lives. Missed meals, ships in the night, she had no idea what his life was like. What crap he saw on a daily basis. But Bolly knows and understands it all. There wouldn't be any explain' ter do, beacuse she would be there.

His whole body ached from wanting her that badly. Ached from wanting to hold her, to smell her. Jesus, I do a lot more than just smell her. But it wasn't just the sexual attraction that made his day a living hell. Jesus, the idea of Alex in them fishnets and 'eels, is enough ter turn the Pope blind! But the idea that he wanted to be with her. Gene wanted to look after her, to protect her, when she would let him. Ha, Bolly thinks that she doesn't need me!! But last time I checked, it was me 'oo pulled her outter Chas Cale's meat freezer!! The idea that any 'posh' bloke could come along any minute and sweep her off her feet and he wouldn't so much as get a look in edgeways was the worst thing, it would mean that, he would never be able to tell her how he truly felt. What yer struggling' fer now yer twat, you've already told 'er that yer love her and hey bleeding presto, she thinks yer lyin'!