Chapter 10

Steve sat on the arm of the couch, handsomely dressed in his black tuxedo. His bow tie was draped around his neck; he didn't want to tie it until the last possible second.

"Are you ready yet?" he called to Alex who was in her room getting dressed for the evening.

"Almost," she answered.

He checked his watch. It was six fifty-five. The party started at seven-thirty and he wanted to be on time even though he didn't really care to go.

As Alex came out of her room the deep blue silk chiffon dress she was wearing flowed softly about her.

I definitely like her in blue, Steve thought smiling.

"Don't laugh, Steve McGarrett," she said trying not to laugh herself.

"I'm not," he said standing up and walking over to her. "You just look…"

"Like an idiot."

"No…beautiful."

"Well, you don't look too bad yourself," she smiled and noticed his bowtie was undone. "Is that how you are going to wear that this evening?"

"I was thinking of starting a new trend."

She raised an eyebrow, "Steve McGarrett starting fashion trends? I don't think so."

Without thinking Alex stepped forward and began to tie it for him. It was an innocent gesture, but an intimate one; it was something a wife would do for her husband. Steve enjoyed every second as he watched her.

"These parties are really such a bore you know," she said glancing up at him. "You're going to hate it."

"And you aren't?"

Alex laughed, "We can hate it together then."

She finished with his tie by straightening the bow and smoothing it out making sure it was presentable. Her eyes met his and she smiled. They held each other's gaze for a few moments before Steve finally spoke.

"May I offer you my arm?"

"You may."

They proceeded to the elevator and then down to the lobby. Steve and Alex looked stunning together and many heads turned as they made their way past the front desk and out into the parking area.

"I would have you wait here while I pull up my truck, but I'm not supposed to leave you alone," he said.

"That's alright. I have two legs, I can walk."

They walked across the parking lot until Steve stopped in front of a silver Corvette.

"Where's your truck?" she asked.

"I traded it in for the evening," he said smiling. "You can't go to this party looking as beautiful as you are in a truck."

Alex was sure she blushed when he said that. She wished he would stop complimenting her and looking at her with such admiration, because she knew she liked it. But she didn't want to go there, so she turned the conversation away from herself.

"Is this your brother's car?"

"Yeah, but tonight it's mine," he smirked.

"When did you have time to arrange this?"

"When you were trying on your dress I made a quick call to Nate. He was happy to let me borrow it."

"That was very sweet of him. Can I drive?" she grinned.

"Have I ever let you drive before?"

"No."

"There's your answer," he said opening the passenger door for her.

As they drove to the party Alex could tell without looking that Steve kept glancing at her. His normal blank expression had been replaced with a faint smile. Alex knew it had been a mistake to buy the blue dress he had chosen. It had always been his favorite color on her. It still was apparently, because he was spending more time looking at her than he was at the road.

When they finally arrived at the party the rest of the 5-0 team was already waiting at the entrance.

Danny and Chin looked dashing in their tuxedos and Kono was exquisite in her long, one sleeved black dress.

Steve left the car with the valet and once again offered Alex his arm.

"They look so good together, don't they?" Kono commented. "I don't think anyone will realize that he is actually protecting her."

Steve made eye contact with them, but didn't say anything as he escorted Alex indoors. Danny and Chin remained at the entrance double checking invitations as the guests arrived and Kono casually followed Steve and Alex into the building.

Alex unconsciously tightened her grip on Steve's arm as she saw Joe coming to meet them.

"Good evening, Alexandra, you look beautiful tonight," Joe said.

He was disappointed to see Alex holding onto Steve's arm.

"Thanks, Joe," she said. "Are my parents here yet?"

"Yes, I believe they are over there," he said pointing to the right side of the large room. "Is there any news yet on the man who tried to shoot you?"

Wow, even I wouldn't ask a woman a question like that, Steve thought.

"All I know is that they have a lead," she said.

"I hope they find him soon, so you can get back to normal life," Joe said glancing at Steve. "Please save some of your dances for me, Alexandra."

Joe excused himself to say hello to some of the other guests.

"Please save some of your dances for me, Alexandra," Steve teased. "Does anybody call you that, besides him?"

"My mother when she's upset with me," Alex replied.

"Speaking of your mother I think she's coming over here. I'm going to disappear for awhile, I won't be too far."

"Sure, go ahead," Alex chuckled.

Steve caught Kono's eye as he walked away and she moved closer to Alex. He thought it would be better if he gave Alex some time to mingle with her parents and their friends alone. Besides he knew that he had never been one of Hannah Reilly's favorite people.

Alex's mother, along with Governor Jameson, came to greet her.

"Alex, you look beautiful," Hannah said hugging her daughter. "I love your dress."

I wonder what her reaction would be if I told her Steve picked it out, Alex thought. "Thanks, mom."

"Alex, I'm so glad you were able to come tonight," the governor said. "I hope all is well?"

"It's fine," Alex replied.

"I'm glad to hear that. If you'll excuse me I have to greet the senator. I'll talk to you later."

"Natty misses you," Hannah said. "She wanted to come tonight and see you."

"I know I talked to her on the phone this afternoon."

"Oh, I didn't know you called."

"You were out."

"That must have been when I was getting my hair done. Oh, Alex, there's Mr. and Mrs. Morgan. I don't know if you remember them, but they're dear friends of mine."

Steve stood near the edge of the room where he could keep an eye on Alex. He noticed Kono speaking with Henri Reilly as if they were old friends. Henri looked over at Steve and gave him an encouraging smile that said "I know you are doing your best". Then he turned back to Kono and continued their conversation.

"I know penguins wear tuxedos, but I didn't know SEALs did too," a sarcastic voice said next to Steve.

"And I didn't see your name on the guest list, Lynch," Steve said without looking at him.

"I don't have to be on a guest list to get into a party."

"Why are you here?"

"Same reason you are. I wouldn't want all my work to be for nothing."

"What work?"

"Trying to get Reilly to fall for me," he said attempting to get a reaction from Steve. "I mean she is quite a catch, wouldn't you say?"

Steve ignored him.

"She's a tough one, I'll admit," Lynch continued, "but I like a good challenge. That poor Harris guy doesn't realize how out of his league she is. But then, she fell for you didn't she?"

Steve's hands were clenched at his side. He wanted to pound Lynch into the ground, but he knew he shouldn't.

"There she goes," Lynch pointed out. "You had better go after her. You don't want anything happening to Alex Reilly on your watch."

* * * * * * H50 * * * * * *

Alex was tired of people asking if she was alright. She knew they were genuinely concerned, but she didn't enjoy all the fuss they were making over her. She and Steve had arrived only an hour ago, yet it seemed like an eternity.

Steve had rejoined her over twenty minutes ago, but he had hardly spoken a word. His mood had definitely changed since their arrival. She glanced at him for a moment wondering what he was thinking

The band began playing and couples walked out into the middle of the room to dance. Alex wanted to disappear. She disliked dancing and hoped that Steve's presence beside her would scare Joe or anyone else away. She wasn't so lucky.

"Would you like to dance, Alexandra?" Joe inquired.

Alex tried to come up with an excuse why she couldn't, but before she could formulate one Steve stepped forward.

"I'll have to frisk you first," he said seriously.

"What?" Joe said a little shocked. "You think I would want to hurt her?"

"I didn't say that, it's just standard procedure."

Alex rolled her eyes. Steve wasn't one to follow procedures.

"Is that really necessary?" Joe asked.

"Look, do you want to dance with her or not?" Steve said trying to intimidate him.

"Okay…fine," Joe relented much to Steve's surprise.

Steve checked him for weapons while people stared at them, including Lynch, who stood on the other side of the room, completely amused.

Steve had thought there was no way Joe would still want to dance with Alex after he threatened to frisk him. Now he stood alone watching the two of them dance. He wished he was the one holding Alex.

Steve felt movement next to him. It was Danny.

"You okay, Steve?" Danny asked.

"Yeah," Steve answered.

"You're jealous aren't you?"

Steve didn't respond. That was answer enough for Danny.

"She doesn't like that guy, in case you are wondering."

"How do you know that?"

"I'm a detective, Steven. Notice how she keeps glancing over here. She's crazy about you."

Steve looked over at Danny, "You can tell that just by the way she looks over here?"

Danny nodding his head saying, "That and the fact that no one else has snatched her up."

"Hmm."

"Steve she obviously still loves you. So my question to you is what happened between…"

Danny noticed Steve's grave expression deepen. He looked over to where Alex was and saw the reason for his partner's reaction. Lynch was trying to cut in on Joe's dance with Alex.

"Easy, there babe," Danny cautioned. "You look like you are about to kill someone."

Then Danny saw Alex look over at Steve again almost as if she was pleading with him to rescue her.

"I don't think the governor wants you killing anyone at her party," Danny continued.

Steve didn't answer him; instead he crossed the room to where Alex was now dancing with Lynch.

"I'm cutting in," Steve said glaring at Lynch.

"Get lost, we're discussing business," he replied.

"Business?" Steve questioned.

Lynch smirked, "That's what I said."

Alex knew this confrontation wouldn't end well. She needed to intervene.

"Jason, please don't make a scene," she pleaded.

"Ooh, first names, Alexandra. It's been a long time. You must be desperate to get away from me," Lynch said and whispering in her ear he added, "I like it when you beg."

Alex had to restrain herself from slapping him across the face.

Steve grabbed Lynch firmly by the shoulder and pulled him away from her saying, "Your discussion is over."

"You're pathetic, McGarrett," Lynch said and walked away.

Alex let out a sigh of relief as Steve put his arm around her and they resumed the dance.

"Thanks for rescuing me," Alex said.

She could tell by his expression that his mind was elsewhere.

"That's my job," he said.

Alex looked at him curiously and wondered, I'm just your job now?

They danced in silence because Steve was too upset to fully realize that after all these years here he was dancing with Alex. It had infuriated him how boldly Lynch had acted. He hadn't heard what Lynch whispered to Alex, but by her reaction he knew it had not been good.

It took him the rest of the dance to calm down enough to start enjoying himself. Alex could feel him relax as the band began playing their next piece.

"I'm sorry, that guy…" Steve didn't finish because he knew Alex wouldn't want hear the words that would follow.

"I know. He has that affect on people."

She smiled up at him and her blue eyes sparkled, pulling Steve out of his solemn mood. He focused all his attention on her taking in every little detail; her perfume, her beautiful hair, her blue dress.

"Would you mind if I told you how nice you look in blue," Steve said.

Alex let out a small laugh.

"Eight years and you still haven't come up with a better line than that?"

"It worked so well the first time I didn't think it was necessary."

Still smiling she turned her head and noticed people were watching them.

"People are staring at us," Alex whispered.

"That's because you are so beautiful."

"Thank you, but that's not it."

"What is it then?"

"Your fly is down," she informed him seriously.

Steve's eyes widened and he looked down.

"I'm kidding, Steve," she said laughing.

He grinned and pulled her closer to him.

"Steve…" Alex said still laughing.

"What?" he smirked.

"The governor is watching us."

"Really?" He leaned closer and Alex could feel the warmth of his breath on her ear as he whispered, "What is she doing now?"

Alex could barely breathe. It took her a moment before she could reply.

"I think her jaw just dropped to the floor. You are going to be in trouble."

Steve knew he shouldn't be holding her this close, but she hadn't protested and he couldn't bring himself to stop.

"Me? No way. Your dad just gave me two thumbs up."

Alex turned and looked to where her father stood grinning from ear to ear, but her mother didn't look pleased at all.

"Yeah, and my mother just gave you the look of death," Alex chuckled.

"That's nothing new."

Danny watched in amazement as Steve danced with Alex. He thought whatever hold Alex had on Steve must be magical because he had never seen his partner behave in such a manner.

Chin and Kono came over to join Danny.

"I thought we might have to intervene there for a moment," Chin said.

"You and me both," Danny replied.

"The boss has an interesting way of offering protection," Kono smiled. "I don't think I have ever seen him smile so much."

"I am about ready to go over there and ask him 'who are you and what have you done with my partner?'"

"Danny, maybe that is the real Steve," Chin said.

"Well, whoever it is we need to keep an extra eye open, because I'm not sure he's on top of his game tonight," Danny said, watching as Steve said something to make Alex laugh.

"Looks like he's doing a good job to me," Kono said with a smile.

* * * * * * H50 * * * * * *

Steve hadn't thought he was going to have such a good time, but then he didn't know he would be dancing with Alex. They were now on their fifth consecutive dance and Steve was hoping it wouldn't end anytime soon.

"Remember the first time we danced together?" he asked.

"Yes, you didn't want to stop."

"I guess I haven't changed then," he said seriously.

"Steve, you know you can't dance with me all night."

"Because you don't want me to or because it doesn't look right?"

Alex bit her lip and looked away from him. She shouldn't be here in his arms, but there was no where else she would rather be.

I want to dance with you all night, Alex thought. I just can't tell you.

As they turned Alex noticed her mother coming toward them. Steve must have noticed too because he guided her in the opposite direction.

"That's not going to stop her," Alex said.

"I have my handcuffs," he said with a mischievous look in his eye. "Besides we're just friends what is she worried about?"

Hmm…just friends, she thought. I really don't like that.

The song ended and Alex would have danced with Steve again, but her mother interrupted them.

"Alex, what are you doing?" Hannah said coming to stand beside her daughter.

"Dancing."

"Why are you dancing with him?"

"Mother…" Alex said in a warning tone.

"You have been dancing with him for the past twenty minutes and Joe has been waiting to dance with you."

"I already danced with Joe," Alex said.

"I hardly think thirty seconds constitutes dancing with Joe, besides when you like someone you dance with them more than once."

Steve smirked at Hannah's comment. I guess that means Alex likes me.

"He is the son of your friend, Mother," Alex reminded her.

"Alexandra, you need to come with me right now!" Hannah ordered.

"With all due respect, Mrs. Reilly, I think Alex is old enough to make decisions for herself," Steve interjected.

"She doesn't seem to make wise decisions when she's with you!"

Alex's eyes widened in surprise; she didn't know what was wrong with her mother, she never acted this way.

"Mom, lower your voice, you're causing a scene," Alex said looking around trying to locate her father.

"I'm causing a scene!" Hannah said raising her voice. "It's how you two are behaving on this dance floor that's causing a scene." She turned to Steve and pointed an accusing finger at him. "You're supposed to be protecting my daughter, but you're too busy trying to weasel your way back into her affections. Alexandra, you would not have had to deal with him if you had just come to stay at our house. I'm sure Joe would have been happy to accompany you while you were here on vacation, but instead you have been off gallivanting with this…this…Casanova!"

Steve had been called a lot of things in his life, but that had never been one of them.

"Mother!" Alex was mortified. "You have no right to say that!"

"I have every right when it comes to the happiness of my daughter," Hannah said. Then turning to Steve she continued, "And you have the audacity to come back into my daughter's life after what you did to her?"

"What?" Steve said shocked.

"What do you mean what he did to me!" Alex demanded.

"He cheated on you! Why else would you have been so heartbroken four years ago?"

Alex felt like she had been kicked in the stomach. Her face paled and her heart began to pound in her chest. She put a hand over her mouth as if she felt sick.

Henri had been talking with the senator and his wife when he had caught sight of Hannah wagging her finger at Steve. He knew he needed to get over there and see what was happening. His heart sank as he walked up to them and heard his wife accusing Steve of cheating on their daughter.

"Mom…that isn't…" Alex couldn't finish speaking as tears choked out her words. She took a deep breath and looked her mother straight in the eye and continued, "You have no idea what you are talking about. Steve never hurt me!"

Alex didn't want to explain any further and she couldn't bear to look at Steve to see his reaction to her mother's words. Her only recourse was to get away. She turned and fled from the room.

Hannah tried to follow her, but Henri laid a gentle hand on her arm.

"Dear, I don't think you're the one she needs right now," Henri said quietly.

Looking at Steve he inclined his head toward the doors Alex had disappeared through a moment ago. Steve nodded and without a word went after her.

He pushed the doors open and walked outside. It was a moonless night and the only light provided came from the accent lights that were positioned around the terrace and on the exterior of the building.

Alex stood by the railing looking out over the gardens. He came up beside her and she turned her face away so he couldn't see the tears that were staining her cheeks.

She felt Steve's hand on the bottom of her chin as he turned her face toward him. With his other hand he wiped away her tears.

"Seeing you cry is about the worst thing in the world," he said, "because I don't know what to do about it."

Alex turned her face away and leaned on the railing.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't know she thought our breakup was your fault. I couldn't bring myself to tell her what happened in China; only you and my dad know."

"It's alright, Alex, I understand," Steve said placing his hand on her arm.

"No, it's not alright!" Alex said shaking off his hand. "How can you say you understand? You should be angry with me because of all the grief I have caused you!"

"I was angry with you, but it's not worth staying angry with someone you love."

She didn't want him to say it was alright and that he loved her. She needed him to be angry at her because she couldn't forgive herself for what she had done to him.

Steve took her gently by the shoulders and turned her towards him. He knew that as much as she was resisting him, she really didn't want to.

"Look at me, Alex," he said.

"I can't," she said shaking her head.

"Alex, please look at me," he implored.

Slowly she lifted her head, but she couldn't bring herself to look into his eyes.

"Alex…" he whispered as his arms encircled her and pulled her closer.

Tears slipped down her face and once again she felt his hand wipe them away. In his arms she could almost forget the pain she had caused him.

She took hold of the lapels on his jacket as a battle raged inside her. Steve was breaking down the walls she had built up to keep him out, but she couldn't allow herself to surrender.

Alex closed her eyes as his lips gently kissed her forehead.

"Steve, I…" she stopped.

Alex felt his body tense and his hold on her tighten protectively. She held her breath sensing that something was wrong. Whether it was a noise he had heard or a movement that had caught his eye she didn't know. He began pulling her toward the building with his left hand while reaching for his gun with the right then everything went dark.

A/N: Am I driving anyone crazy yet? I don't know when I will get the next chapter up...sorry, I have to make sure it's good. Thanks for reading and reviewing.

I know there are probably a lot of you waiting for Steve to get beat up physically so…I will leave you with the wise words of Shawn Spencer from the TV show Psych, "Wait for iiiiiiiiiiiiiit!"