Many thanks to all those who are still reading and reviewing, especially the 'guests' because I can't thank you individually. Without further ado …

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Chapter 7

He was as good as his word, kissing her awake in the early hours to make love to her again, his clever hands and skilful mouth taking her to the brink before he buried himself deep inside her and drove her relentlessly to another blissful climax.
Alex lay with her face pillowed against his chest, a satisfied smile on her face, giving thanks to whichever deity brought Gene Hunt into her life. Her memory may be somewhat hazy but she was pretty sure she'd just enjoyed the best sex of her life, and on top of that he made her feel so protected and cared for. Who'd have thought a bluff Northern copper could well turn out to be her perfect man?

"Gene?"

"Mmmm?"

His eyes were closed, insanely long lashes sweeping his cheeks, and she smiled affectionately, kissing the tip of his nose.

"Your ex must need her head examining …"

Reaching down between his legs, she fondled him teasingly.

" … and her eyes testing."

She felt the rumble of his chuckle through his chest.

"I was right, you are bloody insatiable, woman … just my type …"

Snuggling in closer, she fell into a deep contented sleep.

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She woke to the clinking of bottles as the milkman made his morning delivery, and squinted at the clock by the bed. Just before seven. Gazing down at his handsome profile she grinned to herself, contemplating burrowing under the covers and instigating round three. Somehow, she couldn't see him objecting to being woken by the feel of a warm mouth wrapped round his morning erection. The grin widened. Seems he was right, she really couldn't get enough of him.

A loud crash and the sound of tinkling glass brought her abruptly out of her reverie as Gene sat up, shook his head to clear it and threw his legs reluctantly over the side of the bed.

"Stay there, luv."

She hardly had time to appreciate his naked backside before he'd thrown on a robe and headed downstairs to investigate. Looking around for something to wear, she grabbed his discarded shirt, slipped into her underwear and followed after him. He was standing just inside the living room doorway running a frustrated hand through his hair, and he held an arm out in warning as she approached.

"Don't come any closer, luv, there's glass everywhere."

Her hand went to her mouth.

"Be careful, Gene, you've got bare feet. What on earth happened?"

His mouth was set in a firm line, his eyes narrowed.

"Some tosser threw a brick through the window."

"Jesus. First the car, now this. Someone's got it in for you."

She thought she saw him flinch, but he headed past her without speaking and took the stairs two at a time. She sighed, following slowly after him. So much for round three.

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She'd offered to stay behind and wait for the emergency glazier while he went in to work, but he wouldn't hear of it, protesting that he knew the bloke personally and it would be easier and cheaper if he dealt with him direct. With the window safely boarded up until it could be replaced, Gene was adamant that she should accompany him, and they finally headed into CID together just before lunchtime.

To her own surprise she'd hardly put up a protest, finding she wanted to be where he was and watch him at work again. Just the idea of the Guv back in his natural environment, six feet of testosterone and steely blue eyes, had the power to transform her into a drooling wreck intent on ravishing him at the first opportunity. He became aware of her covert scrutiny and glanced over, his brows furrowed.

"What?"

She grinned, squeezing his thigh.

"Oh, nothing. Just making a few plans for later."

As he pulled into a parking place she leaned over to whisper close to his ear.

"Shame we couldn't stay in bed all day, it seems I'm rather partial to big handsome Northern coppers."

His intense blue eyed gaze sent a shiver of desire through her.

"I'm not averse ter soft Southern jessies either, but we'll 'ave ter restrain ourselves fer a few hours."

She fluttered her eyelashes flirtatiously at him.

"And me wearing stockings today … "

He groaned as she slid out of the passenger seat, his eyes following her progress as she exaggerated the sway of her hips, her peachy backside encased in a tight pencil skirt. She looked over her shoulder at him, a naughty smile playing round her lips.

"Coming, Guv?"

He only wished. Gritting his teeth and battling with a semi, he followed her into the building, his hands thrust deep into his pockets to hide the evidence. Boy, was she going to pay for this later.

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Alex was introduced properly to Chris and Ray before Gene led her into his office where she seated herself comfortably, crossing her legs so that the skirt rode a good distance up her thigh. The action was not lost on him.

"Careful, luv. Yer'll 'ave Carling crawlin' after yer like a dog on heat if he gets a so much as a flash of stockin' top."

She gazed up at him seductively from under her lashes.

"Strangely enough, it wasn't Ray I was thinking about when I picked this outfit."

He perched on the edge of his desk and lit up a cigarette, a predatory gleam in his eye.

"Glad ter hear it. Fancy a tour of the building later? I'm sure yer'll find the stationery cupboard of particular interest."

Her lips twitched.

"Very important to check the lead in pencils, don't you think? Could keep us occupied for quite a while."

He smirked.

"Dirty mare. May have to wait a while, though. Here's someone yer need ter meet."

She looked round as the door opened.

"Sam Tyler …"

Sam looked at Gene and then back at Alex in confusion.

"How did you know?"

She shrugged.

"Your face is familiar, somehow. I'm Alex, by the way."

Sam grinned, taking her hand.

"I guessed. Nice to meet you, Alex"

Suddenly, she was assaulted by a series of visions again. A buff file with a picture of Sam clipped inside the front cover … driving across Tower Bridge … the London Eye … the Gherkin.

"You alright, luv?"

Gene was touching her arm and she blinked, trying to focus on his face.

"I think so."

She sank back into the chair and both men watched her intently.

"I've seen Sam's photo in a file. And I remembered London. The Thames, the Gherkin …"

"The what?"

Gene scratched his head while Sam visibly paled, clutching at the desk for support as the phone suddenly shrilled out. After a short conversation, Gene replaced the receiver in its cradle and looked from one to the other.

"Got to nip out fer a while. Can yer keep an eye on this one, Sam? I shouldn't be too long."

The younger man nodded, still looking somewhat shaken, and Alex watched the Guv as he strode through CID, every inch the Manc Lion proudly surveying his kingdom. She bit her lip as she thought back over the events of the previous night: the teasing touch of his fingers, his wickedly clever lips, the blissful weight of his naked body pressing down on her as she dug her nails into his shoulders. Shivering with suppressed desire she turned back to Sam, who was busy pouring them both a large measure of whiskey from Gene's not so secret supply. She blinked at him in surprise as he held out a glass.

"Trust me, Alex. I think you're going to need it."

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