Many thanks for the lovely reviews. You've earned yourselves another chapter!

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Chapter 2

Alex drummed her fingernails on the desk and checked her watch for the hundredth time. Five o'clock, only an hour to go. She'd taken the opportunity to nip back to the flat at lunchtime and change into some sexy underwear thinking it might boost her confidence but now she was getting more nervous by the second. What if it was just a cruel joke on his part and he didn't turn up? Even worse, what if he did? Nerves jangling she glanced up to see Gene leaving his office and pausing at Ray's desk.

"Just nippin' out for a while, Raymondo. Should be back in an hour or so if anybody wants me."

Did he just glance knowingly in her direction? She looked down, feeling her face flush, but he strode straight past her without making eye contact. She watched his tall, elegant figure as he pushed aggressively through the double doors, his black coat swirling around him, the epitome of rugged masculinity. He was undeniably attractive and so rampantly alpha male, and she found herself quivering with anticipation at the thought of playing Jane to his Tarzan later.

xxxxxx

Five minutes to six and the last few stragglers were just heading out of CID on their way to Luigi's for the usual Friday night drinks.

"Shall we see you there, ma'am?"

Shaz broke into her scattered thoughts and she managed to conjure up a smile.

"Just finishing up some paperwork, I shouldn't be too long. Um … have you seen the Guv?"

Shaz shook her head, suppressing a grin.

"I think he went out, ma'am, I'm not sure if he's back yet. Did you want him?"

Alex felt herself going hot under the collar.

"No, no, it's nothing urgent. I'll see you later."

Ray and Chris were lurking in the corridor waiting and they bounded across like two over-eager puppies.

"Well? Is the plan workin'?"

Shaz grinned.

"I think so. She went a nice shade of pink when I asked her if she wanted the Guv."

Ray chuckled lasciviously.

"I saw him sneak past a few minutes ago. Bet he's in there right now, all hot and bothered, waitin' fer her."

Chris put an arm round Shaz and squeezed her shoulder.

"Lucky you've got so good at fakin' their handwritin', isn't it?"

She rolled her eyes.

"Well if I waited for them to fill out all their paperwork in triplicate the place would grind to a complete halt. Come on, let's get out of here. It's all down to them now …"

xxxxxx

Six o'clock. Alex swallowed hard and got up from her chair, surprised to find her legs actually managed to support her. Could she go through with it? It wasn't too late to back out, even now. She thought back to the two of them trapped together in the vault that time, Gene holding her reassuringly close while she nestled against his broad chest, and her stomach did a somersault. Why hadn't it dawned on her before how attracted she was to him? Well she certainly knew now and she couldn't fight it any longer.

She made her way along the deserted corridor and paused outside the stationery cupboard, taking a deep calming breath before turning the handle and stepping inside, her heart pounding in her ears. Her jaw dropped in surprise as her eyes adjusted to the romantic glow from the many tea lights scattered around the shelf space. He'd done all this for her?

"Well, Lady Bols. Now that yer've lured me in here what do you intend to do with me? A spot of inventory, maybe?"

His voice was low and gravelly and she turned slowly, her breath catching in her throat as her gaze roved slowly over him. It was warm, and he'd already removed his jacket and tie, undone a few buttons and rolled his sleeves up to the elbow to reveal his muscular forearms. His eyes gleamed like molten silver, the flickering candlelight picked out the blond highlights in his hair and she had a sudden urge to run her tongue over that tempting 'V' of naked chest.

She leant back against the wall for support, her brow furrowed in confusion as she digested his words.

"What do you mean, 'lured'?"

He closed the gap between them, standing so close that she could feel the heat emanating from his body as he smirked down at her.

"Knew yer couldn't resist me charm fer much longer, luv. So I'll ask you again, Bollinger Knickers, are yer goin' ter kiss me or punch me?"

She gasped as his hand moved up to fondle a breast, his thumb skimming over the erect nipple, and the triumphant look on his face made her blood boil.

"Why you arrogant, cocky, infuriating …"

She raised an arm to slap his face but he was too quick, grabbing her wrist and pinning it to the wall next to her head. The other hand followed and then he was pressed up against her, his tongue gently tracing the shell of her ear. She shivered, the words dying on her lips as his soft hair brushed against her cheek and his mouth left a trail of fire down the exposed skin of her throat.

"Like that do you, Bols?"

"Mmmfff …"

With his hard body trapping her against the wall and his musky masculine scent filling her nostrils, she was incapable of any coherent thought.

"I'm guessin'…" He nipped at her jaw. "That yer might just prefer …" He nibbled at her lower lip … "To kiss me this time."

His tongue flicked teasingly between her parted lips and she sighed, wanting more, but he moved back.

"If I let yer go will yer promise not ter hit me?"

She caught the twinkle in his eye and her lips twitched.

"Scouts honour."

He narrowed his eyes.

"Can't fool me, Bols. You were never a boy Scout, yer've got all the wrong … attributes."

He glanced down at her cleavage and she raised an eyebrow in challenge.

"You'll just have to trust me then, won't you, Guv."

"Hmmm. Looks that way. Just remember, me jaw still hasn't recovered from the last time."

He looked so rueful as he released her that she had to stifle a giggle, giving in to the urge to press a hot open-mouthed kiss against his neck. A sound akin to a deep purr rumbled through his chest.

"Is that better?"

"Much."

She resumed her attentions, licking and sucking at his warm skin. God, he tasted so good. Unable to help herself she used her teeth and he groaned in appreciation.

"Fuck me, Alex."

"Oh, I fully intend to … eventually."

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she gazed up into his face flirtatiously.

"So when did you first realise you couldn't resist me, then?"

He pretended to consider the matter, pouting.

"When yer knelt in front of me dressed as a prossie. That's a fantasy I'd like ter turn into reality one day."

His eyes glittered wickedly and she smiled seductively up at him.

"Oh, I'm sure we can arrange something. If you're very good."

"I'm always good, luv."

Her legs went weak. God, that low seductive growl would be the death of her.

"And when did you first realise yer wanted me?"

Deciding that earlier that day was probably not the wisest answer, she thought quickly.

"Probably when you told me you were bigger in all departments." She wriggled wantonly against him. "Why, Mr Hunt, is that a rather large pistol in your pocket or are you just pleased to see me?"

He groaned.

"No gun, Bols, but it is in danger of goin' off too soon if yer keep rubbin' yerself against it like that."

She smirked.

"We can't have that, can we, Guv? It'd be a terrible waste, especially when its taken us so long to get here. The rose was a nice touch, by the way. I hadn't realised you were such an old romantic."

His brows shot up.

"Rose?"

She smiled indulgently.

"No need to be so coy, Gene, I know it was you."

He shrugged, pouting.

"Sorry luv, not guilty. It was your Valentine's card that got me here."

Now it was her turn to look baffled.

"Card?"

He nodded.

"Red heart, white background? I want you, Gene, six o'clock in the stationery cupboard? Now who's bein' coy."

She blinked at him.

"Gene, I assure you I didn't send a card …"

They stared at one another, hands dropping to their sides as realisation gradually dawned. Gene spoke first.

"We've been played for a right pair of mugs, haven't we?"

"It would seem that way …"

.

xxxxxx

Oh dear. Just when it was all going so well. If you want to see how it turns out, best let me know … :)