Usual thanks to everyone who's reading and reviewing – it is appreciated. As a thank you, here's a nice long chapter. Just a swift word of warning: now M rated for all the usual reasons, so if smut isn't your thing …

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Chapter 5 – Manchester, 1971

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Lily checked her face in the mirror once again. A subtle hint of smoky eye-liner and a touch of lip gloss should do the trick: she knew that Gene wasn't a fan of the heavily made-up look. She smoothed down her burgundy shift dress, enjoying the way it accentuated her figure. It was sexy without being too obvious, even though it did reveal a tempting amount of cleavage. Somehow, she felt he'd approve.

Gene had been a regular visitor for several months now, but he still behaved like the perfect gentleman despite her less than subtle attempts at seduction. Oh, he liked to look alright – she'd often caught his gaze lingering on her generous curves and long shapely legs when he thought she wasn't looking. She didn't doubt his interest; it was just that he'd clearly decided not to act on it due to some misguided attempt at chivalry. Still, she refused to give up hope. He'd all but admitted that his marriage was on the rocks, so it was only a matter of time: she'd keep putting temptation in his way until he finally cracked. She was nothing if not patient.

Glancing at her watch again, she was surprised to find it was after six. It wasn't like him to be this late. She fidgeted, gnawing at her lip, unable to settle to anything. It was such a relief to finally hear a knock on the door that she almost tripped over her own feet in her haste to answer it.

"Gene! I was gettin' worried about you."

He gave her a lop-sided grin, which was also out of character.

"Trust the Gene Genie, luv. Practically indestructible, me."

His speech was slurred and he seemed to be having trouble focussing on her face. She stepped aside to allow him entry, frowning as she detected the whisky fumes on his breath. It was no secret that the Guv liked a glass or three after work, but she'd never seen him drunk until now. Swaying slightly on his feet, he made an unsuccessful attempt to shed his jacket.

"Here, let me 'elp."

Between them, they managed to extract him from the offending garment, before he flopped heavily into a chair. Lil seated herself next to him and reached for his hand.

"Want ter tell me about it?"

He often confided in her about the cases he and the team were working on nowadays, knowing that she would never betray his trust. Early on in their friendship she'd reassured him on that point. Prossies are like priests, Gene – only with a different dress code. He'd barked out a laugh, but he had been more forthcoming afterwards. She guessed there were things he didn't feel he could share with the missus, and he had to keep up appearances in front of both his subordinates and his superiors. Crimes involving violence towards women and children got to him the most, especially the latter. He sighed, giving her hand a brief squeeze.

"Any chance of a whisky, luv? I've got a mouth like the inside of a postman's sock."

He looked demoralised and exhausted, and her heart went out to him.

"Maybe later, but I think yer could use a black coffee first, don't you?"

He shrugged in defeat, raising his gaze to hers.

"Some evil scum is targetin' little girls. Two so far, sexually assaulted before he did for 'em. Been workin' day and night ter catch the murderin' bastard before he strikes again." He rubbed a weary hand across his forehead. "It makes me sick ter me stomach, Lil."

"I'm so sorry, Gene. I can't imagine what dealin' with stuff like that every day does to a bloke."

She lifted his hand and brought it to her cheek, tears springing to her eyes. He sighed heavily and looked down at his feet.

"Shouldn't be layin' all this on you, luv."

Turning her face, she pressed a kiss to his open palm.

"Don't be daft. You just relax while I make some coffee."

He cupped her face gently, his eyes holding hers.

"Yer a good girl, Lil. Dunno what I'd do without yer sometimes."

She swallowed the sudden lump in her throat and smiled brightly.

"Lucky for you I'm still around then, isn't it?"

…..

It was hardly a great surprise when she arrived back to find him dead to the world. Sipping her coffee, she sank back into a chair and studied him over the top of the mug. He looked younger in sleep, the lines of worry etched into his forehead less pronounced: insanely long lashes brushed his cheeks, the trademark pout still in place as his chest rose and fell with each breath.

Leaning in, she brushed a stray lock of hair gently back from his forehead and then carefully undid his tie, doing her best not to disturb him. He mumbled in his sleep but didn't wake so she popped a couple more buttons on his shirt, telling herself it was just an attempt to make him more comfortable. The naked 'V' of chest she'd uncovered was too tempting: with a featherlight touch, she ran her fingertips over his warm skin, wishing she could nibble her way slowly down his neck. Idly, she wondered what he would do if he woke to find her seated in his lap, indulging herself. With a sigh of regret, she resisted the urge: he needed his rest, after all.

He slept for over an hour while Lil attempted to read, mostly unsuccessfully, her attention constantly drawn back to his recumbent form. She'd left a glass of water close to hand, certain he'd be suffering from a raging thirst when he did eventually surface. Peering over the top of her book for the umpteenth time, her gaze met a pair of sleepy blue eyes and her stomach flipped. Oh, to wake to such a glorious sight every morning. He blinked at her, clearly disorientated for a moment, and then favoured her with a lop-sided smile.

"Hope I 'aven't been kippin' for too long, luv."

Shaking her head, she closed the book and put it to one side.

"An hour or so, that's all."

"Bugger. Great company I am today!"

She waved a hand dismissively.

"Don't be daft. Yer looked done in when you arrived, I'm glad you managed to get some rest."

Gene yawned and stretched, groaning with the effort, before eagerly downing half the glass of water. He grimaced, moving his head from side to side.

"Must've been lyin' awkwardly. Got a crick in me neck now."

Lil stood and held out her hand.

"Come over 'ere, and I'll see if I can help."

To her surprise, he got to his feet without hesitation and let her lead him over to the bed. He sat and she moved to kneel behind him, her heart rate increasing at the thought of getting her hands on him, even if only through the thin cotton of his shirt. His shoulders were tight and she began to knead them, gently at first and then with increasing pressure, spurred on by his grunts of satisfaction. Excitement skittered down her spine as an idea came to her. She ceased her ministrations and spoke, her tone light and persuasive.

"You're very tense, Gene. Why don't you take yer shirt off and lie down? I can give you a proper goin' over then."

She held her breath, unsure what his reaction would be, but he just chuckled and reached for his buttons.

"Best offer I've 'ad all day, luv."

Kicking off his shoes, he made himself comfortable, head resting on his arms, while Lil took a moment to enjoy the view. His shoulders were broad and well-muscled, his back smooth and unblemished, and she couldn't wait to get her hands on him. Slipping out of her dress, she straddled his tight backside and went to work on him; kneading, stroking, massaging, his groans of pleasure music to her ears.

The silk of her black teddy slid over her taut nipples with every movement, and the act of leaning forwards created a delicious friction between her thighs. Arousal pooled low in her belly and it was all she could do not to moan aloud. Time to move things forwards. Palms sweating, she eased herself off him and cleared her throat.

"Turn over, Gene, and I'll do yer front."

He didn't answer immediately, and for a moment she wondered if he'd fallen asleep again. Then he stirred, his voice muffled by the pillow.

"You might need ter give me a minute, luv."

Her heart leapt. Did he mean what she thought he meant?

"Why's that, then?"

"Do I need ter spell it out?"

His voice was gruff and he sounded defensive.

"I'd rather you just showed me."

He huffed into the pillow before finally rolling onto his back, his eyes widening as he took in her choice of lingerie.

"Bloody hell, woman. You tryin' ter finish me off?"

She let her gaze rake slowly down his bare chest until it came to rest on the unmistakeable bulge in his trousers.

"Now there's an idea."

Licking her lips, she reached for his belt and unhooked it, hearing his sharp intake of breath. He tried to sit up but she placed a hand firmly in the centre of his chest and pushed him back down before lowering his fly. Slipping her hand inside, she began to stroke him through his underwear.

"Bloody hell! Yer don't need to …"

"Shhhh, I'm enjoyin' meself."

She freed him from the confines of his briefs and he groaned as she ran one hand up and down his impressive length. He'd definitely been blessed with more than his fair share.

"Mmmm, you are a big boy, Gene."

Straddling his legs, she leaned in, running her tongue around the tip. He groaned and swore as she slid him into her mouth, but he made no further attempt to resist.

She worked him skilfully with her lips, tongue and teeth, until he was cursing and begging her not to stop. Risking a glance up his body, a shiver of anticipation ran through her: with his head thrown back, his eyes closed, fingers gripping the sheets, he was quite a sight to behold. His hips were moving of their own accord now, and she took him deeper, sensing he was very close.

"Lil! I'm gonna … oh, fuck … Jesus H Christ!"

…..

Afterwards, she crawled up the bed to join him, resting her head on his chest, listening to his gradually slowing heart-beat. His arm came around her, his fingers stroking little circles on her thigh and she sighed, breathing in his familiar scent. For a long while neither of them spoke, and then Gene stirred.

"I'm sorry, luv."

She smiled to herself. Typical Gene, always the gentleman. Propping herself up on one elbow, she gazed fondly down at him.

"Nothin' to apologise for. You gave me plenty of warning, but I wanted to …yer know …for you."

His brows furrowed.

"I didn't mean …" He cleared his throat. "That was bloody amazing. But I know yer've always felt obligated, and I took advantage. I never meant to. Too much whisky."

She pressed a finger to his lips before he could say more.

"Ask yerself something, Gene. Who lured who onto the bed? Who stripped down to her underwear and ran her hands all over him? And who couldn't wait ter get inside his trousers?"

She paused, running a teasing finger down his chest. Gene blinked up at her in some confusion.

"Don't yer get it? I'm the one who took advantage. It was nothin' to do with gratitude." She sighed, looking away. It was time for complete honesty. "I've wanted you since the first time we met, and if yer don't shag me brains out soon I'll likely die of frustration."

She felt the heat rise in her face and held her breath, wondering if she'd come on too strong. Suddenly, without warning, he flipped her over onto her back, ignoring her squeal of surprise.

"In that case, far be it from me to disappoint a lady."

He loomed over her and the predatory gleam in his eyes made her stomach flutter with anticipation.

"You'd better kiss me, then, hadn't yer?"

She curled her fingers around his nape and pulled his head down, meeting no resistance. His mouth caressed hers, warm and soft, and she wrapped her arms around his neck to keep him close. He ran his tongue along the seam of her lips, seeking entry, and she opened to him with a sigh of pleasure, loving the taste of him: whisky, a hint of tobacco and something indefinably Gene. When they finally broke apart she was flushed and breathless, and impatient for more.

He explored the shell of her ear with his tongue, making her shiver with delight, before trailing hot kisses down her throat. Gently, he peeled the straps from her shoulders and freed her breasts from the confines of her lingerie, taking a moment to appreciate the view.

"Knew you'd 'ave beautiful tits, luv."

Lowering his head, he took one taut nipple into his mouth and sucked hard.

"Gene … mmmm … "

She squirmed restlessly beneath him, each tug of his lips sending spirals of wicked heat down between her thighs. Gene reached for the other breast, rolling its straining peak between his long fingers, and she arched her back, wantonly demanding more. His mouth kept up the delicious torture while a hand strayed down her body. One featherlight stroke where she was most sensitive had her gasping as a jolt of pleasure shot through her entire being. Gene dealt with the hook and eye fastening at her crotch with practised ease, sliding two fingers inside her welcoming warmth and thrusting them in and out. A moan died on her lips as the breath caught in her throat. She didn't think she'd survive much more foreplay; she was already teetering on the edge.

"Gene! Please …"

He ceased all his ministrations, the familiar pout back in place.

"Want to be inside you when I make yer come."

"God, yes."

She wriggled impatiently and he chuckled, getting to his feet. In one practised move he shed trousers, underwear and socks before straightening up again. Her eyes widened, her stomach clenching in anticipation. Evidently, he was fully recovered: magnificently so.

"Condom, top drawer. No, wait." She searched his face. "I'm on the pill and I'm clean, Gene."

He pouted, his gaze holding hers.

"I'm no angel, luv, but I've always been careful."

"I guess we're good to go, then."

She smiled, reaching for him, and he blew out a long breath.

"Good job yer've already taken care of business once. I wouldn't last five minutes otherwise …"

He took up residence between her thighs and began to push inside, taking his time, giving her a chance to adjust to the welcome invasion. Lil whimpered in delight, her body opening to him willingly, her internal muscles gripping his hard length. He began to move, slowly at first and then with increasing urgency as her cries and moans spurred him on. She wrapped her legs around his thighs and the change of angle was perfect: suddenly she was flying, wave after wave of bliss crashing over her as she spasmed around him.

Gene's thrusts became more and more erratic until finally he lost all control, spilling into her with a groan of relief.

…

Gene took a long drag from the cigarette and blew it out slowly before placing it between her waiting fingers. Lil lay between his thighs, her back against his broad chest, her head resting under his chin, both of them basking in the afterglow. Her limbs felt heavy, her body languid with fulfilment. A contented silence reigned until finally she broke it with a sigh of satisfaction.

"That was bloody amazing. Yer wife must need her head examinin', that's all I can say."

He grunted, nuzzling into her hair.

"Maybe if I'd spent less time in work and more time in her, things'd be different. Never easy being married to a DCI."

Lil took another drag and let the smoke trail slowly from between her lips.

"Well, if you were my 'usband, I'd make damn sure you couldn't wait to get home ter me every night."

He snorted out a laugh.

"I'd likely be dead in a year. 'Ell of a way ter go, mind."

He lapsed into silence and she waited, feminine intuition telling her that there was more to come.

"Dunno what yer see in a broken down old copper like me, luv."

She turned in his arms, raising herself onto her knees so she could look down into his face. He pouted at her, as handsome, dishevelled and desirable as ever, and she rolled her eyes.

"First, yer the best shag I've ever had. Second, yer hardly old. And third? Well, let's just say I'm not done with yer yet …"

She licked her lips suggestively and he groaned in protest.

"Not even you could raise the dead, sweetheart!"

Soon afterwards, she took great delight in proving him wrong.

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Before you start throwing things at me, just remember that the Guv did have a love life BB (Before Bolly). And Lily deserved a bit of fun after everything she'd been through, surely?

If you're waiting for the Galex, you'll just have to be patient. I know, I'm such a tease …

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A/N. Hoping to get the penultimate chapter up before Christmas, but with only three days to go I'd hate to make a promise I couldn't keep. So far behind with everything due to this lousy cold. Meh.