Thanks for all the kind comments, and many apologies for the long delay in updating. This chapter has been somewhat of a challenge! It was supposed to be written entirely from Alex's POV, but Gene was having none of it and demanded to be heard, so I had to do some serious rethinking. I suspect the writers among you will be nodding sympathetically, while the rest think I probably need therapy. Believe me, characters do have their own opinions and it pays to listen to them, because they're often right!

On the plus side, this may well be the longest chapter I've ever written. Hope it proves to be worth the wait …

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Chapter 8 - Christmas, 1982

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The two of them emerged from Luigi's into a winter wonderland. Alex gasped in surprise and delight.

"You were right, Guv!"

A thick blanket of snow covered cars and pavements, roofs and windowsills. More continued to fall, oddly hypnotic beneath the orange glow of a street light. For the briefest of moments, London lay hushed and still.

"Isn't it beautiful?"

Alex spun around to face Gene, smiling to see the odd delicate flake clinging to his long lashes before he blinked it away.

"Beautiful. Yes. Any chance we could get inside before me balls turn blue?"

He pouted at her, and she rolled her eyes in mock despair.

"No poetry in your soul, that's your problem, Guv."

Huffing, she set off ahead of him, taking each step with extra care, relieved that she didn't have to walk far. Stilettos in December might not have been the best idea she'd ever had. Gene followed close behind, mumbling under his breath.

"And 'aving all the common sense of a grain weevil is yours. Well, it's one of 'em anyway."

Alex smirked, exaggerating the sway of her hips, knowing his gaze would be fixed on her backside all the way up the stairs.

…..

The flat was blissfully warm, and she left Gene divesting himself of coat and jacket while she wandered into the kitchen to fetch the drinks. Glancing out of the window, she noted that the snow was coming down even harder now. There was a good chance he'd need to spend the night: no point risking an unnecessary drive home in such treacherous conditions. Even the weather was on her side, it seemed.

Butterflies started up in her stomach. She turned to pick up the tray containing wine, whisky and glasses, pausing in the doorway as the breath caught in her throat. Gene had made himself comfortable on the sofa, long legs stretched out in front of him, feet crossed at the ankle. He'd rolled up his sleeves to reveal those sexy forearms she'd developed quite a thing for; he'd also removed his tie and undone a couple of buttons to expose a tempting 'V' of chest. Alex swallowed, willing herself to breath slowly and calmly as her heart rate kicked up in response. Placing the tray on the coffee table, she poured drinks for both of them and raised her glass in a toast.

"Merry Christmas, Guv."

"Bottoms up, Lady Bols."

Her blood heated as a familiar fantasy flashed across her mind: she lay over his desk with her skirt rucked up around her waist while Gene powered into her energetically from behind. Picking up her glass, she took a good mouthful, aware that her hand was shaking. Get a grip, Alex.

They discussed the team, the case they were currently working on and the reason why Ray's dates rarely progressed past the one night stand stage. Conversation ebbed and flowed, neither of them remotely offended when the other interrupted or finished a sentence for them. They chatted with the ease of two people who were familiar, connected, comfortable in one another's company. Feeling slightly mellow, Alex finally begun to relax and unwind. Until Gene sat forwards, looking expectant, and calmly mentioned the elephant in the room.

"So. Where's this present I was promised, then?"

He took a mouthful of whiskey, smacking his lips in approval, and Alex's heart rate went into overdrive again. The moment had finally arrived: too late to back out now. Squaring her shoulders, she forced herself to stare directly into his eyes.

"Actually, you're looking at it, Guv."

His gaze flicked around the room before returning to her face, his brows knitted in confusion.

"Come again, Madam Fruitcake?"

Her stomach clenched, her chest tightening in anticipation of his reaction.

"Your present … well, it's me, Gene. If you want me, that is."

She looked down at the floor, unconsciously holding her breath, suddenly afraid of rejection. Oh God, what have I done? There was a pregnant pause and then he spoke, his voice gruff.

"I've wanted yer since the first time we met, and you know it."

Her gaze flicked back up to his face, those piercing silver-blue eyes devastating in the lamplight.

"Be sure, Alex. There'll be no goin' back …"

A shiver ran down her spine at the sound of her name on his lips: she knew he only ever used it when he was being deadly serious. She swallowed heavily, afraid that her voice might tremble.

"I've never been so certain of anything in my life."

He blinked at her, a myriad of emotions chasing one another across his face: hope warred with desire, need with uncertainty. Alex's heart contracted. Reaching up, she cupped his cheek and his eyelids fluttered closed.

"I've always been attracted to you, Gene, I was just afraid. Of losing your friendship, of it affecting our working relationship. Still am, to be honest, but I can't run away from my feelings any longer."

She dropped her hand and sucked in an unsteady breath.

"Unbreakable, Bols. Remember?"

Their gazes locked and held, and she knew the longing she saw in his eyes would be reflected in her own. The moment seemed to last forever, and then his lips twitched as he raised one eyebrow in mock challenge.

"So, Bolly-Kecks. Are yer gonna kiss me or punch me?"

Suddenly, any lingering doubts melted away.

"Oh, I suspect the former will be infinitely more fun than the latter …"

Leaning in close, she brushed her mouth tentatively against his and withdrew, holding her breath, awaiting his reaction. She didn't have to wait long. Dipping his head, he ran his tongue slowly, teasingly along the seam of her lips. Alex murmured her assent – and then finally, inevitably, they were kissing. He was gentle, almost tender, at first; his mouth soft, his tongue sliding delicately over hers. He tasted wonderful: wine, whiskey, a hint of tobacco and something indefinably Gene. Her moan of appreciation was echoed by his growl of approval and then suddenly, gloriously, the dam burst and it was all passion and desire and desperation.

When they finally came up for air, Alex found herself seated in Gene's lap, her arms entwined around his neck, her breasts squashed against his broad chest. The fire burning in his eyes threatened to sear her to the bone. Her scrambled brain managed to connect with her mouth long enough to form two coherent words.

"Bedroom. Now …"

…..

Gene watched as Alex moved around the room lighting candles, still wondering if he should pinch himself to prove he wasn't actually dreaming. It seemed she'd spent a lot of time preparing for this evening, even though she was clearly hesitant about taking this step. She was valiantly attempting to hide her agitation, but he'd noticed her hand shaking when she picked up her glass and when she'd trembled in his arms he knew it wasn't entirely down to the kiss. What a kiss it had been, though. His blood heated again just thinking about it and he closed his eyes for a moment, knowing he needed to maintain some control.

When he opened them again she was standing directly in front of him, her eyes luminous in the candlelight. Reaching for him, she began to pop the buttons on his shirt, her trembling fingers made clumsy by nerves. Gene stood immobile, willing himself to be patient, sensing she wanted to complete the task herself. Finally, his shirt was wide open and she tugged it out of his trousers, sliding it slowly down his arms and letting it fall to the floor. Her hands roamed over his bare chest, exploring the dips and plains, her questing fingers leaving a trail of fire in their wake. Leaning in, she pressed a hot open-mouthed kiss to his neck, and a shiver of anticipation ran through him. Alex's hands fell to her side then, and she dropped her forehead to his shoulder with a sigh.

She'd risked so much to get them to this stage, laid her feelings on the line, and he realised it was his turn to step up now. Instinctively, he sensed that she needed to surrender some responsibility and have him take charge. He took a deep breath and prayed that he'd read the situation correctly.

"Turn around, Alex."

His voice was deep and commanding and she stepped back, raising her gaze to meet his. Her eyes were glowing and to his relief, he saw a flicker of approval in their lustrous depths.

"Yes, Guv."

She obeyed his instruction without hesitation, and suddenly Gene knew just how to play it. Moving in close, he swept the hair back off her nape and pressed his lips to the soft skin below her ear. He was rewarded with a murmur of appreciation, and she tipped her head to one side to allow him better access. She smelled delicious; the subtle exotic scent of perfume lingered on her heated skin, mingling with the light citrus tang of soap. With his mouth still caressing her throat, he reached for the zipper on her dress and lowered it slowly, deliberately allowing his knuckle to graze her bare skin. Alex helped him then, shimmying her hips until it slid down her legs and pooled at her feet.

Gene stepped back to admire the view and almost swallowed his tongue. Holy Hell. The black basque was a feast of mesh and lace, nipped in at the waist to emphasise her curves. The barely-there G-string revealed that peachy behind in all its glory, and long legs clad in sheer silk stockings ended in those impractical stilettos that only served to lengthen them further. He sucked in a deep breath, attempting unsuccessfully to calm his racing pulse. If he was going to succumb to a heart-attack he'd much rather it occurred after the main event.

Without waiting for a further command, she turned to face him again and stood tall with her shoulders back and her chin held high. Gene's eyes nearly popped out of his head. The basque was cut so low at the cleavage that her ample assets were in serious danger of spilling out. A tiny wisp of fabric masquerading as underwear barely covered her modesty, and he couldn't wait to run a teasing finger under those stocking-tops and stroke the creamy flesh beneath. He whistled through his teeth.

"Jesus H Christ, woman. I could come just lookin' at yer."

"I'd rather you waited a while, if it's all the same to you."

A satisfied smirk tugged at her lips, and Gene attempted to collect his scattered wits, remembering that he was supposed to be calling the shots.

"Lie down on the bed with your hands linked above yer head and keep 'em there until I say otherwise."

Her jaw dropped and she blinked at him in surprise. Gene crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes.

"Do as yer told, Drake. Or do I have to get the cuffs?"

His voice was low and gravelly with just a hint of menace. Alex swallowed and dropped her gaze, slipping her shoes off before heading for the bed. He couldn't fail to notice that she took her time crawling across the matress, deliberately giving him an eyeful of that curvaceous derriere. Suppressing a groan, he pictured himself taking her hard and fast from behind, and shelved that plan for later. This first time, her pleasure was his priority.

Alex lay down on her back and made herself comfortable, her hands above her head, fingers intertwined. Inwardly, he breathed a sigh of relief: his instinct had been correct. There was no way his gorgeous DI would take orders in the bedroom unless she was completely on board with the whole scenario. As she watched, Gene reached for his belt, his gaze never leaving her face.

…..

It was a handy trick he'd learned a while back, the ability to shed trousers, boxers and socks in one swift move. Straightening up, he stood his ground proudly; shoulders back, feet wide apart, chest out, awaiting her response. Alex's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open in mute appreciation. His lips twitched in satisfaction: having been blessed with more than his fair share, he was well used to that kind of reaction. Bigger in all departments, Bols. At least now she knew it wasn't an idle boast.

Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips and Gene went from proudly erect to painfully hard in a matter of moments. Reminding himself that patience was a virtue her joined her on the bed, leaning in to give her a long slow kiss filled with intent. She hummed her approval as he traced the shell of her ear with his tongue before nipping at the sensitive lobe. Easing back on to his elbow, he took a moment to admire the view, trailing a finger down her throat and along her collarbone, his featherlight touch raising goosebumps. He traced the rise of each breast and she shivered, her breathing shallow and rapid. Gene continued his leisurely exploration down through her cleavage and over her lace-clad midriff, before tracing delicate circles on her flat belly. She wriggled impatiently, parting her legs in open invitation.

"Gene … please …"

He slid one teasing finger under a suspender, stroking the soft skin of her inner thigh.

"Quiet, woman. I'm playin' with me pressie."

She huffed impatiently and he fixed her with an admonitory stare.

"Good things come to those who wait, Lady Bols."

He deliberately emphasised the appropriate word, leaving her in no doubt as to his meaning, and she bit her lip to stifle an exclamation as he let the elastic snap back against her sensitive flesh. He suppressed a grin, willing to bet that she was already soaking wet.

Running his hand slowly up her flank, he cupped a breast and squeezed, feeling the nipple harden against his palm. Then, without warning, he gave a swift tug on the bodice to expose the straining peak and began to run his finger around it. It puckered even further as if begging for his attention and Alex gasped as he lowered his head and began to lave it with his tongue. Closing his lips over it, he sucked hard, and she moaned and shivered, arching into his mouth. He smirked against her skin, bringing his teeth into play, grazing the erect bud as she whimpered in pleasure.

Without ceasing his tender ministrations, he reached for the other breast, fondling it gently before freeing it from its lacy confines and rolling the nipple between his thumb and forefinger.

"Gene! Mmmm …"

Alex writhed beneath him, her voice breathy, her breathing ragged, but Gene didn't let up. Mouth still clamped to her nipple, he ran his hand down her body and slipped two fingers inside her thong, groaning inwardly as he encountered sleek moisture. Circling, stroking, teasing, he was rewarded with a moan of frustration as Alex rocked her hips against his hand, desperate for more. He could tell she was dangerously close to the edge and he ceased his attentions, unable to deny the demands of his own flesh any longer.

"Need to be inside yer."

"God, yes."

Impatient now, he gripped her underwear and tore the miniscule wisp of fabric from her body. She gasped in shock and he fixed her with a determined stare.

"I'll buy you another. Hell, I'll buy you a hundred if yer let me rip 'em all off …"

Shifting between her parted thighs, he took himself in hand and pushed a little way inside before retreating again. He repeated the move several more times, bracing himself on his hands as he gazed down into her glowing face in wonder. Eyes closed, mouth open, a sheen of perspiration on her glowing skin, she looked gloriously abandoned and all his for the taking.

Unable to wait any longer, he buried himself to the hilt with one smooth, controlled stroke. Alex's impassioned moan was almost his undoing, but he gritted his teeth, determined to hold on. Jaw clenched, he pulled out slowly and slammed back in, and her eyes flew open as all the air whooshed out of her lungs. Quivering beneath him, she wrapped her long stocking-clad legs around his thighs, raising her hips to meet each powerful thrust.

"Let me touch you, Gene … please …"

He paused, grunting his assent, before adjusting his angle slightly. Drawing in a ragged breath, he plunged deep inside her again. Alex whimpered, digging her nails into his shoulders.

"Just there. Oh, God … don't stop … don't you dare stop!"

Gene thrust hard and fast, counting backwards from fifty and praying he would last. Alex slid her hands down his back, squeezing his tight backside, and he bit back a curse. Just as he was about to lose the battle he felt her stiffen, crying out his name as she shuddered into orgasm, clenching around his hard length. With a groan of relief, Gene gave up the fight, driving into her one last time and coming so hard he saw stars dancing in front of his eyes.

Burying his head in her neck, chest heaving, heart hammering, he wondered if he actually was having a coronary. He could feel Alex's pulse pounding against his cheek as he tried desperately to suck air into his lungs, waiting for his vision to clear. Much to his relief, he decided maybe he wasn't at death's door after all. Handy really, seeing as he'd quite like a repeat performance before he shuffled off the mortal coil.

Concerned that he might be crushing her, he attempted to move away but she resisted, entwining herself more tightly around him, her fingers stroking soothingly through his hair. Giving up the fight, he relaxed into her with a sigh of contentment.

…..

Alex lay with her head pillowed on Gene's broad chest, a little smile tugging at her lips, her limbs heavy with satisfaction. Wow. Just, wow. Who would've thought that Gene Hunt, her Neanderthal boss, would prove to best the best lover she'd ever had – and by some considerable margin. He'd ruined her for all other men, but she found she didn't care: she only wanted him. He was dozing quietly now, his breathing steady and even, his heart thudding reassuringly against her ear.

"Gene?"

"Hmmm?"

"Will I be getting a present too?"

There was a momentary pause.

"I think you'll find I just gave yer one."

There was amusement in his gravelly tones, and Alex snorted.

"I suppose you did …"

A companionable silence descended. She decided it was probably time to come clean about the reason for her change of heart regarding their relationship.

"Gene?"

"Wot now?"

He huffed in protest and she sucked in a breath, hoping she was doing the right thing.

"I have a confession to make. I went to see Lily."

Gene never missed a beat.

"Of course yer did. Now can I get some kip?"

"You're not surprised?"

He sighed.

"Yer a woman. Yer a detective. I'd 'ave been more surprised if you hadn't."

"You knew? And you're not angry?"

"Why would I be? I've got nothin' ter hide."

Alex considered his comment and decided she had to ask the question.

"Weren't you even tempted to pick up where you left off?"

Gene barked out a laugh.

"No strings sex with a pretty woman? I'm a red-blooded male, wot do you think? Wouldn't 'ave been right, though. Can't give her what she really needs."

"I like her, Gene. A lot."

"Me too, luv. Just not in the way she wants."

Alex bit her lip as relief flooded through her. She hadn't realised how much she needed to hear it until that moment.

"When did you realise she was in love with you?"

He sighed, his arm tightening around her waist.

"Dunno exactly. Suited me ter turn a blind eye fer too long, I spose. Couldn't ignore it after she said it out loud, though, even if she did think I was kippin' at the time."

"By rights, she should hate me, but she doesn't. She just wants you to be happy."

Gene was quiet for a moment.

"I was very 'appy ten minutes ago. As soon as Sergeant Rock recovers, I plan on bein' very 'appy all over again."

Alex grinned, her body stirring again at the thought of a repeat performance.

"Can I lend a helping hand?"

Reaching down, she curled her fingers around his burgeoning erection, and he groaned.

"Wonder if it's possible ter die from too much 'appiness."

"I do hope not. There's a recurring fantasy I'd rather like to turn into reality tomorrow."

She shifted onto her elbow so she could look down into his face. He opened one eye and peered up at her.

"Don't 'old back."

"Well, it mostly involves your nice sturdy desk and me going commando …"

His groan was eloquent.

"And that'll do it every time."

She felt him swell and harden against her palm, leaning in to plant a kiss on his pouting lips.

"Well, Christmas is coming, Guv."

"Halle-bloody-lujah ter that!"

He murmured it against her mouth. It was the last coherent thing he said for quite a while…

THE END

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I don't think he's going anywhere. Although if I were her, I'd steal his cuffs and make good use of them, just to be on the safe side … ;)

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This may well be my last fic, so this is more of a plea on behalf of other writers, present and future. It's true that we have access to some useful info on here. I can tell that hundreds of you are reading. I can even tell which countries you hail from. Handy, but stats don't tell me what you thought of this story. Did I do justice to the Galex? What did you think of Lily? Do you hope she finds a wealthy Gene substitute one day? :)

Your feedback is so important: without it I probably wouldn't have written a second fic, never mind another 50-odd. It doesn't have to be an essay, a few kind words will do. You don't even have to be a member of the site - you can post a Guest review. Trust me, it really can make someone's day. Huge thanks, as ever, to all those kind folk who have supported and encouraged me in my writing. You've already made my day countless times over and I'm very grateful!

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Finally, *Shameless Plug Alert*! If you enjoy my writing, why not check out the novels by my alter ego, Christina Kendal? I'll be giving the Pirate away FREE for the first time very soon. Can't post links here, but if you follow CK on social media I can keep you updated with freebies and with future projects! :)

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