I don't own Ashes to Ashes

---

It was all he could do to let her work that afternoon without dragging her back across the street to have his way with her several times over.

The morning's events were fresh in his mind, and, though he didn't take what they had shared for granted, the fact remained that he had a year's worth of pent up desire waiting to be released, and rather than acting as an antidote to that lust, their morning union had only alerted him to the fact there were a million and one things he could do to her glorious body, and he wouldn't be happy until he had experienced them all at least twice.

Watching her work - writing up reports, phoning God-knows-who and sucking on her pen in concentration – was enough to drive him wild, and the only coherent thought he managed all afternoon was that there was a whole multitude of places within this station where he could at least begin to explore the torrent of filthy thoughts currently whirring through his mind.

Despite the distraction of her long legs and arse as she wandered around the office, he managed to do a reasonable amount of work, interviewed three suspects for a robbery and kicked one of them in the stomach numerous times to vent his frustration. By half five he was agitated and on edge, and he ended up ordering Alex into the small canteen to escape prying eyes and pressing her firmly up against the kitchen unit as he fiercely devoured her mouth with his. Alex melted against him, hands on his shoulders as he pressed his hips hard against hers, a low growl in his throat as her hands pressed weakly back at him.

"We're at work..." Alex whimpered, pulling her mouth away and meeting his eyes, trembling as she resisted the urge to let him have his wicked way with her in the staff canteen.

Gene sighed, resting his forehead on hers lightly before murmuring, "if you didn't dress all tarty I wouldn't feel the need to shag you against the wall."

Alex smiled, fiddling gently with his tie as she looked up at him innocently, "shall I go and change into something more... frumpy? That blouse we found last night looked positively grotesque..."

She trailed off as he narrowed his eyes, his hand moving to cup the back of her head forcefully as he growled softly at her, "you come in wearing frumpy bollucks and I'll march you right back 'ome for a good spank!" He moved to nibble at her neck briefly, before securing his mouth over the pulse point, sucking and biting as Alex gripped the lapels of his jacket, eyes closed.

It wasn't lost on her that he'd referred to 'home' so casually; nor did it even bother her- the reality of it was that she liked the idea of 'her flat' becoming 'their flat', and it didn't even feel uncomfortable, just a natural progression. And even though the idea of officially living with Gene Hunt was enough to make her weak at the knees and a nervous wreck, she was pleased, and excited, at the prospect of having him constantly available for the expression of whichever lustful thoughts raced through her mind at any given opportunity... "Promises... promises..." she murmured, shivering in his hold at the memory of him buried within her body, the feel of his hands covering her breasts as he kissed her....

"You cold, Bols?" He murmured, frowning as he stroked her hair, his voice softening considerably, as he went on, "Yer shakin' like a virgin in a brothel."

Alex rolled her eyes, her grip on his arm tightening as she tried to stop herself quivering. "I'm fine," she said, patting his shoulder lightly, "just fine... what was it you wanted?"

He looked at her curiously for several moments, eyebrows knitting together slightly before his hands slid suggestively over the curve of her arse and the tops of her thighs, lifting his eyebrow inquisitively as she met his gaze.

"I am not shagging you here!" she told him with conviction, watching as Gene's face fell, the suggestive glint in his eyes washing away as he reluctantly returned his hands to a more respectable position on her waist.

He pouted slightly, eyes soft and pleading, but Alex raised her own eyebrow in reply, crossing her arms across her chest and tapping her foot impatiently as though daring him to contradict her, until Gene sighed in relent. "Fine... shouldn' expect any different from a posh bird anyway..." his hand slid around her back, a grin forming on his lips as she scowled up at him.

"It's nothing to do with being 'posh'!" Alex argued, "But just because we did it once does not mean we will suddenly take to having rampant sex over every surface in the station!"

Gene looked thoughtful, his pout prominent before he nodded, "yeah, you're right Bols; kitchen units ain't hygienic..." with a glint in his eyes, he leant forward, continuing to growl in her ear; "get your peachy arse into my office... now!"

----

Twenty minutes later, despite her reservations and having waited in agitation for the rest of CID to empty, Alex found herself pressed up against Gene's filing cabinet, a metal handle digging uncomfortably into her spine as he lifted her top from her body, dropping it to the floor at his side and searching out the fly of her jeans, silently cursing her choice in clothing as he shoved the offending garment down her hips, teeth and mouth clashing with hers as his fingers tore at the ivory coloured lace that covered his goal, ripping them away with a lustful groan.

"They were my favourite pair!" Alex gasped, looking at him reproachfully. Gene rolled his eyes, pulling her mouth to his again.

"Mine too, Bols," he grunted, pushing the scrap of lace into his back pocket, "I'll stick 'em under me pillow..." he kissed her again, one hand on the back of her head as his fingers sought out the soft heat that pulsed between her legs, teasing at her entrance lightly before plunging two fingers into her, thumb teasing roughly against her clit whilst Alex's hands tore at the bottom of his shirt, yanking it impatiently from the confines of his trousers before reaching for his belt buckle, her fingers trembling with lustful need as Gene continued to thrust expert fingers into her tight channel. His teeth nibbled and teased at her lips, replaced occasionally by the soft flick of his tongue or a gentle suck that sent her into shakes.

"Gene... jeans.... get the jeans off..." her breath was short, catching in her throat as she pushed his trousers lower on his hips.

"Better idea," Gene grunted, pulling her roughly against him and half-dragging her around his desk, bending her over, face-down, and pressing heavy, heated kisses to her spine and shoulders. "Wanted to do this for bloody ages..." his fingers returned to her centre, plunging into her deep and fast whilst his other hand pushed his boxers down, grasping Alex's hand and guiding her to his length, emitting a small hiss when her warm fist enclosed him, working his length in time with his own strokes. His breath washed over her skin, gasping lungs searching for air as her touch ensnared him, blocking out the rest of the world, vision darkening so that all he could see was the ivory of her bra and the soft creamy flesh of her back and arse... With a lustful groan, he pushed her trousers around her knees, kicking her legs apart in a swift movement and entering her quickly from behind, mouth on the back of her neck as his hands encircled her body, coming to rest on top of the sheer lace of her bra and massaging gently as he thrust into her.

Alex moaned beneath him, hands scrambling for a grip on the desk surface, breathing erratic as Gene's hands caressed her nipples into peaks, his hard length sliding into her body repeatedly, the entirety of her body sensitized to the touch of his hands and the brush of his mouth, senses spiralling wildly out of control as he growled out his pleasure behind her, one hand sliding sensually over the smooth skin of her stomach, tapering towards her throbbing heat until his skilled fingers found her clit, squeezing and caressing until she was wrought with pleasure, whole body quaking beneath him...

"Gunna come..." Gene grunted, thrusting harder, his grip on her breast tightening as his orgasm threatened, pulled from him as Alex's walls clenched down on him, tightening as she moaned wantonly, Gene's name on her lips as she shook... With a final thrust, Gene buried himself within her, releasing his pleasure into her willing body as he leant forwards, body covering hers whilst they both tried desperately to regain composure...

The pressure of him on her back, the feel of his limp organ resting within her as the last shudders of orgasm died down, and the sensation of his fingers slipping beneath her lace bra and toying idly with her nipple, sent shivers of contentment through her sated body, her body still throbbing with pleasure.

With a gentle push, she stood up, Gene slipping from within her but keeping his arms firmly around her waist, one hand still caressing her breast. Alex sighed, bringing her own hand up to cover his, guiding him in a lazy massage as her head lolled back on his shoulder, Gene's lips teasing her ear lobe lightly until she turned in his arms, holding onto his hand as she pulled him down for a tender kiss. Her head grew light as his confident tongue plied her mouth and his hands moved down to her bare arse, caressing and kneading lightly as Alex's arms slid warmly around him, welcoming his tender embrace...

Eventually, when their heartbeats had returned to normal, Gene pulled gently away, eyes dark as he murmured, "c'mon... get dressed an' let's go."

Alex frowned, still slightly dazed as she pulled back and eyed him carefully. "What's the rush?"

Gene sighed, pulling away and adjusting his trousers, tucking his shirt in as he said, "need some food, a drink, and a good search of your wardrobe so I know that smug Barry-bastard don't get any ideas."

She was in the middle of buttoning up her jeans when she froze, meeting his eyes as she spoke, "Gene, he's going to have to get some ideas if you want to find anything out – and I am not dressing like a nun just so you feel less threatened." Her tone was blunt and cold, and Gene ground his teeth briefly as he busied himself with readjusting his tie, watching as she stalked over to the filing cabinet and lifted her top from the floor.

"You walk in their dressed like a tart and 'e won't take a word you say seriously," Gene said defensively.

"Not every man is a judgemental bigot, Gene," she hissed, pulling her top over her head quickly and visibly shaking with anger.

"Maybe not," he growled, spitting as his anger rose along with his voice, "but every bloke thinks with his cock, an' if you go in there flashin' tits an' fanny about then you may as well give his todger a one-handed salute on entry and forget about snarin' anybody!"

She snapped, shouting back defensively, waving her arm around in the air for emphasis, "Just because you can't see a woman in a skirt without imagining what's underneath it, doesn't mean –"

"I'm a bloke, Bolly!" he growled, "and the first thing going through his mind if you go in there with yer tits out will be how many drinks it'll take to get you in the back of 'is truck!"

Alex rolled her eyes, face crinkling with disgust, voice full of contempt as she replied, "do you have to be so crass all the time? An appreciation of the female form does not mean he's thinking up ways to get me into bed!"

Gene walked over, leaning on the filing cabinet with his arms crossed over his chest, jaw set and lips thin, staring at her for what felt like an age as he battled with the innate need to yell at her... And then, eventually, he found himself replying in a voice that was surprisingly calm and rational; "you aren't going in there dressed like a prossie, Drake." His eyes were hard, and as she rolled her eyes at him he added, "and that's an order!"

Alex looked at him in complete outrage, eyes narrowed as she jabbed him sharply in the chest. "You are not pulling rank on me, Gene!" she hissed, pushing at him again; he didn't budge.

"Call it staff protection," he growled, bringing his face within an inch of hers with blazing eyes, "I'm the superior officer here, and don't you forget it! This is me, DCI Hunt, giving you an official warning; disobey me and I will 'ave you suspended!"

The level note in his voice fuelled the burning fury at the pit of her stomach, and she met his eyes evenly, breath hot on his face as she hissed, "you wouldn't dare!"

"Guess what, Bollinger Knickers?" he answered; she was fuming, face red with anger and practically begging to be kissed as he growled, "I dare!" With a last furious glare as though to stress the point he swept past her, grabbing his overcoat from its hook on the umbrella stand as he went.

---

Ten minutes later Alex stormed into the flat, finding Gene stood in front of the television, buttoning up a fresh shirt over a stone-washed pair of jeans. For a brief moment, she admired the view of bare flesh peaking out of the V of his shirt, recalling the feel of his skin beneath her fingertips and biting back a lustful wave of desire, before collecting herself, all rage returning in a blinding flash; he might look frankly delectable with his bared skin and his denim-clad legs and his floppy hair, but he was still a bigoted, arrogant, self-centred and controlling Neanderthal with a superiority complex.

"Don't you ever talk to me like that again!" Alex hissed, slamming the door behind her in anger as Gene simply continued to button up his shirt in apathy, eyes fixed on the television even as he replied, voice remaining as uncharacteristically soft and rational as it had been in the office.

"I'm the superior officer, Bols," he said, watching the television intently whilst his fingers fiddled confidently with the last button, "and just because I shagged you doesn't mean I'll let you walk all over me."

Alex scoffed, kicking the sofa in anger, much to Gene's amusement, as she began to rant, her arms flailing about in wild rage, "it's only because you're shagging me that you even considered that I should dress conservatively! Whatever happened to 'wear something slutty, Bols'? Did that fly out of the window along with your ability to keep it in your pants?"

Gene stopped, looking at her with a dawning irritation as she stood there fuming, her chest heaving up and down as though she had just run a marathon; she looked incredible, even if she was a gobby, insubordinate cow. "You didn't mind too much when I got into yours, Bolly," he said, voice a gentle growl now. His eyes were hot and slightly lidded, narrowing as he watched her, body betraying him as he responded to the sight of her flushed skin and heaving breasts, the fabric around his groin tightening considerably at the thought of her red-faced and gasping beneath him... Biting back a groan, he turned on his heel, heading into the kitchen and grabbing the nearly empty bottle of whiskey from the side, throwing the amber liquid down his throat straight from the bottle. He didn't have to turn around to know she'd followed him.

"I'm not a pet, Gene," she said, voice much calmer than before though still tinged with evident distaste. "I'm not going to be kept locked away like a prize pig that you don't want anyone else to see!"

With a sigh, Gene slid the bottle back onto the unit, leaving heavily against the wood, arms outstretched and back tensed, his head down as he stared intently down at a small chip in the wooden surface. After what felt like an age of grappling with his own self-control, he spoke, keeping his eyes averted from her the whole time. "I don't mind 'em seein' you, Bols," he told her, "an' I'd never call you a bloody pig either, but..." he closed his eyes, breathing quietly before he murmured, "I know what guys think, Bolly... especially young ones."

Alex stared, eyes wide, and then, in a moment of bizarre confusion, she laughed, covering her mouth and shaking her head repeatedly from side to side. "Is that what this is about? Are you worried I'm going to find myself a toy-boy or something?"

Gene turned his eyes on her, glaring at her in a way that was as vulnerable as it was angered, and in a moment, her anger dissipated. She walked over to him, wrapping her arms around his waist and lightly brushing his neck with her lips before speaking; "I'm not going anywhere, Gene," she whispered, "but you need to trust me."

His grip on the unit loosened as he looked round at her, face impassive. "It ain't you I'm worried about," he said with a growl, and then, after a slight pause, he sighed in relent, "well it is... but it's 'im I don't trust..."

With her hand running lightly across Gene's waistband Alex murmured, "just let me do this my way, ok?"

Gene released his grip on the wood, turning around to look her in the eye as he grasped her shoulders with his hands. "I wasn't joking, Bolly; I don't want you dressed up like a tart for 'im."

She pouted, trailing her fingers over the V of bare skin at his neck before wheedling at him, turning doe-eyes on his as she whispered, "what if I promise you'll be the only one ripping off whatever filthy ensemble I think up?"

He hesitated, meeting her eyes with his own before querying her quietly, "which clothes d'you 'ave in mind?"

Alex grinned.

----

When she stepped out of the Quattro, Gene watched her walk away with regret, a slight pang in his stomach as she sashayed towards the entrance of the Black Bull. With a glance at his watch, he smirked. They'd been caught up in a heated embrace against the front door on their way out, and, to Gene's delight, they were now ten minutes late. He had made no attempt to act sorry as they drove across town, even obeying the national speed limit to prolong her late arrival; Alex looked incredible, and if she'd arrived on time as well as looking like she walked out of a porn film the little bastard would only get the wrong idea....

So when he stopped the car at the corner and she made to get out, he made sure she couldn't miss the piercing lust in his eyes as his hand slid up the inside of her thigh, and as he leant forwards to growl lightly in her ear. "If 'e touches you, Bols, I'll kill 'im," his rough voice contrasted almost perfectly with the tender caress of his nose against her cheek as he added, "you look bloody gorgeous... promise me that when we get back I can shag you to Kingdom-Come?"

Alex twisted her head to look at him, a coy smile tugging at the corner of her lips, "I'd be disappointed if you didn't..." she leant forwards, lightly sucking his bottom lip between both of hers before she stepped out of the car, his fingertips brushing over the flesh of her leg as she went.

"Bolly," Gene said, leaning over the seat to look her up and down once more in an appraising manner, before meeting her hazel eyes with his. "Make sure 'e talks... and don't get too clever; he'll shit himself faster than an old lady with the runs."

Alex smirked. "Well, at least if least if he's covered in faeces then you won't need to be worried about me shagging him." With a wink, she shut the door, grinning at the look of warning Gene sent her way as she turned and entered the pub.

----

Barry was sat in a shirt and jeans not dissimilar to the combination that Gene had casually thrown on, though somehow she got the impression that he had spent a great deal longer selecting his outfit; the shirt was neatly pressed, unbuttoned slightly to reveal a beaded necklace resting on tanned skin, sleeves rolled carefully up his arms, resting just above his elbow. As she entered, he ran his eyes over her body whilst Alex stood under his scrutiny, wondering vaguely if Gene hadn't been right in his assessment of the younger mans intentions.

Much to Gene's horror, she had drawn out of her wardrobe five skimpy black dresses, one of which was cut so low that it nearly showed the band of her knickers, and Gene had thrown it aside without even allowing her to try it on. Another showed off nearly the whole length of her leg, barely covering her arse and revealing the tops of her creamy thighs to the world whenever she bent down; Gene had looked at her with a glimmer of lust when that particular item made an appearance, but shook his head and demanded she never go out in public in it ever again.

The other three were relatively more conservative, though the one she had finally elected to wear still left little the imagination; it wrapped around her to leave one shoulder bare, whilst the other was draped in black, hiding her cleavage from view but still showing off enough skin to be considered risqué. The skirt fell about five inches down her thigh, still short by any standards, but it had been the only dress Gene was happy to allow her out in public wearing. She'd combined it with black stilettos that extended her legs by a good four inches, a pair of red earrings and a matching red beaded necklace and bracelet. She had daubed her eyes with red eye shadow, a look she rarely opted for but that was successful in getting Gene's blood pumping, at least if the bulge in his jeans when she had re-entered the bedroom was anything to go by. Now, she stood at the bar with Barry's eyes trailing over her long legs, feeling completely out of place in her skimpy dress as several other women walked past in jeans and blouses, looking at her with complete distaste.

"If I'd thought you were gunna come all dressed up, I'd 'ave bought you flowers," Barry grinned, placing a hand on the small of her back as he guided her to the chair, ordering two glasses of wine and slipping into the stool beside her.

Alex smiled, taking her own glass and swirling it gently. "I thought I'd make the effort... that's all." She turned her head away as though embarrassed, just in time to see Gene enter the pub, his eyes meeting hers for a fraction of a second before he walked to the other side of the bar, with several women following his path with lusty eyes. With a sly wink, she turned away from his gaze and back to Barry, who had also noted Gene's arrival and was looking sulky.

"He really is a stalker, isn't he?" His voice was flat, and he took the next moment to throw a large mouthful of wine down his throat.

Alex shrugged, taking a small sip before speaking, "he's harmless, really..." she placed her hand lightly over Barry's on the bar as she added, "he just likes to get in the way of my dates."

Barry smirked, shifting his body towards her and leaning forwards slightly on the bar, eyes fixed on hers, "your dates?"

She waggled her eyebrows suggestively, taking another sip of wine without allowing her eyes to leave his. "Would you prefer I called you my drinking buddy?"

He grinned, "No, date works fine for me..." with a cautious glance over at Gene, who was now being approached by a dark-haired woman in a halter-neck top, he continued. "So, as your date," he said, "how long do I have to wait until I can kiss you?" His eyes were dancing, and Alex panicked, pulling slightly back and taking a large slug of her drink before turning back to him, noting the slightly embarrassed look on his face as he scrambled for some sort of explanation, "I'm sorry, I was too forward, I just-"

"You know," Alex said, putting her chin in her hand as she looked at him, "I really don't know you well enough for you to be putting the moves on me just yet," she smiled reassuringly, "but I'd say if we're still here by closing time we might be able to come to some sort of... arrangement." With a grin, she finished her drink, watching as his shoulders sagged with visible relief.

"Right... yeah... sorry..." he managed a weak grin before following suit, finishing his glass of wine and nodding for a refill. As the barmaid obeyed, the door opened, and both of their heads turned to the door as a tall man with a goatee and a bald patch entered. Barry raised a hand in greeting, grinning as the man walked over, the shiny skin at the top of his head reflecting the lights above their heads, much to Alex's amusement.

"Who's the friend, Baz?" the man asked, in a tone that was open and friendly, even whilst his eyes trailed upwards over Alex's bare legs. "I'm almost tempted." At this, he winked surreptitiously at Barry whilst Alex frowned, glancing from one to the other in confusion.

Barry grinned. "Alex, this is Andy Summerton... Andy this is-"

"Alex," Andy smiled warmly, holding out a large hand, "I follow...nice to meet you."

Alex smiled, accepting the offered hand graciously, shaking it lightly before Andy ordered a pint and excused himself. The moment he was out of earshot, Barry leant forward to speak to Alex in a low voice, "he's gay as they come; him an' one of the other lads 'ave been having it off for years."

Blinking, Alex looked at him in surprise. "He's gay?"

Barry nodded, grinning.

"And nobody here minds?" She couldn't quite keep the surprise out of her voice; she was so used to extreme homophobia in 82 that it seemed abnormal that an average man in a working man's pub spoke so calmly and easily about a colleague's homosexuality.

With a shrug, Barry sipped at his drink. "Not many people know, but us who do don't really mind; so long as he doesn't try and poke me in the arse I don't care what he does in his own bedroom."

Alex stared, mouth agape, as she found herself for the first time building up a sense of respect for the man in front of her, "but, he doesn't get discriminated, or beaten or-"

"Why should he?" Barry asked, jaw tight as he took another drink. "Just 'cause he likes a dick up his arse doesn't mean he can't be a normal bloke."

"Oh no, I agree," Alex said, nodding along and resting her hand on his arm, "I do its just... well... men here seem less accepting of homosexual relationships whereas, where I come from, it's quite normal for a-"

"What, in Manchester?" Barry scoffed, laughing. "You telling me that the Manc's don't mind two blokes running about together?" He shook his head, grinning.

"Not Manchester," Alex said, "I... well, it's not important, but I completely agree with you; just because he's gay doesn't make him less of a man- in fact, sometimes women find it quite-"

Barry held up his hand, indicating that she should stop as he shook his head. "Look, I don't mind what they do with their dicks, but I don't want to talk about it in minute detail." He looked over to the other side of the pub and grinned, standing up. "Come on, want you to meet a couple of people." He held out his hand, picking up his glass. Alex glanced nervously over at Gene, who was currently deep in conversation with another woman, before slipping her hand into Barry's, allowing him to lead her across the room towards a corner table.

----

Gene walked in five minutes after Alex, and had to restrain himself from striding over and hitting the smug little bastard as he rested his hand on Alex's back. With a quick look at her, he sidled over to the bar, settling down with his eyes fixed firmly on Alex's elated companion, ordering a whiskey to chase down the aggressive urge to rush over and pummel the little shit into the ground.

Alex looked gorgeous and she looked comfortable, and despite the fact that every man in the pub was sneaking surreptitious glances at her long legs and perfect tits with the jealous delusion that the pretty-boy nancy next to her was going to be getting lucky, Gene felt a strange sense of pride at the fact it was him she would be going home with... Even if the little bastard was grinning like the Cheshire Cat on ecstasy.

"Someone beat you to it, 'ey?" A soft, London voice sounded to his left, and he turned his head briefly to see a dark haired woman wearing a black halter-neck, low cut enough to show an ample amount of cleavage that he had to tear his eyes away from to meet her gaze.

She was pretty, he supposed, if she got rid of the small diamond stud through her nose and removed the horrific glittery pink eye-shadow that was plastered on far too thick. She smiled up at him and Gene sighed, glancing back at Alex briefly before taking a gulp of whiskey. "Not quite love," he said, "I got there first alright."

She smiled, slipping into the seat to his left and trailing her eyes over him, watching him lift his glass to his lips again. "You've got nice hands," she said eventually, whilst Gene's eyes remained fixed on Alex. "Proper mans-hands..." she toyed with the chain dangling at her neck and whispered suggestively, "d'you know how to use them?"

Gene snorted, slamming the remainder of his whiskey down the back of his throat before placing the glass down and looking at her quickly. "Yeah, I do."

She looked taken aback as he didn't expand on his reply, and then sighed, looking over to Alex and Barry again. "She an old flame?"

With a roll of his eyes Gene turned to look at her again, eyes penetrating as he spoke, "if you're looking for a shag, love, then I ain't yer bloke."

She looked disappointed, but didn't seem to be giving up easily, "I'm Jess," she said, offering a hand for him to shake. Gene took it half-heartedly, barely allowing his fingers to grasp hers before dropping it again.

"Gene," he said bluntly. Jess smiled coyly, running a hand over his arm lightly.

"See, we're getting somewhere now," she settled her hand over his, apparently not noticing when he rolled his eyes and ignored her actions. Instead, she leant forwards to whisper in his ear, her other hand dropping to his thigh, "I'm rather drunk, Gene... I'll do anything you want..."

For a moment, Gene had to stifle a groan, trying to will the blood away from his groin area... but even as Jess spoke, Alex was being led away by her companion, hand grasped in his almost casually, giving Gene the perfect excuse to pull away. He was on his feet in a second, the casual proposition swiftly forgotten as he shrugged his arm from Jess's grasp and followed Alex to the other side of the room, where she sat down with a large group of men. Gene froze in his tracks as his eyes fell on a small, red faced man with sun-blisters, who was emerging from the toilets and eyeing Alex with a wary expression on his face, even as he moved to approach her table. She and her companions hadn't yet noticed him, and within seconds Gene was dragging Joe Ellison back into the gent's toilet he had just left, a thump to the jaw enough to knock the older, withering man into unconsciousness.

---

Many thanks to the lovely Feline333 for beta-ing so wonderfully and so quickly! Hope you enjoyed it!

Mage of the Heart