Alex, it's me again. I'm not sure whether to be angry or concerned. I've left some messages on your cell phone but you haven't answered yet. I'll be back soon. If you're mad at me, let me know, I'm just scared that you're still in a lot of pain. I'm really missing you. Call, Alex, call me and tell me you're okay. Take care, Eve.' Biting his lip, Guy deleted the message.

Alex picked up the phone in his room,

'Hello.'

'Alex,' it was Eve, her voice exhausted and thick with tears.

'Eve,' he was still with shock, 'what are you...you...'

'I've just arrived. I'm at the airport.'

'How are you?'

'A mess,' she said with a shaky laugh, 'you?'

'Good. I'm good.'

'You're angry,' she said tiredly, 'and I don't know what I did.'

'You didn't call,' he said, 'christ,' he realised, 'I sound like some lovesick teenager.'

'I did call, Alex. Hundreds of times. I've been sick with worry. I thought...' her voice shook, 'I was so worried. I've...'

'It's only Thursday,' he said slowly.

'I know. I couldn't wait anymore. I needed to see you but...do you want me to come?'

'Please,' he said simply.

~

She looked worse than he did. Long lectures, worry and a flight had left her exhausted and crumpled. She was in a long black dress, her hair in a simple braid. The scars had healed completely but she still moved stiffly. He looked at her for a long time, it seemed like forever since he'd last held her,

'God,' he said and smiled, 'you're beautiful.'

'And you're okay,' she said, wrapping her arms around him.

He kissed her,

'I thought you'd given up on us.'

She shook her head,

'Alex!' she scolded.

'What?'

'Do you remember,' she said softly, 'what you said when you woke up after the the operation?'

He nodded,

'Yeah.'

'Perhaps I should remind you of my reply.'

'Always,' he remembered, smiling.

'Here for always. Forever and ever. With you.'

'And that,' he said with a kiss, 'is just how it should be.'

~

He sent her home at eight. She was practically falling asleep in the chair. But he didn't sleep, he had a daily visitor to talk to.

Guy walked through the door with a smile. His grin faded slightly at Alex's expression. And he knew that the other man knew.

'Hi,' he said sheepishly.

'You want to explain,' Alex said slowly.

'It's a long excuse.'

Alex sat back,

'And I've got all the time in the world. Make a start at least.'

~

She opened her eyes with a sleepy smile. The bedroom was filled with a wonderful smell. She sat up slowly, it was late, almost twelve. She should have been scared, but she knew who it was. Pulling on a light robe, she went downstairs.

She opened the kitchen door,

'Alex?'

He smiled cheerfully,

'Hey.'

She stared at him in astonished amusement,

'How did you get into my house? You don't have a key to the new locks.'

She rolled her eyes when he smirked, okay so maybe a trained killer, skilled bodyguard and top agent didn't need a key. He indicated the growing pile of pancakes,

'Come on, make a start.'

'Alex...'

'I need to tell you something. Sit down and start eating.'

'I'm not your client anymore.'

He smiled,

'Okay, please.'

'Thank you,' she sat down, 'are you joining me?'

He switched off the flame, dumping the last one onto the heap,

'I am now.'

'So,' she picked up her coffee absently, 'when did you get out of hospital?'

'Almost as soon as you'd gone. Guy came for a visit and then the doctor sent me home. Except I didn't go home. I went to the BIU.'

'The BIU?'

'I've resigned as an active agent for the BIU.'

She was so surprised that she choked on her coffee.

'What?' she swallowed, gasping for breath.

'I have been given the role of teaching new members. This will involve both physical training and lectures on area politics.'

'And when,' she set down the mug, 'did this happen?'

'I've been thinking about it for a while.'

'A while?'

'Okay, since I met you.'

She blushed,

'Really?'

'Yes,' he said moodily, embarrassed by the confession.

'It's something you wanted to do, right?'

He nodded,

'I haven't had a proper conversation with my parents for ten years. And well, the thought of not seeing you for months isn't nice.'

She smiled,

'I should probably be trying to convince you to rejoin but I can't...I'm glad.'

'Why should I rejoin?'

'Because you're the best they have.'

'Eve, I almost got you killed.'

'No,' she shook her head, 'Austen almost got me killed. I was no longer under your protection. You're not to blame for what happened to me.'

'How are you doing?' he asked quietly.

'I'm doing much better. My shoulder hurts sometimes but mostly I'm as good as new...And you?'

He straightened his leg,

'It'll heal. Eve...'

'Yeah?'

'I also quit because I want us to have a go at...'

She raised her eyebrows,

'At...?'

He looked uncomfortable,

'Doing it for real. As a couple. No lies, no hidden agendas.'

'I think so too,' she said happily.

'You're serious?' he grinned, 'I thought I was going to have to convince you.'

She laughed,

'How were you going to convince me?'

He smiled suggestively,

'Wouldn't you just like to know?'

'Damn, a missed opportunity,' she smiled, 'well, maybe I'm having a few second thoughts...'

He smiled and stood up,

'Then I guess, I'm just going to have to convince you.'

They made it to the bedroom at a record speed. He reached for her, holding close. He kissed her deeply then stopped with a frown.

'That is,' he paused teasingly, 'unless you think we should take this relationship slowly...'

'Alexander Quinn,' she said, 'if you don't make love to me right this minute, I'll...'

The bedside phone suddenly began to ring. He looked at her dangerously,

'Don't even...'

She reached over and unplugged the phone. Then looked up at him with a sexy smile,

'Now where were we?'

~

A/N: Finished!!!!! What a strange feeling! I miss them already. I hope you've all enjoyed this story, I've loved writing it and you've all be so supportive. Thanks a million. Let me know how you feel about a sequel. I'd liked to sort out Eve's relationship with her father. Perhaps if he was threatened, they'd have to admit their feelings towards one another. I won't get anything up now for a while, so have a great summer and thanks for your reviews. Nefertiti xxx.