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Chapter 25-The Coddling & The Club

Miranda Barone's POV

My head was pounding.

I opened my eyes and winced at how bright the room was. I looked around and didn't recognised the room I was in. Noticing how white everything seemed, I froze. Was I in a hospital? What the heck happened?

I sat up slowly and winced as the pain in my head worsened. I looked around the room and frowned. Where was Slade? My neck burned and I touched it gingerly feeling a bandage over it.

Right! The man-Lionel cut me with a knife. I winced at the memory and touched my cheek where he had hit me. It was tender and really sensitive.

The door opened and I hoped it was Slade. Instead, it was Mark and what caught my attention was the large bandage covering his cheek. "Mel! You're awake!" He exclaimed and shut the door before rushing over to me.

"What happened to you? Why is there a bandage on your face?" I questioned and my throat hurt. Mark laughed, and poured me a glass of water from the jug in the room.

"You should've seen the other guy. He's worse." He grinned at me and I smiled. "What happened? Where am I? And where's Slade?"

Mark's grin faded and a more serious expression took place. "You're in the Russian Mob's infirmary. You had a concussion and you had a knife wound from the attack. Do you remember?"

I nodded before inhaling sharply, "Are you and Tony alright?" I questioned instantly as I remembered that Lionel had told Carter that a Jonny and Joe were after Mark and Tony.

Mark nodded. "Yes we are. Tony just had a broken arm and some bruises while I also had bruises and a large cut on my face, hence the bandage." I gasped and guilt hit me like a speeding train. It was my fault that Mark and Tony were hurt.

Mark noticed my horrified expression and shook his head. "Hey Princess. Don't worry about it. I've had worse and I'm sure Tony did. Besides we half failed at our job at protecting you. I mean I almost fainted when I saw you on the ground staring at the sky with a cut on your neck."

"I'm sorry I put you guys in danger." I bit my lip and Mark shook his head before shooting me a glare. "Stop apologising. Besides we signed up for it by being in a gang. So stop apologising."

I nodded reluctantly and Mark gave me a bright grin. "How long have I been sleeping?"

Mark shrugged, "Almost a whole day."

"Oh." I murmured before realising Mark hadn't answered one of my questions. "Where's Slade?" Mark puffed out his cheeks before exhaling deeply. "Getting his revenge."

My eyes widened, "What do you mean by that?" Mark shot me an uncertain glance before sitting down onto the chair beside my bed.

"You have to understand that the first thing Slade saw, was you unconscious and bleeding from a knife wound on your neck. He went ballistic. I mean he went insane. I've never seen him like that before." Mark finished and I raised my eyebrows. "Then? What happened after that?"

Mark remained silent and I could see the conflict on his face. "We called the doctor from our gang and he patched you up. Boss demanded to know what happened and Tony and I filled him in."

"So?" I pressed impatiently and Mark chuckled before stopping. "Luckily, Tony and I managed to subdue the three men that attacked us and their getting their asses handed to them right this instant. And by that, I mean I'm sure they're regretting ever been born." He stated casually and I sighed.

"So? Where's Slade?" I questioned and Mark sighed. "He's getting information from them and having his revenge."

I sighed before realising something. Three men? Did that mean Carter managed to get away? I sincerely hoped Carter wasn't with them. He didn't seem like he wanted to be there. "Is a tall skinny man, around twenty something of age one of those three men?"

Mark narrowed his eyes, "No. Why?" I slumped back onto the bed, relieved. "Nothing."

Mark looked like he wanted to argue before the door slammed open. There stood Slade whose eyes landed on me immediately before stalking over to me. "Get out." He said lowly and Mark nodded before exiting quickly.

"Slade. I-" I started before I was cut off when Slade grabbed me gently and pulled me into his arms. I sighed contentedly as his strong arms wrapped around me and he nestled his face into my neck.

"Are you okay?" He asked and I nodded, "Yes." He pulled away and stared at me, eyes roaming on me to check if I was still unwell. My eyes hungrily took him in. His blue eyes were filled with relief and tenderness and it looked like he hadn't shaved in days. I stroked his jaw tenderly and Slade seemed to relish it.

I tipped my head up and kissed him softly on the lips and Slade groaned softly before his tongue delved into my mouth, caressing every crevice of my mouth. I sighed and leaned in to get more of him. Nothing else mattered but him.

Slade pulled away, panting softly and rested his forehead against mine as he brushed my curls behind my ear. My breathing was irregular and I shut my eyes as I enjoyed being in Slade's arms.

My gaze went towards his broad muscular torso and my eyes landed on the small dark red splotches on his white tee. This jarred me from our moment and I asked quietly. "What happened while I was unconscious?"

Slade's gaze hardened and he clenched his jaw. His blue eyes that were filled with relief and warmth turned ice cold. "Mark and Tony managed to bring you home. The doctor came and patched you up while my men captured those thugs that attacked you. Once the doctor verified that you were okay, I went to interrogate them. I can tell you that those men got what they deserve." He promised darkly, his fists clenched and I reached out to hold them.

His tone turned from cold to rage and the way he said 'them' seemed like he was challenging me to argue or defend those men. Even though I didn't agree with Slade's methods, I felt no guilt or sympathy for those men. They had hurt Mark and Tony who were only protecting me and thus, I wasn't going to say a thing.

"I see. Okay." I said and sighed as I rested my head against his chest. Slade slowly relaxed when he realised I wasn't going to fight his decision in handling those men. He ran his hands through my hair soothingly and I almost dozed off in his arms until he gently laid me back onto the bed.

"Stay. Please?" I asked sleepily and Slade nodded, "Okay. Rest. You need it." I nodded drowsily and watched as Slade intertwined our hands together and with that, I slept.

***

"MEL!" Slade growled angrily as his voice thundered around the house.

I sighed in annoyance and slumped onto the kitchen counter and glared at Mark who was snickering under his breath. I waited for the berating I was going to get as Slade's footsteps echoed around the house and he entered the kitchen with an angry scowl on his face.

It has been almost a week since those men had almost kidnapped me and Slade had been coddling me. He wouldn't let me leave the house and the only interaction I had were with him, Mark, Tony, Erik and his family. It was great to talk to Mira again. I was definitely deprived of female company.

Slade and I never talked about what he did to the men. I knew it wasn't something to be talked about but I guessed it was something like torture. But what could say about Slade's methods? I was pretty sure it was the same for any gang. At least, I knew Slade could show mercy. He showed that when he spared Christopher.

"What have I said about leaving the house?" He demanded and I huffed. "All I wanted is to go to the cafe opposite the building. They have nice pastries."

"Mark or Tony or even both could have gotten it for you. You are supposed to be on bed rest!" He snapped and I frowned. "I just wanted to get out of the house to have some fresh air. You can't keep me here for one whole week." I protested and pursed my lips.

Slade stated irritatedly, his anger subsiding. "You can just open the windows. If it hadn't been for Mark and Tony informing me, I wouldn't have known and you would be out running about without a care in the world."

I sighed and shot him a pleading look. "I'm sorry, I just wanted to get out of the house. I don't particularly like being cooped up in the house or to be coddled and I'm fine already. The cut has long been healed and I don't have any more headaches. Also, I'm bored."

Slade shrugged before giving me a smirk. "I can think of some ideas that will keep you entertained." I could feel my cheeks heating up as his hand trailed down my side. His touch heated me up and I shifted uncomfortably on the island stool.

Mark wrinkled his nose, "Gross, if the both of you are going to flirt in front of me, I'm leaving." He shivered in disgust and quickly exited the kitchen.

"Slade, I'm serious." I stared him down and Slade simply stared at me, his blue eyes studying me. "So am I. I heard using your mouth gives better results."

I rolled my eyes and blushed furiously at his suggestive remark before realising that Slade was more dressed up than usual. "Where are you going?" I questioned curiously.

A corner of his mouth twitched as he caught my roving eyes on him. "I have business to get to at a club Erik and I own." Stupid smug idiot.

"Can I go?" I questioned eagerly, the thought of getting out of our apartment appealed to me immensely. "No." Slade immediately shot down my question. I frowned. "Why not? You'll be there and since its your club, your men will be everywhere. I'll be safe."

Slade's jaw worked as he thought of a response and I smirked smugly as it was obvious he couldn't think of one. "No you're not." I raised an eyebrow defiantly. "Why not?"

"It's still not safe."

I scoffed before crossing my arms, "What why? You do know sharing the same bed with you isn't exactly safe either? You almost hit me in the face this morning!"

A loud laugh and snickers could be heard from outside the kitchen and both Slade and I shouted. "Go away Mark!"

"I still say no." Slade shrugged casually as he stole one of my pastries from the plate in front of me. "Fine. Then for my safety, I'll be sleeping in my old room." I said nonchalantly, enjoying Slade's infuriated snarl.

***

Slade Kolosov's POV

"Don't speak to anyone. Don't dance with anyone. Don't look at anyone and also, don't drink anything." I ordered Mel as she shot me a challenging look as we walked into the club. I narrowed my eyes at her, daring her to defy me and to my surprise, she gave in.

It wasn't often when Mel would give into me. Maybe that was what I liked about her. She never let anyone walk all over her and I guess I admired her for that. But sometimes, it was a pain in the ass when I wanted her to do something and she would argue with me until she got her way.

"Alright. I won't." She gave me a bright smile and my eyes slid to the mark on her neck from the knife. Guilt shot through me and I nodded before pressing a chaste kiss on the top of head and inhaled her honey and vanilla scent. The knife wound she had gotten was only a mild one, the knife didn't cut too deep into her skin and those men had better be grateful for that.

Mark started tugging her to the bar while Tony followed behind with a respectable distance. My eyes raked over her retreating form appreciatively, noting the way the jeans she wore clung to her ass and her white top showed her slim figure yet showing nothing else. Her heels were way too high but she seemed to be able to walk perfectly fine in them.

I still remembered the way she had came all over my hand. It was the hottest and sexiest thing I've seen and experienced. Her face flushed from desire, her eyes shut in bliss and her rosy lips were parted. The only sour thing that tainted that memory was that Mel had almost got kidnapped on that exact day.

I clenched my jaw but a sadistic smirk crossed my mouth at the thought of those men. Only one of them was still alive not because I had shown mercy, but because he had hurt Mel. His death would not be a swift or easy one. I would make sure of it. No one hurt those I cared about unless he had a miserable painful death wish.

***

The meeting went well, we had formed an alliance of sorts with a neighbouring gang. I scowled impatiently for Erik to appear with the contract. The cigarette smoke from said gang leader-Paul O'Malley-was pissing me off. I hated the foul stench.

"So...word on the street has said that you've a thing for Barone's sister." Paul said casually as his eyes studied me closely, the cigarette hanging loosely between his fingers. I met his probing eyes with a cold expressionless face before answering with a hard edge to my tone. "I believe that is none of your business isn't it Paul?"

He chuckled and Erik came in, an amused expression on his face. I shot him a scowl and Paul signed the contract and left with his bodyguards following him. "You should head to the bar now. Who knew Mel was such a hilarious drunk." Erik stated with an amused chuckle.

"What?"

***

The first thing I saw was Mel dancing on one of the tables. I gritted my teeth. Hadn't I made it clear that she wasn't supposed to drink anything? Was she bloody deaf? I clenched my jaw and bared a snarl as there was a crowd of people dancing along with her, mostly men.

"Move it!" I barked at a group of men who was blocking me. Seeing my expression, they moved and let me through and as I neared her, Mel spotted me and a large smile spread across her face.

"Slade! Catch me!" She yelled and jumped off the table and I barely managed to catch her. I glared down at her as she started to giggle and planted a sloppy kiss on my cheek.

"Hiiiii! Why soooo serioussshhh?" Mel asked in a low voice as she tried to imitate the Joker's voice when she caught my glare and erupted into giggles. I grimaced and let her down onto the ground slowly. Mark was going to die. I tried to find him through the crowd but the idiot ran off, most probably when he saw me enter.

"You're so fucking drunk." I stated irritatedly as Mel began to sway.

"But you let me comeeee!" Mel said as she began to slur as a sly smirk crossed her face. Her suggestive words made me roll my eyes and a part of me jumped when her hands grazed it.

I glared at her, she had a point-not that I was going to let her know that. "We're leaving. Let's go!" I grabbed her hand and gently pulled her out of the crowd. "Okaaaay. Ohhhh did you know that I think men with dark hair are my kind of thing?" Mel blurted out as she almost hit a girl in the face with her shoulder.

"What?" I scowled down at her, "Sorry to hear that sweetheart, I have blonde hair." I replied drily and a touch of annoyance leaked into my tone. Mel giggled before tripping over her own feet, "Its okaaaayyy. I think your tattoos make up for it. I think their really sexy." She blurted out.

I smirked, this was getting interesting. "Really? Is that so?"

"Uh huh. Especially the dragon one." She sighed dreamily as her hand trailed up my side where that particular tattoo was. I smirked. Drunk Mel was getting better and better. "Oh really? Is there anything else you like about me?" I questioned with a smirk. "Yesshh, I like your muscles. They're soooo big and muscular!" Mel gushed and held onto my arm tighter for balance.

I smirked smugly to myself and continued leading Mel out of the club, there were too many men admiring her and her body and I loathed it. Mel tripped over her own feet again before erupting into giggles.

She was so fucking wasted. I shook my head as a small amused smirk crossed my mouth. We were almost at the entrance when a familiar brunette stopped in front of me. I narrowed my eyes and groaned inwardly as Sasha fluttered her eyelashes at me.

She was dressed in a low cut top and a micro mini skirt that hid nothing. Looking back, I didn't know what I saw in her that made me want to fuck her. "Slade baby, where have you been? I haven't seen you in like forever! I miss you!" She pouted seductively and her Russian accent sent shivers down my spine-not the good sort. She placed a hand on my chest and I grimaced and brushed it off.

"Sasha. Not now-"

"Who are you?" Mel demanded as she glared at Sasha who in return stared with contempt at my tiny girlfriend who thought she could fight a Russian even though Sasha was a woman.

"I'm his mistress Sasha. Who are you?" She sneered and Mel scoffed, "I'm Slade's girlfriend." She jutted out her chin defiantly and I got ready to protect her if needed. This was not going well. I should've known my past dalliances would come to bite me in my fucking ass.

"Slade Kolosov doesn't do girlfriends you little bitch. So run along you-" Sasha was cut off when a tiny delicate fist slammed into her nose. My eyes widened when I saw Mel wincing in pain before a triumphant smirk appeared on her face.

"I'm Slade Kolosov's girlfriend and no one calls me a bitch and gets away with it. Biiitchhh." Mel scorned and slurred as she grabbed my hand and turned to walk off but tripped on the way. I held in a snicker, it looks like Mel was still as high as a kite. Mel grumbled and a small smirk crossed my face as I swept her up bridal style and carried her to the car.

"I can walk you knooowwww!" She complained and I scoffed, "Sure." Mel wrinkled her nose before resting her head on my chest before dozing off. Her arms were thrown around my neck and her hair was tickling my nose.

I placed her into the passenger seat and got into the driver's seat and stared at her sleeping. A genuine smile crossed my face and I caressed the side of her face. With that, I started the car before driving home, an amused smirk twitched onto my lips. I really needed to get Mel drunk more often.

***

A/N: Hey guys, I'm so overwhelmed by the 100+ comments on the previous chapter and I'm blown away. So here's a long and early chapter for you guys. :) Hope you guys like it. And again, vote and comment! Ahahaha. Chapter dedicated to THE_REAL_SAVAGE :)