A month had gone by since Slade had rescued Neena from Gotham’s back alleys. In that time, he had been by her side night and day, tending to her wounds and making sure that everything healed properly. He knew it would take far more time for her to be back at one hundred percent, but that was only the physical. The emotional and psychological damage was, he feared, irreparable.
Though he had been very diligent and tended to her every need, he also kept his distance. The kiss they had shared made it clear how Neena felt about him, but Slade was in hot water. Very hot. He had sold her down the river to Roman Sionis, Gotham’s infamous Black Mask. He had beaten and abused her to near death, and it was all because of Slade’s commitment to his word. Because of this, he continued to remain distant. They rarely spoke, and Slade often gave her space, preferring to keep to himself.
Tonight was one of those rare nights in. The jobs he had been offered were either stuff a rookie could take care of, or something completely ludicrous. The elder mercenary sat in his study, peering into the roaring fire.