Nobody Deescalates Me

While Alice quietly took in Alex's protective gesture, a gentle blush bloomed across her cheeks. Was it possible that he actually cared for her? For a brief moment, a spark of hope ignited in her heart.

Alex's gaze lingered on Speed King's retreating figure, his heart heavy with disappointment.

He had always respected the famous Deviant, but seeing his true colors had left a bitter taste in his mouth. Remembering Alice's previous statements about Speed King, he turned to her curiously. "How did you know Speed King wasn't a gentleman?" he asked.

Alice's dreamy thoughts were interrupted by his question. She scoffed lightly, "Let's just say my family's connections with these so-called hero celebrities, like Speed King, have its perks. I get to see and hear things the general public don't."

She added, a regretful smile on her face, "I should've told you beforehand...I just didn't want you to think I was making up stories."

Alex let out a chuckle, giving Alice's head a friendly pat. "Alice, I wouldn't accuse you of lying over something like this. I trust you. I know you're a good girl."

Alice's blush deepened at his words, a grin splitting her face. She held onto his arm, giving it a playful squeeze. "I'll only be a good girl for you, Alex," she declared. "And I can be even nicer if you keep taking such good care of me."

Alex shook his head with a warm smile, "What choice do I have when I have a troublemaker intern like you?"

Alice pouted at his teasing words, mumbling in defense, "You misunderstand me."

Just then, Alex glanced at his wristwatch and sighed. "It's late. I should head home. See you tomorrow, Alice. Get home safely," he said, pulling his arm away gently.

Alice let him go with a sigh of disappointment, "Okay…Dr. Alex…I will be here early as always!"

As she watched him walk away, the grin returned to her face. Maybe her situation wasn't as hopeless as she had thought.

****

The evening hum of the city served as the backdrop for a sudden disturbance in the still parking lot. Alex was on the cusp of departing, his hand just grazing the cool metal of his car handle when an abrupt force collided into him. His back met the cold surface of his car with a harsh thud, the air knocked out of his lungs, and pain sizzling up his spine.

His eyes widened in shock as he registered the identity of his assaulter - Speed King. The hero's muscular hand was clamped firmly around his throat, squeezing enough to make his breath hitch. His countenance, usually masked with charm, was now unapologetically venomous.

"How dare you talk back to me... in front of everyone, especially that bitch assistant of yours?" Speed King snarled, his voice a low, threatening rumble.

Fingers scrabbling against the iron vice that was Speed King's grip, Alex mustered the strength to gasp out a response, "I... was only trying... to deescalate... the situation."

His words were greeted with a cold, derisive scoff from Speed King. "I'm not someone who lets others 'deescalate' me," he spat, his icy gaze never leaving Alex's pained expression. "It's always the other way around."

His grip around Alex's throat eased, only to be replaced by a more brutal grip on his arm as he said with a sadistic smile, "I think I'll break your legs. A little lesson to make you realize your ignorance and not repeat the same mistake."

His words sent an icy chill down Alex's spine, the brutal threat echoing beside his ears, as dark as the night itself.

Before Speed King's ominous threat could materialize into action, a sudden clamor of footsteps echoed in the almost deserted parking lot. Speed King's grip loosened, and he jerked his head towards the source of the noise, an annoyed frown plastering his face.

What met his gaze was a woman, her attire a symphony of black—black dress, black jeans—brightened only by a white cap that rested on her golden, tied-up hair. Her face was partially hidden by a black mask, but her gorgeous green eyes were clearly visible, sparkling with excitement. She was holding up her phone, recording everything that was happening.

"Oh my god, it's Speed King! Say 'hi' to my Finstagram followers!" The woman's voice rang out clear and joyful.

Alex's widened eyes gave away his recognition of the voice before his mind could fully process it. It was Clara. His heart thudded a little harder in his chest. He was worried if Speed King might hurt her.

Speed King, caught unprepared by this unexpected fan intrusion, quickly replaced his menacing demeanor with a charming smile. Cursing under his breath, he realized he had no choice but to play along for the camera.

"Hey, Finstagram!" He waved enthusiastically at the camera, his voice now full of forced cheer, "Sorry but I've gotta go now, folks. There are people to save, just like always!" And with a flash and a booming sound, he was gone, his super speed creating a gust of wind that rippled through the area.

Once Speed King was gone, Clara's excited facade dropped as she rushed over to Alex.

She pulled down her mask, her green eyes shimmering with concern. "Are you alright, Alex?" she asked, her voice laden with worry.

On the inside, she was seething with rage and wanted to rip Speed King apart for daring to lay his hands on her husband. But since Alex was standing before her, she had no choice but to get rid of him in another way.

Alex, still trying to regain his breath, gave a small cough before managing a shaky response. "I'm... I'm fine, Clara. Don't worry." He gave a weak smile, trying to reassure her. "I... wasn't expecting you to suddenly show up here. You…really scared him off…" He murmured, feeling relieved while admiring her courage and clever thinking to help him.

He felt he was quite lucky to have such a woman in his life who didn't even hesitate to put herself in danger for his sake.