Eric was going to step in regardless; but knowing the pair of lawbreakers yelling at Lex were prone to adding literal injury to insult markedly sent him moving faster. “Romano! Bush!“ he greeted them brightly. “Didn’t expect to catch you in these areas. You’re here to talk about the business deal, I presume?” He brought them away from Lex, partaking in a few moments’ worth of conversation, before he said, “The deal is the same as it ever was, my friends.” His voice was not loud, but it cut through the air; and despite his (sarcastic) use of the phrase “my friends”, he was apparently preparing to drop the politeness with which he’d been treating them all this time.
Casually, gracefully, he laid a hand on one of them: Romano, who squirmed and was unable to free himself from his grip. “I hope you see how firm I am in this conviction,” he declared with a cheerful smile and tone. It went on for several moments, the two criminals shrinking. Then, he released the arm and gave them a chuckle and friendly pats on the back. “Go away now. Don’t ever go near her or anyone else I care for, alright? You only go to me.
“Lex, are you okay?” he almost immediately asked her after the criminals left. He was distressed: angry at himself for letting this happen to her, angry at his “friends”, concerned about her wellbeing. He endeavored to suppress his anger, hoping she would relax. She needed solicitude most. “I’m so sorry. That won’t happen again, I promise.” Was he making a promise to himself or Lex? He was just so guilty. This danger wouldn’t have befallen Lex if it weren’t for his own illegal activities.
lex watched, she watched everything happen in front of her. she didn’t understand it, but wouldn’t ask any questions. she wasn’t stupid, she knew that eric took part in a lot of things, and she just assumed that not all of them were particularly legal. but either way, she felt safe the moment he showed up, she knew that he would take care of things--take care of her. she watched the interaction, keeping her eyes shifting around so no one thought she was staring, she kept her hands clasped in front of her body. she was worried, she hoped they wouldn’t come near her again. she wanted to trust eric’s threats enough, but sometimes, she didn’t know if it was enough. when he approached her she had to pull herself out of the nightmarish daydream she was having. she had been so focused that diving back into reality seemed almost impossible. she waved him off, “oh, yeah, i’m fine.” she said calmly, she wasn’t crying, which was always a good sign. she blinked a few times and was finally paying attention to what was happening, “who were those guys?” she asked, the fear showing a little bit in her timid voice. “you promise? you won’t always be around to rescue me. something bad could have happened if you hadn’t shown up.”