Page 44 of The Bull's Head

“Why are you going to the clinic?”

What could he say? “A friend of mine is there. Something Hyde did to him is causing him issues.”

Jerome snorted. “I understand that. Every day I wake up, and for the first few seconds, I wonder why I can’t see. Then I remember, and it pisses me off again.”

“I hope the Maker has a special place for him,” Teddy bit out.

They arrived at the door of the clinic, and Teddy opened it for Jerome. He guided him over to a seat, then waited until Jerome was comfortable.

“Can I get you anything else?”

“No, but thank you for your?—”

“Little brother. Who is this you have with you?”

He turned to find Ivan standing behind him, a smirk on his face. It was one Teddy had seen before, where Ivan found someone he thought was attractive and would start putting the moves on any moment.

“Ivan, this is Jerome. He’s one of the people who lives here,” Teddy said, hoping to hell that Ivan understood what he was trying to tell him. “Jerome, this is my brother, Ivan.”

Ivan held out a hand, then cocked his head when Jerome didn’t reach for him.

“Jerome can’t see, Ivan. Hyde made sure of that.”

It was only a moment, but then recognition flitted over Ivan’s face, and his smirk turned to one of anger barely controlled. Ivan took a half step back, his fists clenched and took several long breaths before he spoke again.

“I am so sorry, kitten,” he murmured finally, reaching out to take Jerome’s hand in his. “I wish we had gotten here earlier.”

Jerome jerked away. “Don’t touch me!” he snarled.

Ivan grinned. “My kitten has claws.”

“I am not your kitten!”

Why couldn’t Ivan see how upset Jerome was? Where was his empathy? “Ivan, leave him alone. Jerome doesn’t need you teasing him.”

A look of shock and hurt crossed Ivan’s face. “Who said I am teasing? I quite like kittens. They’re so soft and furry, and they love to be stroked.” He turned his gaze toward Jerome. “Do you like to be petted, kitten?”

Before things could escalate, the door opened, and one of Dr. Hamilton’s nurses stepped out to take Jerome inside. Teddy was disgusted by Ivan’s callous attitude.

“Why would you do that? They took his damned eyes, Ivan. He’s having trouble adjusting, and you didn’t help matters with your goading him.”

Ivan’s nostrils flared as he stared at Teddy. “Little brother, do not presume to lecture me about things you know nothing of. That kitten might not know it yet, but I will have him.”

The words disgusted Teddy. “Is that all you can do? Think with your dick? He’s someone who’s undergone a tragedy, and you’re standing here lusting after him.”

“Theodore, you are treading on very dangerous ground here. I neither want, nor need, your approval. Do I make myself clear?”

The attitude ratcheted up Teddy’s anger. “Mal and Alp won’t let you hurt him! Neither will I.”

Ivan gave a dismissive wave. “You think you know me so well, but I promise you, you do not. Have some faith in me, as I do in you.”

And those words hit home. Ivan did have faith in Teddy. For the longest time, Teddy believed only Ivan did, until he opened his heart to the fact that he wasn’t totally alone in the world. Damon, Cece, the boys. They were all there, badgering him, annoying him, pestering him.

Maker, he loved them so.

“I’m sorry. All I ask is that you please don’t hurt him. He’s had so much pain in his life.”

“We all have, Teddy. Sometimes you need to take the pleasure where you can, da?”

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