You All Over Me [BxB]

Three

Finding out the truth about Dr. Emmanuel would have been easy-peasy for Theodore. He could tap someone on the back and effortlessly engage in gossip. But he respected the doctor enough not to pry. At least, not like that.

And since he had no one to ask at that moment, he decided to leave it for later. Perhaps his parents could fill him in. They were friends with the Allegres—yet another reason why his and Jacob's inability to get along was such an anomaly.

The night dragged on as usual. Theodore spent some time chit-chatting with other staff of the Supreme Court, and was able to eat dinner after an hour of 'hellos' and 'how-do-you-dos'.

By 8:30 p.m., he was ready to make his exit. He approached the Justice once more, offering well-wishes and sprinkling in another round of flattery. With those formalities completed, he left the event.

As Theodore stepped into the lobby, he caught the sound of voices, faint but aggressive. A fight? Who would dare cause a scene here?

He stopped in his tracks.

Jacob was surrounded by two men. His second cousins, both of whom Theodore preferred not to associate with. They came from good families—that much was a given—but their reputations preceded them. Womanizing, paying off the media, getting bailed out of jail from time to time. They were trouble.

So, it was also a given that Jacob's relationship with them wasn't exactly amicable. Besides, when Theodore said Jacob disliked everyone, he meant everyone. Blood or not.

"You? Going to law school?" The smaller man, Mike, blurted out with a shrill, booming voice. "Are you smart enough for that?"

Theodore froze, torn between retreating to the party or witnessing the heated exchange. Unfortunately, neither option seemed particularly appealing.

He just wanted to go home.

"I thought you'd go into medicine. Not that you have the drive for that either," Kelvin sneered—the eldest of the trio who had recently passed the Certified Public Accountant board exam. "But I suppose you're afraid to be like your dad."

Mike laughed at the statement. Theodore frowned.

Like his dad?

Jacob's expression darkened, fists balling at his sides. Mike and Kelvin flinched slightly.

Jacob let out an exasperated huff. "It's none of your goddamn business."

"Still so cocky," Kelvin growled. "Like you have something to be proud of other than your face."

Theodore felt a surge of anger and frustration. Why were they so intent on provoking Jacob? His own fists clenched involuntarily as he contemplated intervening.

But should he?

He stared at Jacob, waiting for his move. If a fight broke out, he'd probably team up with him to take Mike and Kelvin down, despite never being in a fight before. Mostly because it'd smear his spotless record.

Theodore clicked his tongue. He doubted the adults would let it go that far. They all had something to lose.

Still.

Instead of acting out, however, Jacob's shoulders drooped lazily.

"I'm not sure why you're trying to piss me off," he said, one corner of his lips tugged into a smirk. "Are you that bummed out that your girl wanted me to fuck—"

Kelvin's nostrils flared, seizing Jacob by the collar. "You asshole!"

"What? That hurt your pride?"

Theodore's jaw fell. This guy's mouth! He was definitely looking for a beating!